Moving and Packing Tips

What to Take to Uni: A Full University Checklist

Fantastic Team
Published: Mar 05/2020
Last update: May 10/2023
10min read
Views: 555

Congratulations! You are now accepted into University, and things just got a bit more serious. For some people, this is the beginning of their “grown-up life”; for others, it is just another step. Either way, you most likely need some help packing for university. More specifically, what to take to uni.

Moving to university is one of those things that you only do once, so do it right. Today we are presenting this uni packing checklist which, if you follow, you will have everything you might need for life in your student accommodation. So, without further ado, here are the things to take to uni.

In the following paragraphs, we will list items from different categories and explain why you would want to take those items with you, as well as how to pack them properly.

Get our printable checklist of what to take to university. Download it for free here.

Who is this post for:

First-year students;
People who were not prepared the first year want to get a hold of things now.

Important documents to take to university

You might want to take some important documents with you.

Valid ID and/or driver’s license;
University documents, such as your acceptance letter;
Accommodation documents, if you are benefiting from student accommodation;
National insurance card;
A couple of passport-sized photos;
Student finance documents
All other letters and documents that were sent to you by the university.

University stationery list

This largely depends on your major. You might need additional uni essentials stationery like rulers, different-coloured pens and others.

The following are your basic stationery:

Sticky notes – Mark important pages in textbooks and leave notes to yourself and flatmates;
Scissors – Not one an essential, but it might come in handy in opening different packages;
Tape – It might save a pen or even a mug handle. Plus, you can hang posters with it;
Notebooks – Bring one with you to the lectures, even if you plan to take notes on your laptop;
Pens and pencils
Pencil case – Especially if you are drawing, you will need to protect the tips of your pencils while in your bag, and they will be organised;
Highlighter markers – Highlight important paragraphs from your notes. You can also tick off everything that you have packed already according to the “University Checklist”.
Folders – You can save your notes in them and any printed materials. Later on, it will be easier to study from those files.

What clothes to take to university

Here are a couple of things that you should take with you:

Casual clothes – t-shirts, sweaters, jeans etc.;
Formal clothes;
Underwear;
Shoes – casual shoes, trainers and slippers;
Sportswear
Coat and/or jacket
Swimwear

Pack all the clothes you want but keep in mind the storage you will have in the room. People often pack too many clothes and buy even more once they get there. The important thing is to pack warm clothes alongside your shirts and shorts. You don’t know what mother nature has planned for your stay, so be prepared.

Additional items for your clothes

Laundry basket – A cotton bag type one would be best, especially if it has hangers, so you can carry it to the washing room;
Airer – Most laundry rooms will also have a dryer, but often the queue for those is way longer. Bring an airer with you so you can hang your freshly washed clothes in your room;
Pegs – Get a pack of pegs, just in case. If you have somewhere to hang your clothes outside, they will dry out faster. If not, you can always be creative and use them for hanging pictures, fairy lights and others;
Door hanger – It will come in handy for your towels, hoodies and jackets;
Hangers – to store your clothes in the closet.

Electrical items that you should take to uni

Laptop – You can bring your PC, but you will be better off with your laptop;
Extension leads – Get two and use them on different sockets to avoid overloading;
Speakers – Portable or not, but do pack some;
Noise-cancelling headphones – This item will help you so much while studying. The walls are usually not so thick, and people tend to be noisy, so you will have to find a way to deal with it;
Two USBs – One for personal files, the other for uni materials and official documents. Keep the second one somewhere safe. Maybe on your University pass if you are using it often;
Ethernet / Lan cable – so you can connect your PC or TV to the internet, plus if you are connected via a cable, you won’t have to worry about Wi-Fi coverage;
HDMI cable – it might come in handy, especially if you gather for a gaming session or you need to connect a device to an external monitor;
Toast machine – a toast machine could be a real lifesaver in uni. You are all set as long as you have bread, cheese and ham.

Kitchen essentials for uni

Snacks – It may not be a utensil, but you will need some. You will most likely arrive at your new home late, and you will start unpacking right away. Grab a couple of chocolates or something else that will give you energy fast and get you through the night. You might want to pack instant noodles or something like that, just in case you are in need of a quick meal;
Mug – your favourite mug which will remind you of your home;
Glasses – Bring at least two so you can have a spare if needed;
Spatula, slotted spoon and a wooden spoon – Those are your main three weapons for battling almost every recipe;
Frying pan – Make sure it is a non-stick one;
Saucepan – You can get two of those if you plan to cook on a regular basis. It can really save you a lot of time in some cases;
Colander – Let’s be honest, most of your meals will probably be pasta based from now on. A colander will also come in handy when you wash some fruits, and you should get some because the university diet of most students is not so healthy;
Cutleries – Teaspoon, fork, knife and spoon. You can double down on those just to have a spare for a friend or if you lose something;
Sharp knife – Get something decent in size but not too big;
Chopping board – Get a bigger one, but just like with the knife, don’t overdo it. You should be able to cut two different things on both ends of the board without much of a hassle;
Bowls and plates – Two of each will be more than enough for your needs. Bring a big salad bowl as well. You can also serve chips and popcorn in it;
Dishwashing brush – You are bound to burn a meal or two in that frying pan, and washing it will be hard. A dishwashing scrub will save you a lot of time, nails, and effort.
Oven glove – Students often forget this important utensil;
A couple of plastic storage boxes – they will come in handy if you want to pack some food for the go or save some of your meal for tomorrow. (Ice cream boxes work just fine.)

Tip: Don’t go and buy ready student kitchen starter packs. You will probably not use most of the items that are inside those packs.

Packing tip: Snacks should be easy to reach. Everything else should be in bubble wrap. Duct tape cardboard around the blades of knives as a safety measure.

Bedroom essentials for uni

Pillows and Duvets – Grab a set of two, so when one is in the laundry, you have a fresh pair to use;
Bed cover – Get something to match the interior of your room or at least other things that you have bought;
Throw – You can snuggle under it on cold nights while binge-watching something with your flatmates;
Doorstop – You would want your door to be open, at least for the first few days. This way, you can pass the “meet and greet” period with flying colours. Most people won’t bother to knock and disturb you if your door is closed;
Fairy lights – The light will make your room feel cosy and warm. It is amazing how a set of fairy lights can transform a room with plain white walls and no decoration at all;

It is important to decorate your room so you can feel comfortable. A lot of students get homesick, especially in the first semester. Some of them even drop out for that reason. Bring some artwork or posters – Something with motivational texts, your favourite car or your dream house, anything that will get you through a tough day and motivate you to keep moving forward.

Bathroom Items

A fundamental part of any student starter kit. It all depends on your habits and needs.

Flip-flops – You should have a pair so you won’t take your showers barefooted. It is not advisable, especially in shared bathrooms. You may develop feet fungus and an odd smell, and it won’t be the fault of your flatmates;
Dressing gown – Or towels, whatever you prefer;
Face towels – Keep those in your room and take them with you when you go to the bathroom. You don’t want people to dry their hands in it. These towels should be used only for your face;
Meds – Meds are very important. Acquire everything you usually take when you catch a cold and add something for hangovers and muscle pain to complete your university survival kit;
Soap;
Shower gel;
Shampoo;
Deodorant;
Parfume;
Face wash;
Toothpaste;
Toothbrush;
Nail clippers;
Travel soap case;
Toilet paper – pack at least one roll for emergencies.

Need help for all this luggage?

Rely on the skills of professional removalists.

What should you buy there?

Those items are definitely uni must-haves but can easily be acquired in a couple of days after you move in. We leave the decision on whether to pack them or not to you.

Air fresheners – note that you will not be able to use scented candles because of the fire hazard;
Pack of batteries;
Plants for your room – fake ones will do just fine;
Spare light bulbs.

Additional tips

Search for your flatmates on social media. There is a chance they have already created a group chat in which they can add you; if not, go on and create one. Talk with them, get to know each other and see what they will bring to the accommodation. You can share the weight of regular household items like brooms, mops and buckets. Everyone can bring a different item that all of you will use.

Takeaways

Bring some cleaning solutions with you for your room;
A deep clean of the room should be the first thing you do before settling in;
If you don’t want to go through all that again next year, consider the student storage options around you;
Don’t overpack on clothes;
You won’t use all of those kitchen utensils.

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Do you have personal experience that you would like to share? Please, do so in the comment section below. Have you forgotten something on your move to Uni that you really needed?

Image source: depositphotos / HighwayStarz