Packing for university? It's hard to even know where to start!
I've put together a few quick checklists that should help. To keep them from getting too overwhelming, I've divided them up by room.
Plus, read until the end for a bonus section on the top three surprising essentials you definitely don't want to forget.
What to pack for the bedroom
TIP: Double-check to see what your accommodations already provide. For example, sometimes you will already have a desk lamp in your room, and you may not need to bring one.
Bedlinen - pillow cases, duvet cover, fitted sheet for mattress
Duvet and pillow
Mattress topper (for sensitive sleepers)
Clothes hangers
Doorstop
Extra storage if needed
Extension cords and multi-socket plugs
Laundry basket
Clothes horse
Washing powder
Bin
Alarm clock
Desk lamp
What to pack for the bathroom
TIP: Consider packing face wipes to keep by your bed for those days that you're too tired to wash your face before you go to bed.
Toilet tissue
Towels
Shower gel
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Bathroom cleaner
Handsoap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Bath mat
What to pack for the kitchen
TIP: If you can, get in touch with your future flatmates so you can plan together what shared cooking items to bring. That way you don't end up with five different cheese graters.
plates, bowls (ideally microwave safe!) and cutlery
glasses and mugs
cooking knives
chopping board
saucepans and a frying pan
baking tray
tin opener
grater
ladle
spatula
measuring jug
cling film and tin foil
Microwave and freezer friendly Tupperware
dish cloth
bin bags
What paperwork to pack
TIP: Remember to keep your important documents in one place, like a folder, and store it someplace safe.
Passport
Driving license
National Insurance Number
NHS medical card
Insurance documents
Student loan documents
Uni acceptance letter
Uni accommodations letter
Debit card
Bonus: Surprising essentials not to forget
These must haves don't fit neatly into any category, but you don't want to forget them!
Flipflops, slippers or sliders
You don’t always want to tie up your shoes just to nip to the kitchen, but trust me, you don’t want to go barefoot. Keep these shoes handy to slip on for quick trips.
A first aide kit
Fresher’s flu is real, and you’re going to want to make sure you have everything you need before you settle in, so you're not having to trek to the shops to load up on paracetamol when you're already feeling poorly.
Earplugs and noise cancelling headphones
You may not always be in control of how much noise is happening around you. To keep sensory overload from setting in, make sure you have good options for cancelling outside noise.