Moving a few hours away to uni can feel like you're embarking on a 6 month trek to the Arctic. Tempting as it is to pack everything just in case you need it there's limited space in halls/your car so follow our packing guide to make sure you have all you need.
When packing it’s important to remember:
- There will be shops in your university town.
- Your family can post you anything important you’ve forgotten.
- You will be returning home at some point.
KITCHEN
Thousands of freshers across the country are going to buy into the lie that you need a fully equipped kitchen with a wok and pestle & mortar to get by at university. If you didn't regularly use the item at home you will not need it at uni.
Don’t buy a microwave, kettle, or toaster without talking to your housemates first! You don’t need 5 kettles. If you haven’t spoke to them/can’t find them on social media just figure it out when you get there.
There’s no point buying expensive kitchen equipment as it’s likely it’ll get broken. IKEA and Wilkos have a great uni section. As a rule you’ll need
- Saucepans x 2
- Frying pan
- Grater
- Chopping board
- Peeler
- Cheese Grater
- Cutlery
- Mugs
- Cutlery
- Plates & bowls x2
- Tea towels
- Bin bags
- Bottle opener
- Plastic/ reusable plastic bags for freezing
- Tupperware
- Some washing up products for the first few weeks until you establish who’s buying what in your flat!
- Food supplies to last a few days – staples: pasta, rice, cereal,etc.
- Snacks like biscuits, chocolate, tea are an easy way to make friends at first.
BEDROOM
- Mattress protector – who knows who and what has been on your bed
- Sheets & duvet cover sets x2
- Duvet - if you can try and buy the 2 in 1 duvets which come with a summer and winter duvet
- Pillows
- Lamp
- Polaroid and photos and posters –decorating that sad looking/weird coloured wall in halls will make it feel like home & help fight homesickness!
- Plants – (if you want large plants all unis have a plant sale during Freshers week)
- Laundry basket
- Door stop – prop your door open on the first day to meet more people
- Non marking white tac/command strips (get that deposit back!)
- Hooks
- Coat hangers
- Clothes airer
BATHROOM
- Flipflops/shower shoes if sharing bathroom
- Towels x 2
- Soap
- Toilet roll
- Basic first aid kit - plasters, bandages, paracetemol, flu tablets
- Deodorant
- Shower gel
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Mini sewing kit
- Medication
- Tooth brush
- Tooth paste/Mouth wash
To save space/weight you can buy toiletries when you arrive at uni.
CLOTHES
Keep in mind the season, although summer is just ending it'll soon be winter so don't bring all of your summer clothes. If you havent worn the clothes in 2 years don't bother bringing them just in case - you will not wear your year 11 prom dress or that ugly sweater you wore one Christmas!
- Pyjamas
- Underwear
- Trousers (jeans x2, comfy sweats x1, trousers x2)
- Tops (t-shirts x5, sweaters x2, jumpers x2)
- Smart clothes – for interviews/networking events
- Going-out clothes
- Jackets – make sure they’re suitable for where you are e.g. a primark coat probably won’t hold up in a Scottish winter.
- Gym clothes – most halls have a built-in gym pass so you might as well try it out!
- A fancy-dress costume –great for freshers!
- Dressing gown
SHOES
- Trainers
- Smart shoes
- Going out shoes
- Waterproof boots
- Gym trainers
- Flipflops (if sharing a shower)
TECH
- Laptop
- USB card
- HDMI cable
- Extension Lead (plugs are often in awkward locations in halls)
- Headphones
- Don’t bother with the TV –most halls have a communal one or you can just use your laptop as you are now covered under your parent’s TV licence
- Speakers
STUDY
- Notepad
- Pens
- Post It Notes
- A Wall calendar
- Highlighters
Don’t buy your textbooks until after you arrive at uni. There will be second hand book sales and lots of books are available for free at the library.
EXTRA BITS
- Playing cards – excellent for predrinks (a great way to make friends)
- Cards against humanity
- Hot water bottle – halls are notoriously cold!
- Reusable water bottle
- Door stop – prop your door open on the first day to meet people
- Umbrella
- Rucksack
- Weekend bag
- An everyday bag that’s strong enough to hold all of your books
DOCUMENTS
- ID
- University enrolment documents
- Accommodation information
- National insurance number/card
- Passport photos
- Student finance information
- Vaccination history –make sure you have up to date vaccinations for Meningitis and Measles before moving to uni & make sure to register with a doctor during freshers week!
- Contents insurance documents – halls are a hot spot for thieves make sure you have contents insurance
WHAT NOT TO BRING
A-Level Textbooks/Work
You will not need to brush up on your A-Level maths whilst at uni. Textbooks and work take up precious dorm room space - leave them at home!
Car
Most student halls don't allow students to park their cars in the carpark and parking on campus is restricted/prohibited. Don't bring your car to uni in first term and if you find you simply can't live without it then bring it up the next term and pay for parking.
Printer
University librarie and buildings on campus all have printers. You'll use a printer far less than you think. Instead of cramming one into your packed car on your way to uni, if you arrive and decide you need one you can just buy one there.
Hoover
Halls come with hoovers.
Kettle/Microwave
Most halls come with a microwave/kettle, if your halls don't have one club together with your flatmates instead of forking out for one before you meet them.
