If 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
- Passport (or other ID)
- Driver’s license (if you have one)
- All official university correspondence, including acceptance letter
- All student loan correspondence (to keep track of when your loan is due, and so you can follow up if necessary)
- Details of accommodation and contract
- Bank account details and recent bank correspondence
- Bank card
- National insurance card/details
- Student discount cards (e.g. 16-25 Railcard, NUS card)
- Insurance documents (for international students, who may be required to take out health insurance)
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
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Mobile phone and charger
- Extension cable/s (more handy than you might imagine)
- USB memory stick (for backing up important assignments)
- Desktop printer (with ink and printer paper)
- iPod or MP3 player
- Headphones
- Games console (yes, we’re in the “optional” category now!)
- A small TV
- Camera
- Speakers
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
- Pens and pencils
- A4 lined notepad(s)
- A4 binder(s)
- Highlighters
- Post-it notes
- Calendar/diary
- Paper clips
- Stapler
- Sticky tape
- Course readers and other study books
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!
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