Janice Lozano
Packing for university can be a challenge. It is important to plan how you will get your things to your new accommodation, whether that be by car, public transport, or even plane for international students. It is also important to remember that everything you bring with you, you will need to move out again at the end of the year. This article will guide you through the essentials you need to take to university, from bedroom and kitchen items to important documents and personal supplies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothes | Only what is necessary |
| Appliances | TV, laptop, power bank, extension cable, phone charger, alarm clock (use your phone) |
| Kitchenware | One saucepan, one wok-style pan, a chopping board, a few plates, bowls, and cutlery, glasses and mugs, a measuring jug, a drying rack, a toaster, a kettle, a microwave or air fryer, a mini-fridge, a few pans and baking trays, cooking utensils (a tin opener, potato peeler, spatula, wooden spoons, pizza cutter, potato masher), tin foil, and cling film |
| Food | Tea bags, baked beans, pasta, sweets and cakes |
| Stationery | Pens and paper, notebooks, exercise pads, and diaries |
| Other | Bed linen, pillows, blankets, cushions, rugs, photos, a favourite teddy, fairy lights, a lamp, a desk fan, drawing pins or mini magnets, bin bags, washing-up liquid and sponges, Tupperware, vacuum storage bags, bath towels, hand towels, a flannel, a hairbrush and comb, tweezers, razors, nail clippers, a first-aid kit, paracetamol, and other medication |
Kitchen essentials
When it comes to kitchen essentials, there are a few key items that will make your life easier as a university student. Firstly, it's important to have a good set of pans, including a non-stick pan for frying eggs, grilled cheese, and other quick meals. Look for a pan that is dishwasher-safe and has a lid with an in-built strainer, like the Judge saucepan set. While non-stick pans are convenient, they are sensitive to high temperatures and can be easily scratched by metal utensils. If you want to invest in something more durable, consider a stainless steel sauté pan.
In addition to pans, you'll need some essential utensils such as wooden spoons, a spatula, and a corkscrew. A good can opener is also a must-have, as cheaper canned foods often don't have ring pulls. You'll also want a set of knives, including a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. A knife block is recommended to keep the blades covered and protected when not in use.
For cooking, you'll need some basic equipment such as a toaster and a kettle, which are usually provided by halls. However, you may want to bring your own microwave or air fryer, or club together with your flatmates to purchase one. A slow cooker or instant pot is also a great option for students, as it can be used for slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice making, and more. It's also a good idea to have some Tupperware for storing leftovers and taking meals with you on campus.
Lastly, some miscellaneous items that will come in handy include plates, cups, measuring cups and spoons, and a roasting tin for those Sunday roasts with your housemates.
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Bedding and linen
A good place to start is with a bedding set, which typically includes a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and a pillowcase. It is recommended to have at least one set of bed linen, but having two sets can be useful so that you have a spare set while the other is being washed and dried. When choosing a duvet, consider the warmth of your accommodation. Halls of residence are generally warm, so a 9 tog or a 4.5 tog duvet is often suitable. You could also opt for an all-seasons duvet, which consists of a 9 tog and a 4.5 tog duvet that can be used individually or fitted together to adapt to different seasons.
In addition to a bedding set, you may want to consider purchasing additional items for your comfort and to protect your mattress. A mattress protector is a good idea to keep your mattress clean and prolong its life. A top sheet can provide extra warmth on cold nights and can be used on its own during warmer weather. A blanket can also be useful for extra warmth and is easy to pack and take with you when travelling between home and university.
Finally, consider the material of your bedding. Natural fabrics such as Egyptian cotton and linen are anti-allergy, breathable, and comfortable for sleeping. They are also easy to care for, as they are typically machine washable. However, bedding made from man-made materials may contain harmful chemicals and microplastics, so it is important to be mindful of this when making your selection.
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Electronics
When preparing to go to university, it's important to be selective about what you pack. Halls of residence are often furnished, so it's best to avoid overpacking clothes and unnecessary appliances. It's a good idea to check your tenancy agreement to see what items are already provided. Most accommodation will provide a bed and mattress, a wardrobe, a desk, and a chair.
If you're studying electronics, there are several items you may want to consider taking with you to university. Firstly, a reliable smartphone is essential, as it will allow you to stay connected with your family and access online classes and resources. A laptop or tablet is also crucial for note-taking, assignments, and entertainment. It's worth investing in a good-quality device that can handle all your tasks efficiently. Additionally, an external hard drive can be useful for storing large files and freeing up space on your laptop.
To protect your devices, consider getting insurance for your electrical items, especially if they are valuable. You may also want to look into protection plans that cover repairs and provide technical support for your electronics. Noise-canceling headphones can be beneficial for studying in peace, especially in noisy environments. A wireless battery pack can keep your phone charged on the go, and you may find a portable power bank useful for your laptop as well.
While not strictly necessary, having your own printer can be convenient, although most university libraries offer printing services. Other useful items to consider include a kettle, toaster, cutlery, crockery, and basic kitchen utensils. Don't forget to pack any important documents, such as student loan correspondence, insurance documents, and student discount cards. Finally, bring some personal items, such as photos, a teddy bear, or fairy lights, to make your new space feel like home.
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Toiletries and medication
When it comes to toiletries and medication, there are a few essentials that you should definitely pack when heading off to university. Firstly, make sure you have any medication you regularly take, and enough to last until you can register with a local GP. It's also a good idea to pack a small first aid kit with plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers like paracetamol.
In terms of toiletries, there are a few obvious essentials. Make sure you have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. You'll also want to pack shampoo and conditioner, and any other hair products you use regularly. Don't forget to bring a few towels, including hand towels and a flannel, and some form of hair removal if that's part of your routine. A hairbrush and comb are also essentials, as are any styling products you use, like hairspray or gel.
For your body, pack soap or shower gel, and any other products you use regularly like exfoliants or body butter. Deodorant is a must, and you might also want to bring some perfume or cologne. For women, sanitary products are an essential, and you might also want to bring makeup and makeup remover. Other useful items include razors, nail clippers, and tweezers.
Finally, don't forget the small things like cotton buds and pads, and don't skimp on sun protection like sunscreen and lip balm. It's also a good idea to bring some laundry detergent or washing machine capsules, and fabric softener if you like that sort of thing.
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Stationery
When it comes to stationery, it's easy to go overboard and buy the whole shop, but it's important to remember that your needs may vary depending on your course. Nevertheless, here is a comprehensive list of stationery essentials for university students.
Firstly, you'll be doing a lot of writing at university, so make sure you have a good supply of pens, pencils, and highlighters. Go for retractable or easy-glide rollerball pens to prevent ink from leaking in your bag. If you're after something more ergonomic, try gel pens, which glide smoothly over paper. Pilot's Frixion line features erasable ink, so you can easily correct mistakes. Black, blue, and red ballpoint pens are essential for lectures and seminars, but don't forget to include some coloured pens for highlighting, underlining, and colour-coding your notes. You'll also want a quality eraser that removes pencil marks without smudging or tearing the paper.
Next, you'll need somewhere to write all those notes. Notebooks are great for keeping your thoughts organised, and you may prefer lined, dotted, or grid paper. B5-sized notebooks are a good alternative to A4 if you want to save space in your bag. You can also separate your notes by topic with sticky filing tabs. For added flexibility, consider using ring binders, which allow you to easily add, remove, and rearrange pages, dividers, and sections.
Post-it notes, or sticky notes, are another essential for university students. They're perfect for sticking short notes onto your books and folders, as well as leaving reminders for yourself. Wall planners are also useful for jotting down important dates, deadlines, and exams, and can be easily stuck to your wall with blu-tac. If you prefer to carry your plans with you, a portable weekly planner or diary might be more suitable.
Finally, some additional items that may come in handy include a stapler, index cards, a ruler, and a small, portable USB flash drive for saving and transporting your work.
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Frequently asked questions
The essentials you need to take to university include:
- Important documents
- Clothing
- Kitchen utensils
- Stationery
- Bedroom items
Your university or accommodation provider should provide basic bedroom furniture. This typically includes a bed, a bedside table, a desk, a lamp, a chair, a wardrobe, a mirror, curtains and a bin. However, it is always worth checking. You may also want to bring some homely items, such as fairy lights, cushions, rugs and photos.
This depends on whether your accommodation is catered or self-catered. If you are in catered accommodation, you will not need to bring most kitchen items until your second year. If you are in self-catered accommodation, you should check with your accommodation provider to see if any essentials are provided in the shared kitchens. You may need to bring cutlery, plates, bowls, a laundry rack, a toaster, a kettle, a microwave, an air fryer, a pizza wheel, a wooden spoon, a spatula and a corkscrew.
You will need a laptop that you can take to the library and lectures, and that has enough memory for all the years of your degree. You may also want to bring a TV, but most people use their laptop or a PC monitor. Remember to get your TV licence sorted. Before you start to pack any electronic item, visit your accommodation provider’s website to check the rules. Some items may be banned for safety reasons. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that any electronics you pack carry the CE mark.
You should take a first aid kit and any medication you take regularly. You should also take some books, although you don't need to take your entire collection. You may also want to take some personal items, such as contact lens solution or contraception.
