What to take to university checklist
Off to uni? Leave the toastie maker behind, but you may need passport photos. This is the university essentials checklist on what to take and what not to take!
You've probably arrived at this guide because you've nailed your 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 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.
University checklist
There are several key categories of items to take to university. The full uni checklist is exhaustive so use it as a prompt so you don't forget anything you do need.
- Important documents
- Electricals
- Kitchen utensils
- Bedroom items
- Bathroom products
- Clothing
- Stationery
- Miscellaneous
You'll also find our Google Doc uni checklist at the end that you can download, edit and print off.
Documents to take to uni
- Valid passport and/or driving licence (ID)
- University admission acceptance letter
- Course acceptance letter
- Accommodation contract
- Student Finance 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 (e.g. 16-25 railcard)
Electrical items to take to uni
- Mobile phone (best SIM only deals)
- Laptop and case (Amazon – Apple Education Store)
- Printer & ink (how to save on printing costs)
- USB memory stick
- Ethernet cable
- Power extension lead
- Headphones
- Portable speakers
- Games console (multiplayers = great bonding)
- USB TV Stick (Chromecast – Amazon Fire)
- Device chargers
- Batteries
Kitchen checklist
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
- Saucepan 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
Bedroom things to pack
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
- Clothes horse
- Desk fan
- Small safe
- Earplugs
- Photos of friends & family (get free prints)
- Vacuum storage bags
Bathroom checklist
- 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 (e.g. contact lens solution)
What clothes to take to uni
Credit: Warner Bros.
You'll have plenty of clothes already, but if you need a wardrobe refresh these fashion retailers offer student discount. And remember to pack a smart outfit if you plan to apply for jobs!
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Tops
- Dresses/skirts
- Jumpers
- Sweatshirts
- Jeans
- Smart trousers
- Tights
- Rain coat
- Winter coat
- Underwear
- Pyjamas
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Trainers
- Slippers
- Smart shoes or heels
- Suit jacket
- Tie
- Watch
- Handbag
- Gym kit
- Swimming kit
- Fancy dress outfit (22 cheap costume ideas)
Stationery to bring to uni
- Pens and pencils
- Ruler
- Pencil case
- Scissors
- Stapler & staples
- Highlighters
- A4 or A5 writing pad
- Student planner
- Document storage folders
- Ring-binders
- Printer paper
- White tack
- Post-it notes
- Calculator
- Course textbooks (Amazon – Blackwell's)
Miscellaneous items to take to uni
- Rucksack
- Weekend bag
- Umbrella
- Padlock
- Cash
- Drinking water bottle
- ThermoFlask
- Lighter
- Hot water bottle
- Bicycle (Evans Cycles)
- Iron and ironing board
- Musical instruments
- Religious text
- Pack of cards (drinking games)
- Beer or spirits
- Tea, coffee and milk
- Box of chocolates or biscuits (for instant friends)
- Keys for home
- Budgeting app
- Our Student Money Cheat Sheet
Download university checklist
We've created a Google Doc checklist that contains all the university essentials on this page. You can download it, edit the list and then print it off to have with you whilst packing your stuff and preparing for uni.
Click the button below where you can find the link within our 'useful tools' page.
Important: Please read the steps at the top of the document on how to download the file!
Best online retailers for students
These are the places we typically recommend students look at for good prices, wide choices and helpful customer service.
- Amazon Student (Amazon shopping hacks)
- Argos
- ASOS
- Apple Education store
- Currys PC World
- eBay (eBay shopping hacks)
- Schuh
- Superdrug
- Wilko
With so much to buy, things can get expensive! Check out our Back to Uni deals and student discounts directory to save big money.
Once you finally arrive at uni, follow our checklist of what you should do first. Best of luck!
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