Deciding what to take to uni needs a bit more thought than shoving things into a suitcase and hoping for the best.
Moving out of home for uni? It's hard to know what you should pack for uni, and what you should maybe leave behind. To get you started, we’ve put together a big list of everything you need to take to uni, with some top tips from students who've been there, done that.
You can still follow this advice if you’re not going into halls of residence, but make sure to check what’s already included if you’re going into shared private accommodation.
Your room will usually be kitted out with some basics, including a bed and mattress, a wardrobe, desk and chair. But you need to pack the things that make it feel like home. You should take:
Photo frames, your favourite teddy (no judgement here) and fairy lights are some examples.
Make sure you do your research to get the right laptop that you can take to the library and lectures, and has enough memory for all the years of your degree.
A small one for nights out, plus a bag big enough to fit your laptop and books in for uni.
Paracetamol is a fresher's must-have!
Also, remember to register with your local GP and check your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Double-check, as this might be provided!
Check whether your accommodation is en suite or shared. If it’s shared, you might end up wanting to split the cost of things like toilet rolls later down the line. To start off with, take:
Most halls provide a toaster and a kettle (in addition to your oven), but check what you get before you go. Many won’t provide things like microwaves or air fryers, and you might want to club in together with your flatmates for this once you’re a bit more settled. The essentials you'll need are:
Unsure what to pack for university? George, from the University of Manchester, has you covered! He talks us through his uni living essentials for halls and shares his top tips to make sure you're prepared for university life. In partnership with Noah.