What To Pack For University: A Full Packing List
Heading to university? This student packing guide covers everything you need to bring, how to stay organised and what you can leave behind.
Moving to university is a huge step - and one of the most exciting times in your life. It’s a chance to meet new people, learn new things, and gain some independence.
But before you can enjoy all the perks of uni life, there’s the slightly less glamorous task of packing up your life and moving to your new home away from home. Don’t worry, though!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to pack, tips for making the move easier, and a few handy ideas on how to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Getting Started: What Should You Pack For Uni?
Packing for university can feel like a big task. It’s hard to know exactly what you’ll need and what you can leave behind.
The last thing you want is to arrive at your new house only to realise you’ve forgotten something important. On the other hand, you don’t want to pack everything and the kitchen sink (your halls probably have one of those already!).
To make things easier, we’ve broken down everything you’ll need into categories. Think of this as your ultimate packing list to make sure you’re well-prepared for uni life.
Important Documents: Don’t Leave Home Without These!
Before you pack anything else, make sure you’ve got all the paperwork you’ll need.
You don’t want to be caught out on your first day because you’ve forgotten your student ID or accommodation contract. Here’s a quick list of must-have documents:
✓ Passport, driver’s licence, or another form of official ID
✓ University documents, including your course acceptance letter
✓ Student finance documents
✓ Accommodation contract and any related paperwork
✓ Bank details and bank card
✓ National Insurance number (make a note on your phone too!)
✓ Passport-sized photos for student IDs or other needs
Make copies (both digital and physical) of all these documents and keep them in a safe, organised folder. This way, you won’t be scrambling around looking for them during Fresher’s Week!
Electrical Essentials
Your laptop or computer is probably the most important electrical item you’ll need – not just for essays and study but also for Netflix binges and late-night YouTube sessions.
But there are a few more tech items you’ll want to consider:
✓ Laptop or desktop computer with charger
✓ Mobile phone and charger
✓ Headphones or earphones (you’ll need these for late-night study sessions!)
✓ Extension leads and power strips (you can never have too many plugs)
✓ Portable speakers for room parties or chill-out sessions
✓ Hairdryer, straighteners, or other grooming gadgets
Pro tip: Check with your accommodation to see what’s already provided. Some student halls come with TVs, irons, or even vacuum cleaners.
If not, you can always decide with your flatmates to chip in together for any shared items. Better to share the cost of an iron than for everyone to bring one!
Clothing: Pack Smart, Not Hard
When it comes to clothes, it’s all about versatility. Bring items that can be layered and mixed and matched, so you’re prepared for any weather – or any impromptu costume party!
✓ Everyday clothes for lectures and casual wear
✓ Smart-casual outfits for nights out, society events, or even job interviews
✓ Formal wear (you never know when you might need it)
✓ Comfy clothes and loungewear (for those days you just want to chill in your room)
✓ Seasonal gear like jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves
✓ Gym clothes if you plan to stay active
✓ A good waterproof coat – trust us, you’ll need it!
✓ Shoes: Everyday shoes, formal shoes, trainers, slippers, and flip-flops for shared showers
Packing tip: Don’t overdo it! Most student rooms are pretty small, and storage can be limited. If you’re running out of space, remember you can always buy more clothes as you go.
Kitchen Essentials: You Don’t Need To Bring It All
Most student halls come with basic kitchen appliances like a kettle, toaster, and microwave.
But you’ll still need a few essentials to make cooking (or reheating) a bit easier:
✓ Plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses
✓ Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) and a sharp knife for food prep
✓ A saucepan, frying pan, and baking tray
✓ Reusable food containers for leftovers or packed lunches
✓ A bottle opener and tin opener
✓ Tea towels and a sponge or dishcloth
✓ Travel mug for those early morning lectures
If you’re moving into a shared flat, it’s a good idea to check with your flatmates beforehand. You don’t want to end up with five sets of frying pans but no cutlery!
If you need help with packing, see our guide around Best packaging materials for fragile items.
Bedroom and Bathroom Essentials: Make It Cosy
Your uni room is your new sanctuary, so making it feel like home is key. Bring a few comfort items and essentials to help you settle in:
Bedroom:
✓ Duvet, duvet cover, pillows, and pillowcases (check bed size first!)
✓ Mattress protector (especially if your accommodation has seen better days)
✓ Laundry bag or basket
✓ Hangers for your clothes
✓ Earplugs (trust us, halls can get noisy)
✓ Fairy lights, cushions, or throw blankets to make it feel more homely
Bathroom:
✓ Towels (body, hand, and face towels)
✓ Shower shoes or flip-flops if you’re sharing a bathroom
✓ Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc.
✓ First aid basics: plasters, paracetamol, cold medicine, etc.
Academic Essentials: Stay Prepared
While you can buy most stationery on campus, it’s good to arrive prepared:
✓ Notebooks, pens, and highlighters
✓ Folders to organise your notes
✓ Sticky notes, paper clips, and a stapler
✓ Diary or planner to keep track of deadlines
✓ Your university reading list (buy books after arrival – they’re heavy and can often be found second-hand!)
Don’t Forget The Miscellaneous Bits!
These are the random but useful items that will come in handy:
✓ Torch for emergencies or late-night adventures
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Playing cards or a favourite board game
✓ Umbrella (it’s the UK, after all)
✓ Blu tack or Command Strips to hang up posters without damaging the walls
Moving Made Easy: Get Your Stuff To Uni Without The Stress
Once you’ve packed everything up, the next challenge is getting it all to university.
If you’re moving to a new city or even a new country, this can be quite a logistical headache. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Consider using a student moving service like The Box Co. to make moving day a breeze.
With The Box Co., you don’t have to worry about lugging suitcases on public transport or cramming everything into a tiny car.
We specialise in transporting students' belongings to and from university, ensuring your stuff arrives safely and on time. Get a quote today and see how easy moving to uni can be!
Top Tips For A Smooth Move
Need some extra tips? No problem!
Pack in Layers: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Use soft items like clothes to cushion fragile items.
Label Everything: Make sure your boxes are clearly labelled with their contents and your name. This will make unpacking a lot easier.
Check What’s Provided: Contact your accommodation to find out what’s already there. This can save you a lot of unnecessary packing.
Share the Load: If you’re moving in with friends, coordinate on who brings what. There’s no need for everyone to bring the same things.
Insure Your Belongings: Look into student contents insurance to protect your items from theft or damage, both during transit and while living in halls.
The Takeaway: Less Is More
When moving to university, it’s easy to get carried away with packing. But remember, the student lifestyle is all about doing a lot with a little. Stick to the essentials, make your space feel like home, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
You can always pick up things as you go, and half the fun of university is figuring it all out along the way!
So, whether you’re moving across town or across the world, we hope this guide has made your uni prep a bit less stressful. And remember, when it comes to moving your stuff, The Box Co. is here to help make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Good luck, and enjoy every moment of your university adventure!
Need a professional moving company to help with University moves? Want some options for student storage? Contact The Box Co. and get a free quote today!
