What to Pack for University (First Year Packing List)

#1 Toiletries

Bottles of shampoo, shower gel, and beauty products take up significant space and weight in your luggage. We’d hate for them to spill and damage other items as well.

Ask yourself: Can I buy this when I arrive? If yes, leave it behind. Most toiletries are easy and inexpensive to purchase near campus.

It’s also good to see how much room or storage you’ll have, so you can decide how much of each item to buy once you get there.

#2 Your Entire Wardrobe

You'll need clothes for different seasons and occasions, but resist packing everything you own. Wardrobe space in student accommodation is limited, and you'll likely wear the same comfortable items repeatedly.

A practical approach: if you haven't worn something in over a year or can't think of three outfits to pair it with, leave it behind. Think Marie Kondo (the organising expert): does it bring you joy? IE. Has it sat in your wardrobe for the last 6 months? If the answer to the latter is yes, then it may be time to chuck it, sell it or donate.

You'll have opportunities to visit home throughout the year - especially at Christmas - and can swap items then.

#3 An Iron

Let’s be so real. An iron is, without a doubt, the most pointless and unnecessary item in a student’s home. When you start doing your own cleaning and laundry, ironing is the last thing you want to be spending your time doing. Hanging clothes in a steamy bathroom or using wrinkle-release sprays are common alternatives that work perfectly well.

#4 Luxury Kitchen Utensils 

In halls or furnished accommodation, basics like kettles, toasters, and microwaves are typically provided. Check with your accommodation services to confirm what's included.

Speciality items like toastie makers, coffee machines, or rice cookers aren't essential, especially in shared kitchens. Pack the basics: plates, cutlery, a saucepan, a frying pan, bowls and mugs. You can always buy more if needed.

Keep kitchenware simple and inexpensive - things get lost, broken, or borrowed throughout the year. Speaking from experience, you’ll end up leaving the year with one fork and two plates to your name.

#5 Old School Books and Notes

We know you want to be prepared, but you don’t necessarily need all your old school notes. At university, you start fresh, so the vast majority of your old notes and folders will be irrelevant.

If you discover you need something specific - such as a book or two - family members can photograph pages, or you can use a student shipping service to get it delivered to you.

#6 Your entire reading list

Purchasing your entire reading list ahead of starting university can seem like the ‘good student’ thing to do, but it’ll end up costing you.

Wait until your course starts, then decide which books you actually need to purchase. Many are available in the library or accessible online for free. You’ll also be able to swap with your coursemates as you meet them.

#7 A Printer 

Unless your course requires frequent printing, bringing your own printer isn't practical. University printers are accessible and cost-effective - even buying additional print credits is cheaper than purchasing ink cartridges.

Your university library will be open 24/7, so printing will be available to you at all times.

#8 Stationery

When you arrive at university and attend fresher’s fairs and events, you’ll be able to pick up enough free pens, USB sticks and notepads to last you a lifetime. 

Resist the urge to stock up before arriving on campus. And to be honest, most of your notes will be done on your laptop anyway.

#9 A Car 

While your car might be essential at home, you'll likely find you don't need one at university. Most campuses are right in the middle of town with everything you need in walking distance, and the buses are usually reliable and well-connected.

Plus, you’ll find that parking on campus is limited, expensive, and honestly not worth the stress. Most students just use the bus as it's normally included in their accommodation fees. And for nights out? Loads of uni towns have night buses, but even if yours doesn't, splitting an Uber with your mates is pretty cheap.

Bedroom

Your room will include basic furniture: a bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a desk and a desk chair.

• Coat hangers

• Laundry basket

• Desk fan and lamp

• Mattress protector

• Duvet (suitable for all seasons)

• Bedding: duvet cover, fitted sheet, and pillowcases

Bathroom

University bathrooms typically include a shower, sink, and toilet.

• Toilet roll

• Bath mat and non-slip shower mat

• Toothbrush holder

• Towels: body, hand, and flannels

• Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo, body moisturiser, deodorant

Cleaning Products

Depending on the accommodation type you choose, you will have to do your own cleaning!

• Anti-bacterial spray

• Cleaning wipes

• Rubber gloves

Clothing

Space is limited, so pack strategically.

• Pyjamas and a dressing gown

• Mix of t-shirts

• Two to three pairs of trainers

• Plenty of underwear and socks

• Three to four pairs of trousers

• Winter jacket and all-season jacket

• Sliders or slippers for shared spaces

• Accessories: watches, jewellery, caps

• Smart outfit: shirt, trousers/skirt, blazer, and smart shoes

Electricals

• Laptop and phone with chargers

• Hair straightener, dryer, and curler

• Electric shaver or personal grooming items

Keep in mind that if you bring a TV, you'll need a TV licence, which costs £159 per year.

Study Essentials

Besides your laptop, pack:

• Notepads

• Diary or calendar

• USB stick or external hard drive

• Bag or rucksack with space for your laptop, notepads, and books

Home Comforts

• Small rug

• Photo frames

• Cushions and pillows

• Compact Bluetooth speaker

• Reed or electric diffuser

• Battery-powered fairy lights