What should I take to university?

Deciding what to take to university can seem more difficult than the exams you sat to earn your place.

Our handy packing checklist is designed to make your life easier and the move much smoother. 

Study essentials

You'll need to bring your own stationery, including: 

• pens, pencils and highlighters 

• study books 

• lever arch files 

• A4 file paper 

• ruler 

• eraser 

• stapler 

• scissors 

• hole punch 

• diary/personal organiser 

• different sized notebooks 

• Post-it notes

Electrical items 

If you own a laptop, you should bring this with you so you can complete your studies and personal use. If you don’t have access to a laptop, you can request a laptop loan, or book a slot to use the computers in the computer rooms or libraries. Any electrical equipment that you bring needs to be under 1200 Watts to comply with our safety regulations. 

Other useful electronics include: 

• printer 

• Ethernet cable 

• socket converter (international students) 

• extension cord 

• chargers 

• memory sticks 

• games consoles 

• hair dryers and other beauty appliances 

• music speakers 

• a small TV (you’ll need a TV licence)

Important documents 

You'll also need to remember to bring correct documentation with you. As a rule, make sure you pack: 

• your university acceptance letter/confirmation 

• accommodation paperwork  

• student finance documents  

• valid ID (passport or driving licence) 

• copies of prescriptions you'll need 

Home comforts and practicalities 

Kitchen

The type of halls you live in will determine which kitchen tools you’ll need to bring with you. If you’re living in self-catered halls, it’s helpful to find out who you’ll be living with so you can ask whether your future flatmates would like to share certain kitchen equipment. This not only helps save money but also valuable space in your shared kitchen.

Sharing equipment may not be possible, but it’s useful to ask before buying anything. Facebook groups are often used to find future flatmates.

Most self-catered kitchens are kitted out with basic equipment such as:

• cooker
• microwave
• toaster
• kettle
• but be sure to double-check your relevant provider’s website and communications. 

Kitchen (self-catered): 

• plates
• bowls (microwavable ones are a good idea)
• cutlery 
• glasses and mugs 
• cooking 
• knives and a chopping board 
• saucepans and a frying pan 
• baking tray 
• corkscrew and bottle opener 
• tin opener 
• utensils such as a vegetable peeler, grater, ladle, spatula 
• measuring jug 
• cling film/tin foil 
• Tupperware 
• tea towels 
• dish cloth 
• bin bags 
• recipe 
• books 
• some food to get you through the first few days/first week 

Kitchen (catered)

If you’re living in catered halls, you only need to bring a few essentials to supplement your daily meals.

This may include a mug to make hot drinks and cutlery and plates for snacks. 

Bedroom 

You'll probably spend a lot of time in your room resting and studying so it’s important you make the space comfortable and homely.

As well as practical items, small decorative touches can help match your room to your personality and taste. Most accommodation is furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe, and chair so avoid packing these items.

All rooms have a noticeboard, and you can decorate yours in whichever way you choose. Suggestions for your room include: 

• duvet, pillows, and bed linen (we offer bedding packs that you can order online before you arrive if you wish)
• mattress protector 
• extra cushions or blankets 
• laundry basket 
• desk lamp 
• battery-operated fairy lights 
• photographs and other trinkets 
• plants 
• over the door hanger (for coats and bags) 
• drawing pins for putting up photos or posters 
• board games or cards (great ice breakers) 

Toiletries and personal care 

To ensure you pack everything you’ll need, it’s often useful to think about your daily routine, from getting up to going to bed, and list all the things you use throughout the day. Remember that if you do forget anything, we have several shops around campus and in the city centre where you can pick up supplies.

Items to consider packing include:

• washing toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, etc)
• toothbrush and toothpaste 
• towels 
• a hairbrush, 
• hair dryer and other hair-styling accessories 
• toilet roll 
• laundry detergent  
• deodorant 
• razors 
• tampons and other sanitary items 
• earplugs 
• first aid kit 
• sexual health products (condoms, birth control, etc) 
• medicine

Clothing  

You should carefully consider what you need to bring with you - remember space may be limited. It’s a good idea to bring clothing you know you will wear for the current season of the British climate.

Packing appropriately also makes for a great excuse to visit home when you need to swap (and maybe have your laundry done for you too!)

Items to consider packing include:

• clothes hangers 
• underwear 
• pyjamas 
• smart clothing 
• casual clothing 
• variety of appropriate footwear 
• handbag/backpack 
• winter coat and jacket 
• hat, gloves, and scarf 
• sportswear and swimwear 
• slippers 
• umbrella 
• fancy dress (you never know…).