Let’s face it, packing for university is no small feat. For many students, packing for uni is the first step into the world of responsibility (shudder) that comes with starting university. Needless to say, this can cause a lot of additional stress at what can easily feel like an overwhelming stage of life. So, to allow you to cross off ‘what do I need to take to uni?’ from your list of university stresses, we have created a comprehensive university packing checklist so you can spend less time packing, and more time partying.
Bedroom (essentials):
Make sure you check what is provided by your halls first, as some of them may gift you a few items on this list, but generally speaking, you should make sure you have:
- Bedding (two sets, including sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases)-make sure you check your bed size, so you don’t buy the wrong size sheets!
- Duvet and pillows
- Homely decorations-think photographs, cushions, blankets, trinkets. No one wants to feel like they’re sleeping in a prison cell when they’re missing home!
- Clothes-you probably want to have a couple of outfits for each occasion-loungewear for days in the flat, then daywear, going out clubbing, going out for meals/drinks etc.
- It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: do not forget underwear! You’ll want to make sure you have enough so that you’re comfortable and not living in the laundry room.
- Clothes maiden
- Coat hangers
- Laundry basket
- Iron
- Hairdryer, hair curlers, straighteners
- Headphones
- Laptop, phone, camera (and additionally, all their chargers)
- Bags (bookbag, night out bag)
- Dressing gown, pyjamas and slippers you won’t mind being seen in when the fire alarm is set off at 3am
- Fairy lights (did you even live in halls if your bedroom didn’t have these?!)
- Scissors, blu tac and cellotape
- Purse, cards, ID, passport
- Stationery and books (because aside from having fun you also have to get that degree!)
- Medicine kit-plasters, paracetamol, ibuprofen are musts. Surprisingly, a lot of students forget this essential! Trust us, you don’t want to have to walk all the way to the shops for pain relief when fresher’s flu eventually rears its’ head!
- Ear plugs-because there will be nights when you won’t be able to sleep thanks to fresher’s fun
Bedroom (additional):
- Hobby stuff-this one depends on what you’re into but doesn’t forget to have things you can do by yourself when you need to spend some time alone. Maybe for you, that’s paints, gaming consoles, embroidery, crocheting, books…
- Sewing kit (unbelievably handy to have)
- Speaker (a surprisingly full-proof way to be everyone’s best friend at pres)
- Some form of fancy dress-it doesn’t have to be flashy, but some form of fancy dress is pretty much part of most uni halls’ starter pack, so it can be handy to come prepared
- Posters or wall hangings to brighten up your space
Bathroom:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel
- Razors
- Bath mat
- Face wash, moisturisers, sunscreen
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (don’t be the person who has to ask their flatmate for a tic-tac on the first day because you forget these!)
- Soap
- Toilet bleach, cleaner, and possibly a brush (depending on your halls)
- Towels (including hand towels and flannels)
- Air freshener
- Sanitary items
- Contraception
- Nail clippers
- Toilet roll
Kitchen:
If possible, it might be a good idea to coordinate with your flat ahead of time for this one, as depending on how you guys want to run things you might be able to share some of these. If not though, remember:
- Cooking pans
- Cooking utensils-fish slice, wooden spoon, pizza cutters
- Oven mitts
- Baking tray
- Mugs and glasses
- Tupperware
- Chopping boards
- Cutlery
- Tin opener
- Grater
- Plates and bowls
- Bin bags, kitchen roll, baking paper, as well as cling film (or an environmentally friendly alternative-here are some great examples!)
- Tea towels, kitchen roll, tray, cleaning sponge, washing up liquid
- Kitchen cleaner (again, if possible, check with your housemates, as it is very likely you’ll end up with enough bottles to open your own shop if everyone brings one!)
- Teabags and coffee essentials: above all, remember these!
- Laundry powder
- Possibly a food shop of dry cupboard foods and snacks to tide you over until you can go do a big food shop
So, if ‘what do I need to take to uni’ has been causing you sleepless nights, hopefully now you can rest easy knowing you can be prepared. But, if you’re looking for more essential info on what to expect from uni life, check out our article ’10 essential things freshers should know’ here!
Also, make sure to pack these 10 essential items for uni that you might not think were so useful!
