What to take to university checklist
Off to uni? Leave the toastie maker behind, but you may want a doorstop. This is the essential checklist on what to take to university, and what not to take!
You've probably arrived at this guide because you've nailed A-levels exams (congrats) and admissions, but realised that your first uni assignment is already due. And the title is:
An investigation into what on earth I need to take to university, and what I should leave behind.
Well luckily for you, we've done pretty much all the research for you. In fact we've written the bloody draft right here! It probably just needs a few tweaks from you based on your own personal needs…
Don't panic (yet)
There are hundreds of things you might very well want to take when you move to university, but remember: you're not moving to the moon.
Believe it or not, they do have shops where you're going, and anything you can track down, you can order online. In fact, it might even be easier (and cheaper) to wait and buy a few things once you arrive and know exactly what's already available in your new student pad.
If you're jumping head first into shared living, it's likely you'll end up with one toastie maker per person. Oh, and make sure you check out our guide to surviving shared living while you're at it!
Also remember that you're probably moving into a student hall room smaller than your own bedroom at home, so it might be an idea to whittle your things down as much as you possibly can if you'd like to be able to see the carpet.
Here is our essential what to take to university check list – as voted for by current (and past) students…
Things to take to university
We don't want to state the obvious here – we're sure you've got your clothes, toiletries etc. all covered. This list mainly contains items that you might not instantly think of, but are definitely worth taking along with you.
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 it
- Bank account details (check our best student bank accounts guide for this year)
- Bank debit card
- Chequebook – can come in handy more than you would think
- Insurance documents (see cheap student contents insurance)
- Student loan documents (and any other bursaries or scholarship funding)
- Student discount cards (eg. 16-25 railcard)
- Others worth considering: National Insurance card (or at least the number if you don't have a card), exam certificates, NHS number.
Electrical checklist
- Laptop or computer – (see Amazon bestsellers or Apple Education Store)
- Ethernet cable – may be needed for Internet in some university halls (get one cheap on Amazon)
- Mobile phone – obviously. If you're after a new one, check out our deals comparison.
- Headphones – to listen to music in peace (find a set here)
- USB TV Stick – to stream apps like iPlayer, Netflix & Amazon on your TV. We recommend Amazon Fire but some prefer Chromecast
- Power extension cable (opt for one of these with surge protection)
- Printer with ink – needed for coursework or lecture slides.
- 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, especially Nintendo Wiis!
- Device chargers
- USB memory stick (see current best sellers)
- Others worth considering: camera, speakers.
Stationery
- Pens (and pencils)
- Highlighters
- A4 writing 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
- A diary – great for writing notes in… such as what to take to university (among other things)
- Other: Dictaphone, course specific materials.
Kitchen checklist
When planning what to take to uni, be aware that a lot of kitchen items will go unused because they're either utterly useless or there are multiples of the same thing. 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 cheap and well recommended
- Wok – this is the number one cooking tool. Can be used to fry, boil, scramble etc… and of course makes a mean stir fry
- Sauce pan – just one for now
- Small cutlery set
- 1 sharp knife
- Scissors – yes it's ok to cut the fat off bacon with them
- Kitchen tongs – seriously, they are like a third heat-proof hand (not sure what they are, see here)
- 1 glass & 1 mug – for all of your drinking needs (most people don't like sharing these, you may get these as freebies in freshers week)
- 1 plate & 1 bowl – better than eating out of a pan. Opt for plates with tall edges to get the best of both!
- Flat baking tray – you know, to stop fries going through the gaps
- Swiss army knife – a basic one with a bottle opener and corkscrew will sort out most of your needs (have a gander)
- Tupperware – great for storing food
- Coffee maker (or just go instant).
What you probably don't immediately need: food or spices, kettle (supplied), toaster (supplied), rice steamer, toastie-maker, pizza cutter, colander, grater, peeler, garlic crusher, wooden spoons/ladles etc, masher, measuring jug, whisk, chopping board.
Bedroom checklist
Credit: University of Exeter
- 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 bed before you…
- Sleeping bag and pillow – if you plan on having guests
- Alarm clock – because you'd hate to miss a lecture
- Coat hangers
- Laundry basket – or just an empty box
- Photos of friends & family – also helps make things a bit more homely (get free prints here)
- Door stop – makes things much more sociable!
- Ear plugs – seriously, you will need them
- Clothes – including one smart(ish) outfit. See below.
Bathroom checklist
Credit: Michael Coghlan – Flickr
As with much of this list, students have different needs when it comes to personal hygiene and bathroom bits. So make sure you have all of your home comforts as well as these essentials:
- Towels – one big, one small
- Paracetamol – Freshers' week essentials
- Personal medication and supplies (eg. contact lens solution)
- Febreeze – keep your room and bathroom smelling fresh
- Washbag – including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel, make-up?
- Plasters – or small first aid kit
- Single toilet roll – just in case…
Clothing
Most students are always buying new clothes and that'll no doubt continue throughout university but there are a few essentials that you will need to take to university:
- Casual clothes – what you're comfortable wearing, but not too many!
- Underwear and socks – one week's worth is a good start
- Smart outfit – for freshers' balls as well as any interviews etc.
- Trainers
- Going out shoes
- Waterproofs
- Sports kit/swimwear
- Fancy dress – worth taking at least one outfit with you! (see our 22 costume ideas under £15).
- Vacuum storage bags to store your out-of-season clobber. You won't believe how handy these thing are when you have a single room!
Miscellaneous items to take to uni
- Pack of cards – be ready for drinking games and socialising
- Crate of beer/bottle of Vodka – great for inviting new mates into your room
- Insurance – you'll want to be covered (see our guide to student insurance)
- Small wind-up torch (power cuts happen)
- A pre-paid card – great for budgetting and spending abroad. The best ones are here
- Condoms – although you'll be given plenty for free
- Your own essentials – such as reading glasses, hair straighteners etc
- Bike – if you can take one it'll save you money and keep you fit (try Hargroves Cycles)
- Our Essential Student Guide to Money – it's free and will help you save a lot of money!
With so much to buy, things can get expensive! Check out our Back to Uni deals to save a few quid.
Add any of your own ‘what to take to university' suggestions in the comments! Otherwise, we wish you the best of luck 🙂
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