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Student Accommodation

What to take to university checklist

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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!

cat in a suitcase

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...

Thinking about what to pack for university

astronaut on moon with boxes

Credit: Artsiom P, Irina Gutyryak – Shutterstock

There are hundreds of things you might want to take to university. But remember: you're not moving to the moon.

They will have shops where you're going. It could be easier (and cheaper) to wait until arriving at university before buying some items.

And while the moon has plenty of space (no pun intended), your new room probably doesn't.

Taking too much stuff is one of the 36 mistakes every fresher makes.

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.

You'll also find our Google Doc uni checklist at the end that you can download, edit and print off.

Right now you can get Amazon Prime Student free for six months! That gives you unlimited free next-day deliveries (+ Prime Video).

Documents to take to uni

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

electric bulbs

We've listed the best laptops for students to help you find the right one for you.

Kitchen checklist

If you're in shared living, you might end up with one toastie maker per person. In fact, you can guarantee there'll 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.

Love to cook? We've got the best kitchen gadgets for you too.

Bedroom things to pack

two students in halls

Your university or accommodation provider should provide basic bedroom furniture. 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!

Not living in university accommodation? You may need to set up bills too, including student broadband and energy.

Bathroom checklist

Create and edit your own personal checklist using our free Google Doc.

What clothes to take to uni

Clothes rail

Credit: New Africa – Shutterstock

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).
Free £5! Simply use Plum which is also great for budgeting.

Stationery to bring to uni

Win a £250 Greggs giftcard! Click here to enter our student-only competition.

Miscellaneous items to take to uni

Find out more about what to take to university in our video:

Download university checklist

university checklist download

We’ve created a Google Doc checklist that contains all the university essentials on this page. You can download it, edit the list and then print it off to have with you whilst packing your stuff and preparing for uni.

Click the button below where you can find the link within our ‘useful tools’ page.

Important: Please read the steps at the top of the document on how to download the file!

Free editable checklist

 

Best online retailers for students

These are the places we recommend students look at for good prices, wide choices and helpful customer service:

With so much to buy, things can get expensive! Check out our Back to Uni deals and student discounts directory to save big money.

Once you finally arrive at uni, follow our checklist of what you should do first.

Owen Burek

WRITTEN BY Owen Burek

Owen is the founder of Save the Student, the leading student money website he started in 2007. He's passionate about educating young people about personal finance and ways to make extra money. Owen has appeared on BBC News and writes for major publications including The Guardian, Entrepreneur and HuffPost.
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