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Wondering what to pack?

Monday 22 July 2024, Applicant

by UCAS

Wondering what to pack?

UCAS
Before you know it, it’ll be time to pack and get on your way to uni. Here’s a quick guide on what to pack.

Must-haves:
  • Clothes – there’s no need to pack your entire wardrobe, especially if you’re going to head home at the end of term!
  • Bedroom bits and pieces – duvet, sheets, pillows, hangers, and towels. You might want to think about ear plugs if you’re going to be in a lively area, or a mini fridge for your room if you’ll be in shared accommodation. 
  • From the bathroom cabinet – toiletries, glasses, contact lenses, medication, and a small first aid kit.
  • Laundry – washing products, laundry bag, and drying rack.
  • Electronics – laptop, tablet, printer, extension leads, and chargers. You may need an adaptor if you’re coming from outside the UK.
  • Kitchen essentials – check what is included at your accommodation. As a minimum, you’ll need enough cutlery, crockery, glasses, pots, tea towels, mugs, baking trays, and pans, plus basic gadgets such as a kettle and toaster for yourself. 
  • ID – passport, driving licence, NHS medical card, online card reader (if you use one for online banking), National Insurance number, and all important correspondence with your university. 
  • Food basics – while you’ll do your first food shop when you’re settled, it may take you some time to get settled into your room, so think about taking enough for the first day – stuff like coffee, tea bags, cereal, cooking oil, tins, and condiments.
  • Course essentials – if you can, try to get hold of any reading lists before you go and buy books in advance. You may be able to get a deal on second-hand books before term starts, and everyone tries to buy the same copies. You should also consider the stationery you’ll need. 
  • Little touches – if moving to uni is your first time away from home, take some keepsakes that will help keep you from getting homesick.
  • ‘Just in case’ items – things like an umbrella, torch, batteries, alarm clock, and plenty of change for washing machines.

Check out our full list of what to take to uni.