Your guide on filling your uni suitcase

Working out what to take can feel overwhelming. You don’t want to drag half your house with you, but you also don’t want to arrive and realise you’ve forgotten something essential. Here’s a sensible guide to what you’ll actually need when you move into uni accommodation:

The boring but essential stuff

Let’s start with the things you really can’t go without:

• Important documents – Passport, driving licence, student ID (if you already have it), student finance info, accommodation contract, and any course letters.
• Bank cards/cash – Make sure to do your research first on whether you can use your card.
• Prescriptions/medication – Bring enough to last until you register with a local GP.

Bedroom basics

Your halls will give you a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe (but you’ll need to make it your own space):

• Duvet, pillows and covers (check the bed size before you buy)
• Fitted sheet, mattress protector
• Laundry bag or basket
• Hangers
• Small lamp or fairy lights (cosy vibes)
• Doorstop (super useful for making friends when you first move in)

Kitchen kit

Most halls provide a kettle, toaster and microwave in shared kitchens, but always double-check. A few basics to bring:

• A couple of plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses
• Cutlery (fork, knife, spoon – and maybe a couple of extras for guests)
• Saucepans and frying pan (don’t go overboard, one or two of each is enough)
• Baking tray
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Tupperware or food containers (great for leftovers and packed lunches)
• Tea towel, sponge, washing-up liquid
• Reusable water bottle and travel mug

Bathroom Bits

If you’ve got an ensuite you’re sorted, but even if you’re sharing you’ll need:

• Towels (bath and hand towels)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, etc.)
• Flip-flops (if you’re in shared bathrooms, you’ll thank yourself later)
• Toilet roll (always useful on day one!)

Tech & Study Stuff

• Laptop and charger
• Headphones (noise-cancelling if you can stretch to it)
• Phone charger and extension leads
• USB stick / portable hard drive for backing up work
• Stationery (not loads – just notebooks, pens, highlighters, post-its)

Everyday Life Things

• Clothes (be realistic – you don’t need 20 pairs of shoes)
• Coat and umbrella (it’s the UK, after all)
• Reusable shopping bags
• First aid kit (plasters, paracetamol, cold remedies – you’ll thank yourself during Freshers’ flu)
• Snacks for your first night – you won’t want to cook straight away

Things You Don’t Really Need

• Loads of kitchen gadgets – you’ll probably use the air fryer twice then forget it
• Every item of clothing you own – storage space is limited
• Printer – campus will have them
• Your entire DVD collection – Netflix exists

Final Tip

Pack light, but pack smart. Bring the essentials to make your room feel like home and keep you fed, but remember you can always buy things once you’re settled. And don’t stress – everyone forgets something, and that’s what flatmate borrowing is for.

Do you want me to also put together a “quick checklist version” (like a bullet-point list you could share on socials or as a printable guide), or keep it as a longer article like this?