University packing list

Published: 05/08/2020

Updated: 22/12/2021

Here are the items I suggest packing for university, based upon what I actually used. This is intended as a checklist to prevent you from forgetting essential or useful items. 

If items you are considering taking to University are not on this list, ask yourself two questions 1) Will I need/use this? 2) How frequently would I actually use this?

Bedroom

• Duvet and blanket/throw
• Pillow and 2 x pillowcases
• 2 x duvet covers
• 2 x sheets
• Mattress Protector
• Coat hangers
• A door wedge
• Clary sage and earplugs (to help with sleep)
• Rubbish bin
• An extension lead

 

Bathroom

• 2 x Towels
• Toothbrush, charger and toothpaste
• Retainers and retainer brush (if you have retainers)
• Soap and Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Shaving foam and razor
• Flip-flops (to wear to the shower) 
• Nail scissors and clippers

 

Kitchen

• Frying pan and vegetable pan
• Rice cooker
• Knives
• Spatula and spoon
• Scissors and tin opener
• Plates, Bowls and cutlery
• Mugs and travel mug, a measuring jug
• Chopping board
• Tea towels
• Tupperware and lunch boxes
• Baking trays and tins
• Oven gloves 
• Vegetable peeler
• Water bottles
• Egg poacher

 

Miscellaneous

• Hairbrush
• Driving licence
• Purse or wallet, debit card and student rail card
• Labels and sewing kit
• Key ring (for room keys)
• Phone, charging cable and plug
• Watch
• Shopping bags

 

Medication

• Painkillers, cold and flu relief
• Medications 
• Plasters (including blister plasters too)
• Multivitamins (helps boost your immunity and only needs to be a supermarket own-brand one)
• Suntan cream

 

Desk

• Backpack
• Lever-arch files (I suggest taking one per module)
• Paper
• Pencil case
• Academic diary
• Hole-puncher and stapler
• Coursebooks
• Laptop, charger and memory stick
• Printer, ink and paper (if you have a printer) 
• Desk lamp (if not provided by your accommodation) 

 

Sports gear (what you take depends upon the sports you want to do)

• Swimming costume and goggles
• Exercise shoes and running jacket
• Exercise top, leggings and socks (if female 2 x Sports bras)
• Tracksuit bottoms
• Parkrun barcode

 

Clothing

• Placement uniform, black socks and shoes 
• Practical gear (top, shorts, leggings, socks, etc)
• Casual tops
• Jeans and a pair of shorts
• Underwear
• Hoodies and jumpers
• Trainers and socks
• Coat
• PJs
• Hat, scalf and gloves

Utility

• Laundry bag
• Laundry detergent/pods and fabric conditioner
• Iron and clothes drier or ~10 hangers
• Washing line pegs

Bike stuff (if you own a bike or plan to purchase one)

• Helmet
• Bicycle pump
• Lights
• D-lock
• WD40 (for your bicycle chain to prevent rusting)

Do you have any suggestions of things to take? Please put them in the comments section below.