Heading off to university is an exhilarating adventure that marks a new chapter in your life. As you prepare to embark on this exciting journey, packing wisely can make a significant difference in your comfort and success. Whether you're moving across the country or just a few hours away, having the right items at hand will help you settle into your new environment with ease. Here's the ultimate university packing guide to ensure you have everything you need to not only survive but thrive during your university years.

1. Bedding 

Lots of first time student’s do not realise they need to take their own bedding with them to halls. Don’t get caught out and go prepared, check the size you need before purchasing. Take at least two sets of bedding which you can switch over on Laundry day. To make your room feel homely and inject some personality, choose a duvet cover in a colour you love and add some decorative cushions. Invest in some comfy pillows, you will be needing a good night's sleep! 

Top Tips: A mattress topper is essential if you don’t want to avoid being charged at the end of the year for a fake tan stained mattress. 

 

2. Kitchen Essentials 

Although Deliveroo may seem like the easier option, it will be much cheaper to cook for yourself and much healthier than living off Pizza and Noodles.

Remember to take plates, pots & pans as well as cutlery and any utensils. Bring along your favourite Mug and a couple of glasses (not only wine glasses!) Despite what you think, having backups is a good option as you’re bound to lose a few. Don’t forget Tea bags, coffee and long lasting food items, these will be essential in your first few weeks! 

You may need to take Kitchen electricals such as a kettle, toaster or microwave with you, check with your Uni Guidelines to see if this is provided. If you want to make quick and easy food, invest in an air fryer which is a super easy option for at home cooking!

Don’t forget kitchen storage such as food boxes which you will need when taking lunch and other items into Uni. Store your cereals and dry goods in a dispenser box to keep it fresher for longer.

 

3. Laundry & Cleaning

When you're not busy studying or out socialising, you will want to keep your space clean and tidy as it’s where you will do most of your relaxing and studying. Invest in a decent laundry basket to avoid a floordrobe taking over your room. You will also need somewhere to dry your clothes, purchase a standing clothes airer or an airer for the radiator which you can store in your room when you’re not using it!

Buy the cleaning basics, washing up liquid, cloths, sponges, spray bleach before you go and you shouldn’t have to replace them for a while. You will feel so much better for having a tidy living space. 

 

4. Clothing 

Clothing is the easiest item to overpack. You do not need to take every item in your wardrobe with you, pack enough for a term and rotate every time you go back home. Invest in some shoe and clothing storage whether it be storage boxes, a shoe rack or a clothing rail so that every where has its own place. Uni wardrobes tend to be small so having extra storage is a must! 

 

5. Bathroom

 

Whether you have an en-suite room or a shared bathroom remember to take your own bathroom items. Take your own body care items, toothpaste etc. Invest in a good quality towel bundle, having more than one towel is necessary as you can swap them out whilst doing laundry. 

A good bath mat in your bathroom will save a lot of cleaning up after a shower and also makes a bathroom feel more homely. 

 

6. Decor

 

Making your space feel like home will be what makes it your own and somewhere you enjoy to spend time. Put up fairy lights, posters and anything that makes it feel like your own and injects personality into your room. Invest in vases, candles and decorative accessories and anything that can add a bit of tranquillity to your space so you can switch off once you shut the door. 

 

7. Tech & Stationery

 

You will need to make sure you have the study essentials. Take your laptop, desktop or any other tech you may need to help you study. Don’t forget your headphones - you will need them when trying to study.

Invest in a good notebook, highlighters and anything else you will need for note-taking and essay planning, you won’t regret it! 

 

8. Personal Items

Don’t forget any medication you need, Ibuprofen and Paracetamol will be a must in freshers week. Take any important documents and your ID or Passport. 

Remember, while it's important to pack what you need, it's equally important to avoid overpacking. Universities often have limited space, and you'll likely acquire items along the way. Before you start packing, check your university's housing guidelines and any provided amenities. With a well-thought-out packing list, you'll be ready to dive into your university experience fully prepared and excited for the adventures ahead! 

 

Use the below ultimate packing list to tick off all the essentials you will need for the big move: 

 

  • Duvet
  • Duvet covers x 2 
  • Pillows x 2 
  • Fitted sheet x 2
  • Mattress Topper 
  • Throw/Blanket
  • Toaster
  • Kettle
  • Mugs
  • Cups
  • Non Perishable goods (Coffee, tea, Pasta)
  • Tupperware 
  • Laundry Basket 
  • Clothes Airer
  • Shoe storage 
  • Storage boxes
  • Towel bundle
  • Bath Mat 
  • Decorative accessories (Vase, Candles, fairy lights etc)
  • Study essentials (Laptop, notebook, pens, highlighters)
  • ID
  • Medication (Paracetamol etc)