Moving To University: A First Year’s Packing Survival Guide

So you’ve received your well deserved A-Level results, confirmed your university place and now it’s time to start preparing and packing for your big move away! I remember this time all too well: feeling incredibly excited to start my brand new life in a new city, new surroundings and doing so completely independently. But at the same time, feeling terrified that I was going to fall before I’d even arrived – what if I forgot something so important? What is already supplied for me there and what isn’t?

This article will hopefully ease all first year packing worries. I’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need to bring with you when you move in: from bedding to kitchen essentials, from room decoration to vital documents.

Important documents to bring.

*It will be very useful to keep most of these documents in a folder, so you have them all together*

Passport.
National Insurance Number.
NHS Medical Card/Number.
Driving Licence.
Debit/Credit Card.
Bank or building society details.
University acceptance letter.
University accommodation details/confirmation documents.
Confirmation letters of university scholarship/bursary (if applicable to you).
Any important documents/information from the Student Loans Company (SLC).
Exam certificates and A-Level results sheet.
NUS Student Discount Card.
Any other travel discount cards (19-25 railcard, coachcard etc.).
DBS check (If applicable to your course).
CVs and References (If you’re planning on getting a part-time job at university).

Bedroom/Dormitory items.

Duvet.
Duvet/Quilt covers.
Pillows.
Pillow cases.
Bedding sheets/mattress protector.
Desk lamp. – This is great for making a more chilled and relaxing atmosphere as the main dormitory light can sometimes be a bit overpowering!-
Photos and Posters. – To make your room feel more homely and unique.-
Door wedge. – Perfect for creating a welcoming vibe when your other flatmates are moving in.-
Overnight bag.
Everyday bag (for carrying books and equipment on to campus).
Evening bag.
TV. – *Optional* I tended to just use my laptop for watching things.-

Bathroom items.

Laundry basket or bag.
Washing powder/Fabric softener.
Toothbrush + Toothpaste.
Shower essentials: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, sponge etc.
Skincare wash.
Moisturiser.
Makeup + Makeup remover.
Sanitary products.
Razor + Shaving cream.
Soap.
Flannel.
Towels + Hand towels (x2).
Any medication you use.
Copy of any prescriptions you have.
Painkillers + General cold and flu remedies.
Hairbrush/Hairdryer/Hair straighteners etc.
Deodorant.
Perfumes/Sprays etc.

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Academic equipment.

Course related textbooks.
Laptop (+ case and charger).
Printer + paper and ink (if you have one to bring – you can print things out on campus if not).
A4 Notepad.
Calendar.
Folders + Ring binders.
Plastic wallets.
Pencil case (equipped with pens, pencils, highlighters, ruler, eraser etc.).
Student planner/diary.
Additional storage space (USB memory sticks etc.).

Personal items.

* This may not include everything applicable to you. It is entirely dependent on the items you have and use and wish to bring with you.*

Clothes. – It’s best to bring plenty of warmer clothes as it will be Autumn/Winter during your first semester. You probably won’t have much need for shorts and summer dresses.
Underwear.
Footwear.
Slippers.
Dressing gown.
Jewellery.
Phone + Charger.
Headphones.
Any other devices (Tablet, speakers etc.).
Purse/Wallet.
Books/DVDs.
Musical instruments. – If you’re musically minded. There will most likely be musical societies and bands you can join.-

Kitchen items.

Toaster. -*only one toaster will be needed to share in the kitchen with your other flatmates. It may be useful to seek out some of your flatmates online (if you are told who they are) and organise who will be taking one*-
Kettle. -*Same as above*-
Small frying pan.
Wok or large frying pan.
Saucepan (with lid).
Small casserole dish.
Cheese grater.
Vegetable peeler.
Tin opener.
Bottle opener.
Flat baking tray.
Chopping board(s).
Chopping knives.
Sieve.
Colander.
Wooden spoon or spatula.
Plates/dishes/side plates (x2).
Glasses (x2).
Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons) (x2).
Your favourite mug. – Nothing feels more homely than this! –
Tea towels and cloths.
Washing up liquid.

Try not to panic – you’re going to be absolutely fine! University is incredibly exciting, enriching, inspiring and will probably end up being some of the best years of your life! Wishing you the best of luck and the rest of an amazing (and well deserved) Summer break!