Packing for University Made Easy

Packing for university can be time-consuming and chaotic. It can be made easier by knowing which items must travel with you. Preparing in advance will simplify the move to ‘home away from home’ and help to maintain order and sanity. The following lists can be adapted for your circumstances.  

Documentation

Take photos of all these things and keep them somewhere safe.  Makes it easier to cancel or replace them if they become lost.

Passport

Including visas for international students, as required.

Bank Debit Card

Essential!

Bank Credit Card

Ideally for emergencies only.

Driving License

Not necessary, but if held, it is a useful means of ID.

4x passport photos.

For student ID cards, etc.

16-25 railcard

Discounted rail fares are useful, especially when travelling back home during vacations.

Essential Clothing

Take essential clothing, you can always acquire a few more pieces with student discount.

Wet weather

It rains a lot in the UK!

Warm weather

And sometimes it is hot!

Sports gear

At least start with good intentions.

Dressing gown and pyjamas

Crucial outfit for those 2 am fire alarms.

Bathrobe

For walking to and from communal showers, if your room lacks en-suite.

Slippers and flip-flops

Useful as above and in general.

Fancy dress

Trust me on this one. Face paint comes handy as well.

Clubbing attire

You know what I mean.

Rucksack or day bag

Big enough for laptop, lunchbox and water bottle.

Formal wear.

Ideally Black Tie or equivalent for posh dinners.

Medical and Toiletries

First Aid Kit

Medicines

Tissues

Plasters

Bathroom stuff (toothbrush, etc.)

Towels

Bedding

It’s best to buy pillows and duvet on arrival to avoid traveling with it.

Sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover

Minimum 2 of each.

Duvet, pillows

Consider buying on location, avoids traveling with bulky luggage.

Mattress cover

Mattress unlikely to be new.

Cuddly toy

Teddy bear preferred.

Electrical Items

Laptop and charger

Essential equipment.

USB drivers

Will come useful.

Headphones and bluetooth speaker

For avoiding and making noise.

Mobile telephone and charger

You won’t forget this, but still worth adding to the packing list anyway.

Kettle and toastie maker

Provided it’s permitted by your halls of residence, you could have hot food and drink in your room without venturing into the student kitchen.

Iron and ironing board

Ironed clothes not illegal for students. There is probably one in Accommodation, but not when you need it ….

Alarm clock

More reliable and effective than phone.

Hair dryer

A portable version can save space and travel with you.

Packing for Your Room

Photos and posters (and frames)

A collage can become a focal point of your room.

Door stop

Open door is more sociable, especially in the first few days when you are meeting fellow students. But if it is a fire door, keep it closed.

Coat hangers

You never have enough. A “floordrobe” is not the way ahead.

Games

Cards, Chess, Jenga, Uno – may not survive too many games, but a welcome change to playing on phone screens.

Bedside lamp

Or a twinkly lights. To encourage light bed-time reading.

Long-lasting food

Emergency rations – pastas, soups, etc.

Hand or head torch

For power cuts, in case of uncharged mobile phone.

Own cutlery and cookware

Sauce pan and frying pan, chopping board, sharp knife, wooden spoon. Favourite plate and bowl.

Couple of mugs

For sharing endless late-night cups of tea.

Plastic food boxes

Labelled with your name (‘Hands off!’ notice optional, though helpful).

Insulated hot water bottle

Beautiful old buildings can be chilly and draughty.

Re-usable coffee mug

Or thermos flask (keeps drinks hot or cold).

Laundry bag and washing powder

Fabric softeners optional.

Clothes horse or drying rack

Saves need and access to dryers.

A house plant.

A touch of greenery lifts up the room, remember to water it though or the effect will be the reverse.

Packing for Your Studies – Stationery

Pens and pencils (coloured for geographers)

Notebooks and folders

Ruler, highlighters

Sticky tabs, sticky notes, blu tack

Other useful things

Bicycle

Easiest to buy on site.

Bicycle locks, chains, bell, lights

It might get stolen, but make it difficult!

Bicycle helmet

Wear it.

If you think I have left anything off do let me know in the comments section below.