What to take to university

Things not to forget!

Don’t forget to set up a student bank account before you head to university. Find out the best one in our student account guide.

We don’t want to state the obvious as there are lots of items (clothes, toiletries) that you will most likely have already and plan to take to university. This list is more for things that you may have forgotten about!

Important Documents

• Passport and/or driver’s license (ID)
• University admission acceptance letter
• Course acceptance letter
• Accommodation terms, information and contract
• Passport photos for societies and other admin. A set of 4 should do
• Chequebook – can come in handy more than you would think
• Other: Student loan documents, National Insurance number, exam certificates, NHS number.

Electrical essentials

• Laptop or computer – We reviewed the best laptops for students in 2012.
• Ethernet cable – may be needed for internet in some university halls (get one cheap on Amazon)
• Mobile phone – another essential! If you need a new one, check out our deals comparison.
• Headphones – to listen to music in peace (find a set here)
• Extension cable
• Printer – needed for coursework or lecture slides. PC World have some good prices.
• Small TV – plenty under £80 at Amazon. You’ll also need a TV license if you plan on watching TV in your room
• Games console – multiplayers are great for bonding and getting popular, especially Nintendo Wiis!
• Other: Camera, speakers.

Academic Resources

• Stationery – Pens, pencils, A4 pad, folder with dividers, calculator
• Books – that might be required for your course. Search and order early on Amazon in case they sell out in the rush. Otherwise Blackwell Books offer good prices on student books.
• Pen Drive – essential for storing and moving work to and from university
• A diary – great for writing notes on… what to take to university (among other things)
• Paper pad
• Other: Dictaphone, course specific materials.

Kitchen essentials

When you are planning what to take to university you should be aware that a lot of kitchen items won’t be used or be used by your flatmates. Don’t take anything too expensive and don’t take too much. Most people are happy to share pots and pans etc.

• Student Recipe Book – become the Jamie Oliver of your student home! Nosh for Students is well recommended.
• Wok – this is the number one cooking tool. Can be used to fry, boil, scramble etc, and make a mean stirfry
• Glasses & Mugs – for all of your drinking needs (a lot people don’t like sharing these)
• Plates & bowls – better than eating out of a pan
• 1 frying pan and 1 sauce pan – you don’t need more than this
• Other: Home food to freeze, cupboard essentials, extra appliances eg. grater.

Bedroom Essentials

• Bed sheets – including a bed cover, duvet cover and pillow covers
• Duvet & Pillows – get a tog that is warm enough for the winter and get a double if possible (you will most likely have a double bed in 2nd year)
• Mattress protector – you never know who has been in the best before you
• Alarm Clock – never miss a lecture or important meeting
• Posters & decorations – you want to make your room feel like a palace and it means you can invite people in. Check out this deal on posters.
• Laundry bag – there is nothing worse than clothes everywhere
• Other: Bin, door stop, storage towers.

Bathroom Essentials

When considering what to take to university most student will have different needs when it comes to personal hygiene and bathroom essentials. Make sure you have all of your home comforts as well as these essentials.

• Towel – you will need a towel straight away or you can’t wash
• Paracetamol – as well as any other medicine you need (freshers’ week might be brutal)
• Febreeze – Make sure your room and bathroom smell fresh
• Washbag - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel, make-up(?) & more
• Other: Toilet roll, flannel, bath mat.

Clothing

Student clothes are another thing that differs for each person. A lot of students will buy clothes at university and start a new style but there are a few essentials that you will need to take to university.

• Normal clothes – All of the clothes that you wear at home (don’t be afraid to leave things)
• Loads of underwear and socks – for when you haven’t done laundry in a month
• Suit & tie – for freshers’ balls as well as any interviews etc.
• A good pair of shoes – for going out (also some for more strenuous activities)
• Fancy dress – if you have some at home then take it (it could come in handy)
• Other: waterproofs, sports kit, swimwear.

Miscellaneous Items

• Pack of cards – be ready for drinking games and socialising
• Crate of beer – great for inviting people into your room and looking like a top guy/gal
• Insurance – You might want to be covered so make sure you have student insurance
• Desk lamp – can be used to work at night when you need to get that important coursework completed
• Your essentials – for example, glasses, contact lenses, hair straighteners etc.
• Bike - if you can fit it in (plus it’s great for keeping fit)

What NOT to take to university!

There are loads of things that student take to university every single year that they don’t need or never use. Here is a small list on what NOT to take to university.

• An iron – rarely ever gets used
• Toaster – all other flatmate will bring one
• Toastie maker – your flatmates will most likely bring one
• A huge amount of condoms – there are plenty of places at uni to get them free so only take enough to tide you over.