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What to take to university
By Laura Tucker
Updated November 26, 2023 Updated November 26, 2023If you’re going to university for the first time this September, you’re probably going to spend the few weeks leading up to your departure frantically trying to decide what to take to university with you.
Depending on whether or not you’re a light packer, it can be easy to spend too much money when thinking about what to take to university, especially if you want to ensure you’re prepared for anything. But, remember, university life isn’t much different to normal life back at home – except that at university you won’t have a parent around to iron your favorite t-shirt or buy you toothpaste.
Below is our comprehensive university checklist, covering all the things that any university student could possibly need… plus a few extras. Essentials are listed first and optional things second. Take a good look at the whole checklist and tick each item off while you pack.
University checklist: Important documents
Note: Keep all these things either in your wallet (ID, bank card etc.) or in a safe place within your room. If you keep all your documents together, you’ll always know where to look.
University checklist: Electricals
Note: With electrical items, be careful to bring only what you know you’ll use. For instance, having your own printer can be handy, but most university libraries will provide student printing services. For items such as games consoles and televisions, ensure your reasoning for bringing them is well justified – you don’t really want to be spending too much time alone in your room, do you? Why not see if you can survive the first term without all those home comforts before making up your mind.
If your electrical products are worth more than you can afford to lose, you should consider taking out insurance before going to university. Sometimes student housing is covered by external contents insurance already, but never assume this.
University checklist: Stationery
Note: Don’t be tempted to splash out on overly expensive stationery when you decide what to take to university. You’ll be getting through paper and pens like a mouse through cheese, so stick to a limited budget!
University checklist: Kitchenware
Note: Often, if living in halls or other shared private accommodation, you will already be provided with a kettle and a toaster, as well as some cutlery and crockery. If in doubt about what you can cross off your university checklist, contact your university’s residential services for more details on what will be provided.
University checklist: Bedroom
Note: Most halls of residences will provide students with standard single-size beds in their first year, but check with your university’s residential services before buying any bedding. Also, the more blankets you have, the better. I don’t remember much about my first year of university, but I do remember it being very, very cold.
University checklist: Clothing
University checklist: Bathroom
University checklist: Healthcare
Note: All new university students should register with a local doctor’s surgery early on in university life. This will save you having to wait for hours at a drop-in center filling out forms on the day that you’re actually ill.
University checklist: Miscellaneous
If you are still unsure of what to take to university and whether you need to buy anything beforehand, consider going to university with just a very light load. This will make certain you don’t buy anything useless – after all, it will be just as easy to buy what you need once you’re settled in, either on your own or as a group with your new fellow flatmates.
Image credits: Chris Bianchi; JimBobArt
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This article was originally published in September 2014 . It was last updated in November 2023
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Laura is a former staff writer for TopUniversities.com, providing advice and guidance for students on a range of topics helping them to choose where to study, get admitted and find funding and scholarships. A graduate of Queen Mary University of London, Laura also blogs about student life.
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