Checklist: What to pack for university

Top tips

• If you’re going into university accommodation, check what they provide (e.g. rubbish bin) and what you’re allowed to have in your room (e.g. toaster).
• Travel light – your room might be small with limited storage.
• Don’t splash out! Get inexpensive items from supermarkets and online. Some shops even sell student packs (e.g. everything you need for the kitchen).
• Consider how you’ll get to uni (car? train? bus?) and how you’ll carry everything.
• Get organised – don’t leave your packing until the last minute.

Essentials

Important documents (e.g. passport, driving licence, NHS medical card, uni acceptance letter, student finance)
Clothes (including a warm coat, sportswear and smart clothes for interviews)
Bedding (e.g. duvet, fitted sheet, pillows, pillowcases)
Towels
Kitchen equipment (e.g. glass, mug, plate, bowl, cutlery, pan, tea towel)
Laundry items (e.g. washing powder, laundry basket, drying rack)
Personal care items (e.g. shampoo, toothpaste, toilet roll, contraception, medicine)
First aid items (e.g. painkillers, plasters)
Stationery (e.g. notepad, pens, post-it notes)
Textbooks
Face covering
Water bottle
Laptop, cable and charger
Phone, cable and charger

Nice-to-haves
Decorative items (e.g. photos, posters)
Desk lamp
Books
Toaster
Kettle
Corkscrew
TV
Games console
Speakers
Earplugs
Printer
USB stick
Extension lead
Coat hangers
Umbrella
Store cupboard goods (e.g. salt and pepper, herbs and spices, tea, coffee, cereal, pasta)
Washing up liquid
Bin bags
Small change for the launderette