This article is a repost from Save The Student
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 and university admissions (congrats). Now it's all becoming more real, it's time to figure out what you need to take to university.
We've done the hard work for you with this checklist. It just needs a few tweaks from you based on your own personal needs...
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 to make sure you don't forget anything you do need.
- Important documents
- Electricals
- Kitchen utensils
- Bedroom items
- Bathroom products
- Clothing
- Stationery
- Miscellaneous.
Documents to take to uni
(Heads up! International students may also need to bring: visa documentation, travel insurance, proof of funds, pound sterling cash, English translation book.)
Electrical items to take to uni
Kitchen checklist
If you're in shared living, you might end up with one toastie maker per person... in fact, there will be multiple 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.
- 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 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!
(Heads up! Not living in university accommodation? You may need to set up bills too, including student broadband and energy.)
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
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
- Raincoat
- 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 (we've got some cheap costume ideas).
Stationery to bring to uni
- Pens and pencils
- Ruler
- Pencil case
- Scissors
- Stapler and 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 or Blackwell's).
Miscellaneous items to take to uni