HOP to Freshers - Packing your stuff
There is a lot to think about when moving to University and especially when it comes to what to take with you. Make sure you write out your own list a few weeks before you are starting Uni and, in that time, make notes of anything additional that you use to add to your list. Remember to add something that reminds you off home. We have complied together a list of the must to takes to help you start your list.
- Sheets, duvet, blankets, pillows and pillowcases
- Towels
- Clothes for all seasons, plus something jazzy
- Coat hangers
- An extension lead
- Socket adaptor (for international students)
- Toiletries
- Kitchen items. It’s a good idea to bring some food to keep you going in the first week
- Stationery such as pens, pencils, notepads and highlighters
- Laptop, cables and chargers
- USB stick
- Mobile phone & charger
- Washing detergent and cleaning products
- Umbrella
- A list of important numbers, in case you lose your phone.
Make sure you add important documents you might need for enrolment or registration such as, university acceptance letter, paperwork for accommodation, students finance documents, a valid ID with a picture such as a driving license or passport. You will also need a letter/document with your address on to be able to register with a GP or dental surgery.
Stuff for you room
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your student accommodation bedroom, sleeping, studying and socialising and a few things we think you will need are;
- A desk fan
- A desk lamp
- A torch
- Music speakers
- Pins for putting up photos/ posters.
You’ll be able to check out what the size of your room will be on the University’s website. It could be smaller than your current room so working out how much space you have will dictate your packing list. You’ll likely have a bed, desk and chair already in your room.
Check out our decorating your room blog for ideas on making the space reflect you.
Stuff for the kitchen
Most accommodations have the usual kitchen equipment you need so it’s a good idea to check what items are there when you arrive and maybe share the cost of any extra items with your housemates, instead of having eight toasters.
There may be an opportunity to pre order bedding and kitchen packs at some Universities, you’ll be able to check this out on their website.
Space in the kitchen and your bedroom is likely to be limited, so weigh up each item’s value. In general, you'll need:
- Knives and a chopping board
- Saucepans and a frying pan
- A baking tray
- Plates and bowls (microwavable ones are ideal)
- Cutlery
- Glasses and mugs
- Corkscrew/ bottle opener
- A Tin opener
- A Peeler
- A measuring jug
- A grater
- Cling film
- Tin foil
- Tea towels
- Dish cloths
- Some recipe books
- Make sure to label your equipment to minimise any kitchen disputes
Study stuff
You'll need to bring stationery, including:
- Pens, pencils and highlighters
- Lever arch files
- A4 file paper
- A ruler
- An eraser
- A stapler
- A hole punch
- A diary/personal organiser
- Some different sized notebooks
- Post-it notes
- A laptop
Electrical stuff
PC’s in the library can often be very busy so it’s going to make studying and working easier If you own your own laptop. It gives you a lot more flexibility to work anywhere you want and even make notes electronically in lectures. You can also then use this to watch shows on Netflix etc.
Generally, most electronic items will be fine to take to University but you should check if you are wanting to take things such as a heater, electric blanket and an electric scooter as they could be seen as a fire risk. Again, you’ll be able to find this out on the University website.
It’s a great idea to get an Ethernet cable to make sure you don’t have any pesky internet problems mid studying. You should also bring a USB or hard drive to back up your work…. you don’t want to be at the end of an essay and realise your laptop has died without saving your work.
Extra cables and chargers are a must. They always go missing.
Remember this is just a guide of 'what to take' so use this to steer your own packing list.
Valuable stuff
Starting University is such an exciting time for students but remember to keep your belonging safe. It’s easy to forget when you are really busy and meeting new people.
- Try and not leave your room unlocked, even for a short period time.
- Don't let people you don't know into your room, and don't leave them unaccompanied.
- Always shut your windows when you’re out.
- If your room faces a public area, close your curtains when you’re out.
- Don't leave expensive items on show - put them away somewhere hidden like a draw.
- Keep your access cards safe, don't give them to anyone else and don't keep your address with them.
- Take out necessary insurance for your possessions - you can use a price comparison site such as Comparethemarket.com to get the cost down.
Your university accommodation may include the cost of basic insurance for your belongings. However, if you have some expensive equipment you'll need to check the level of cover provided and maybe look at getting a separate one for that.
Other things you can do to keep your things safe:
Keep copies of important documents in a metal security file box.
Make sure you know who to contact if something goes wrong. Check out student support and residential services who are there to help with university-based issues. Your accommodation wardens will be able to offer support on things relating to your residence, such as any problems you might have with your housemates.
Store a list of contact numbers on piece of paper of family, friends, your bank/card provider, phone network, and your student support service - so if you lose the list on your phone/laptop, you can still get in touch.
Getting your stuff to University
Sort your stuff out in to manageable chunks, clearly marked in boxes so that you can organize this easier when you arrive at your accommodation. You might have to climb stairs and it could be a few floors up so make sure you get some helpers. Family or friends are likely to be there helping you on the day however you can access student baggage shipping services for a cost if you need to, check this out on your accommodation website.
Make sure you have a look to see if you need to book an arrival slot with your accommodation and see how many people can help you move in as some universities have a cap on this since the pandemic.
Make sure you check out our other blog on everything you need to know about Freshers Week.
