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You've done the hard bit, now it's time to look forward to uni! Preparing for university is a super exciting time, but it can also be pretty nerve-wracking. Whether you're moving into halls or settling in with friends, the prospect of a new chapter can feel overwhelming.
This packing guide is here to help your preparation and make sure you don't forget a thing. With an easy to download PDF version or a simple list for your notes app, you'll be ready to kick off this journey with less stress. ✨
📦 Your first 24 hours: The 'can't-forget' essentials
The first few days at university can be daunting, but being prepared will help those initial nerves. Focus on what you need right away to settle in comfortably.
Important documents
- University acceptance letter & accommodation contract/details
- Passport or driver’s license
- Student finance documents and bank card
Tech that is good to have on hand
- Phone & phone charger
- Laptop & laptop charger
- A portable power bank is a great idea. ✨Tip: Take extras if you have them to loan to new housemates or neighbours, somebody will have forgotten one and it’s a good way to get chatting if you don’t know anybody.
First night comfort
- A set of bedding (even if you plan to buy more later)
- A pillow
- A towel
- Pjs
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap/body wash
Sustenance
- Snacks to keep you going
- A reusable water bottle
✨ Create your uni sanctuary
Moving to uni and living independently is a huge life change, it is so important to create a space where you feel super comfortable and cosy.
Bedding
- Full bedding sets (at least two so you always have one handy when washing bed sheets)
- Duvet (check bed size as a lot of student accommodation varies)
- Pillows
- A mattress protector
Atmosphere and decoration
- Personalise your space, your uni room is where you spend a lot of your time so you want it be somewhere you feel comfy.
- Display photos of family and friends to give a sense of home.
- Fairy lights, posters, cushion, and small rug can really bring personality to the room.
- Plan around space, needs, and budget - don't get sucked into spending loads of money on TikTok shop and Amazon buying loads of new decorations. Or, if you do want somewhere to buy decorations, why not try secondhand, charity, or vintage shops? You can find some great unique items for way less money!
- Home comforts are always a good shout too. From your favourite mug to a blanket/throw, anything that makes your space feel cosy and comfortable.
Practical items
- An extension lead with multiple sockets is a must-have, a desk lamp, storage boxes for under the bed, a clothes horse/airer. A doorstop for your room is a great idea if you are keen to socialise with your flatmates, as this will encourage them to come to your room.
🍳 The student chef's starter kit
If you are moving into student accommodation with a shared kitchen, check the list below for all the items you should bring for self-catered accommodation.
First, check which kitchen items you actually need. Your letting agent will tell you which appliances and gadgets are included in your new student house.
Cooking must-haves
- One good frying pan
- One saucepan
- A baking tray
- A sharp knife
- A chopping board
- Basic utensils (spatula, large spoon, masher).
Things for eating and drinking
- A couple of plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, and a full set of cutlery.
Food storage
- Reusable containers for leftovers or meal prep are essential for your student budget.
If space is limited, check with housemates first if they plan to bring multiples of anything. Especially communal items like a toaster, kettle, microwave, and bins to avoid unnecessary duplicates and save space. You should also pick a distinct colour for whatever you bring to avoid any mix-ups!
Check what items are already included in your accommodation inventory. Both halls and private accommodation should provide this list.
🫧 The shared bathroom survival guide
Most university accommodation has a shared bathroom unless you are lucky enough to have an en-suite. This can obvs take some getting used to, so make sure to check out the list below to make sure you're fully prepared.
Bathroom essentials
- Make sure to double check what is included in your accommodation first, and the specific size of the space before buying/bringing anything with you.
- Whether you have your own private bathroom or share one with housemates, uni ones are usually quite small. So space-saving storage is key to keeping things tidy. Examples include:
- Collapsible bathroom shelf/storage unit
- Stick on adhesive shower caddy - that can stick to the wall in the shower
- A caddy is key if you have are sharing a bathroom, as this means you can easily transport your toiletries back and fourth and have somewhere to store them.
- At least two bath towels and a hand towel. A dressing gown and flip-flops for the walk to and from the shower are essential.
Toiletry essentials
- To be wary of space, make sure to only bring the essentials when it comes to toiletries (you can worry about other stuff once you're there, so you can see if you have the room for it!). The absolute necessities include:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush & holder
- Personal grooming or skincare items
Health & first aid
- A small, personal first-aid kit with plasters, pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen), antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication.
- Fizzy vitamin/rehydration tablets, and things to settle your stomach after a ‘late night’.
✨ Tip: If you find lists more helpful when you can download them and check them off, make sure to download our full Uni Packing List guide using the form below. 👇
📚 Studying essentials
Combine technology and traditional stationery for the ultimate academic toolkit. This will all obvs depend on your learning style, and you should pack stuff you know that works for you (don't take stuff just because you think you 'should').
Tech
- Laptop and charger
- Headphones (noise-cancelling ones are great for focusing in noisy halls/when flatmates are socialising)
- A USB memory stick for transferring files
- Focus app for blocking social media if you think you need it!
Stationery
- Focus on the essentials rather than a huge haul
- A couple of notebooks, pens, pencils, and highlighters
- A folder or two for organising papers
- Sticky notes
- Wall calendar or planner to have a visual prompt about your plans
- ✨ Tip: Most printing can be done at the university library, so a personal printer is often unnecessary
🧢 The all-season student wardrobe
At university, clothing versatility is key! You want outfits you can wear on campus, clothes to lounge in, nights out attire, active wear, and something smart for formal events. Here is a handy list you can tick off:
Everyday and loungewear
- Everyday clothes: T-shirts, shirts, tops, jeans, and trousers.
- Layering: Hoodies and jumpers are great for staying warm.
- Loungewear: Joggers, leggings, and comfortable clothes for relaxing.
Sleep and comfort
- Pyjamas: Or other comfortable night clothes.
- Dressing gown: Useful for moving between rooms.
- Slippers/sliders: For wearing around your accommodation.
Seasonal and weather-specific
- Warm coat: A winter coat is essential for colder months.
- Waterproof jacket: A waterproof jacket is a must.
- Accessories: Think about hats, scarves, and gloves for autumn/winter.
Smart and formal occasions
- Smart-casual: A few outfits for presentations, events, or job interviews. This could be a shirt or a nice top with smart trousers or a skirt.
- Formal: A suit or a simple dress might be needed for more formal occasions like university balls.
Active wear
- Sports clothes: Pack gym kits or activewear if you plan to join any sports clubs or societies, or if you just plan to be active.
- Swimwear: If you're likely to use university pools.
Undergarments and accessories
- Underwear and socks: Pack a sufficient amount.
- Shoes: Include trainers, comfortable shoes, smart shoes, and potentially winter boots.
Don't feel pressure to buy everything new! Bring what you already have or if you do need a particular item, try looking on Vinted, Ebay, or Depop - you can find some great stuff secondhand. Plus, it is usually a LOT cheaper and *better for the environment (yay! 🫶).
*Oxfam research revealed "if all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent a whopping 12.5 billion kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere". This is the equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times, or 261,000 flights from London (Heathrow) to Greece (Athens)."
🧺 Laundry basics
Once you have all your clothes sorted, it's important to look after them properly! make sure you get the essentials:
- A good laundry basket, collapsible ones are the best for uni, as there is usually limited space for you to put them
- A small starter amount of pods/detergent
- A portable drying rack
Hope you find this packing list helpful! Being well-prepared is the first step to a fantastic university experience. 🫶
Once you're all packed, check out the Fused Student Moving Guide for tips on how to have a less stressful move.