What to take to university checklist

by Owen Burek in Freshers, Student Accommodation

Updated 19 July 2019

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! cat in a bag You've probably arrived at this guide because you've nailed A Level exams (congrats) and university admissions, but realised that your first uni assignment is already due. And the title is:

An investigation into WTF 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 draft right here! It probably just needs a few tweaks from you based on your own personal needs...

Thinking about what to pack

pack for university There are hundreds of things you might want to take to university, but remember: you're not moving to the moon.

They will have shops where you're going, and it could be easier (and cheaper) to wait until arriving at university before buying some items.

And while the moon has plenty of space (no pun intended), your new room probably doesn't.

Taking too much stuff is one of the 36 mistakes every fresher makes. As a rough guide, only take what will fit on the back seats of a car.

Use the list below as a prompt so you don't forget anything you do need. You'll also find our editable Google Doc checklist at the end. 🙂

To save you time, we'll direct you to sites to review or buy items. Amazon is often the easiest and cheapest, and right now offer Prime Student free for 6 months which includes unlimited free next day deliveries! 😀

Important documents

student documents

Valid passport and/or driver's license (ID)
University admission acceptance letter
Course acceptance letter
Accommodation contract
Student loan documents
Scholarship or bursary letters
Insurance documents (cheap student contents insurance)
Passport photos
Vaccination history (speak to GP before you go)
Prescription copies
Bank debit card (best student bank accounts)
Student discount cards (eg. 16-25 railcard)

International students may also need to bring: visa documentation, travel insurance, proof of funds, pound sterling cash, English translation book.

Electrical items to take to uni

electric bulbs

Laptop and case (Amazon - Apple Education Store)
Printer & ink (how to save on printing costs)
USB memory stick
Ethernet cable
Power extension lead
Mobile phone (comparison tool)
Headphones
Portable speakers
Games console (multiplayers = great bonding)
USB TV Stick (Chromecast - Amazon Fire)
Device chargers
Batteries

Kitchen checklist

kitchen utensils If you're in shared living, you'll no doubt end up with one toastie maker per person... in fact there will be multiples of lots of kitchen items.

You'll 100% want to take things like your own plates and cutlery, but most people are happy to share cooking equipment, and appliances like kettles and toasters are normally supplied.

Have this in mind if you're sharing a kitchen because below is an exhaustive list of things to take to university. To help we've roughly ordered items by priority!

Student recipe book (Nosh for Students is great)
Small cutlery set
Plate
Bowl
Mug
Glass
Sharp knife (general purpose)
Scissors
Tupperware (food storage tricks)
Multitool
Bottle opener
Chopping board
Kitchen tongs
Ladle
Spatula
Wok and/or frying pan
Sauce pan with lid
Colander
Measuring jug
Can opener
Peeler
Cheese grater
Whisk
Baking tray
Oven gloves
Tea towel
AeroPress (for good coffee)
Washing up liquid
Washing up sponge or brush
Bin bags
Tin foil
Cling-film
Cupboard essentials

Love to cook? We've got 23 kitchen gadgets for you too 😉

Bedroom things to pack

student dorm Basic bedroom furniture should all be provided by your university or accommodation provider. Typically this includes a bed, bedside table, desk, lamp, chair, wardrobe, mirror, curtains and a bin. Still, it's worth checking for sure, especially the bed size!

Duvet with cover (all seasons)
Pillows with cases
Bed sheets
Mattress protector
Coat hangers
Laundry basket
Small mirror
Wall clock
Door stop
Clothes horse
Desk fan
Small safe
Earplugs
Photos of friends & family (get free prints)
Vacuum storage bags

Not living in student accommodation? You may need to setup bills too, including student broadband and energy.

Bathroom checklist

bathroom hair dryer

Bath towel
Hand towel
Dressing gown
Hand soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Shower gel
Flip-flops (communal showers)
Toilet roll
Hairbrush or comb
Hair straighteners
Hair dryer
Make-up and remover
Nail cutters
Tweezers
Plasters (or small first-aid kit)
Razors and shaving cream
Sanitary products
Contraceptives
STI testing kit
Paracetamol
Medication
Personal supplies (eg. contact lens solution)

Create and edit your own personal checklist using our free Google Doc 🙂

What clothes to take to uni

Credit: Warner Bros.

You'll have plenty of clothes already, but if you need a wardrobe refresh these retailers offer student discount. And remember to pack a smart outfit if you plan to apply for jobs!