What to take to uni: your university packing list

Moving to university is exciting and intimidating in equal measure. You can't wait to get there, meet your new friends and start getting to know your new environment. But first, you have to pack your bags and figure out exactly what you'll need to bring to start your new chapter in life. There are a lot of logistics that go along with starting as a fresher at uni!

Lucky for you, we've pulled together a list of all the things you need to take to university for first year and beyond, so you've got one less thing to think about as you get prepared for the move.

We've broken down university essentials into a few key topics:

• The big stuff
• The everyday stuff
• The small (but important) stuff
• The fun stuff
• Helpful stuff to bring
• What to do if you don't have everything you need

We classify the Big Stuff as the absolute essentials that you need to get by. To start making your list, first look at what's going to be provided by your uni accommodation. Depending on what's already there, you might need to bring more from home.

• Cooking equipment – frying pans, saucepans, baking trays, spatulas, knives, chopping boards and baking tins
• Cutlery and crockery – plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, glasses, cups and mugs
• Tea towels
• Bottle opener, corkscrew and can opener
• Bin bags
• Tin foil and cling film
• Scissors

Most uni accommodation will come furnished with a bed, desk and chair, wardrobe or chest of drawers, but check beforehand just in case you need to bring any furniture. You're more likely to need to provide your own furnishings if you're going to be renting private accommodation, which is more common in second, third and fourth years.

• Bedding – check whether you need to bring your own duvet and pillow
• Bedsheets and mattress protector
• Coathangers
• Blanket
• Bedroom bin
• Washing airer
• Laundry basket

• Hand towels
• Shower towels
• Bath mat, depending on your bathroom-sharing situation

We recommend doing a big grocery shop at the start of freshers' week. That way, you can enjoy your new busy schedule safe in the knowledge that you have snacks in the fridge for those nights you get home late.

• Flip-flops, slides or slippers
• Trousers, skirts, tops and jumpers
• One or two smarter outfits for events or job interviews
• Gym and sportswear or swimwear if you plan to swim
• Pyjamas and a dressing gown
• Shoes including trainers
• Umbrella
• Coats, jackets and a raincoat
• Hat, scarf and gloves
• Your watch, if you have one
• Jewellery and hair accessories

• Roomy bag for carrying your laptop and books around campus
• Folders, notebooks, a calendar and pens – unless you're 100% digital with your note-taking
• Books from your course's reading list that you need for the start of term

• Medicines and prescriptions – it's always handy to have some paracetamol on hand too, just in case
• Supplements if you take them
• Contraception if you need it
• Your toothbrush – and charger, if it's electric
• Skincare
• Makeup
• SPF
• Haircare including shampoo, conditioner, serums, hairbrushes and styling tools
• Your razor and grooming tools if you use them
• Perfume or aftershave if you use it

Again, some cleaning items may be provided by your accommodation. Check what's available, but in general, it's a good idea to have:

• Surface cleaner
• Bleach and toilet cleaner
• Cleaning cloths, wipes, brushes and dusters
• Laundry detergent
• Washing up liquid
• Iron or steamer
• Vacuum cleaner and mop – if not provided by your accommodation

It's worth sweating the small stuff when it comes to packing. Often, the smallest things are the most important. Here's our list of essentials to make sure you remember.

• Your bank card
• Your ID, eg. your driver's licence
• Discount cards and loyalty cards, eg. for supermarkets
• Your student card if you already have it
• Your rail card, bus pass or travel pass

• Your phone
• Your laptop or tablet if you have one
• Headphones
• Fitness tracker if you have one
• Bluetooth speaker if you'd like to bring one
• Remember to bring your chargers for each item!

• Glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses
• Your passport – you might need it for travel or for securing your accommodation for the next academic year
• Documentation about your university acceptance, new bank account or new address
• Your new keys!

Once you've got everything you need, you can focus on the things you want – just for fun.

• Classic student decoration: posters!
• Mood lighting – think about desk lamps, floor lamps or fairy lights for when you don't want to use the 'big light'
• Photos of family and friends
• Scented candles or diffusers
• Souvenirs or sentimental trinkets

• TV or monitor – some students prefer to bring one to uni so that they can have a larger screen in their room
• Game console like an Xbox if you have one you'd like to use at university
• Pack of cards or other games
• Books
• Materials for your hobbies – whether that's a musical instrument or set of paints

These items might not be the top of your list, but they can be very helpful in student life.

• Extension cable
• Tupperware
• Reusable thermos – you can often get a discount at cafes if you bring your own keep-cup
• A water bottle that stays cool
• A couple of storage trays or baskets
• A mini whiteboard and marker pen
• Sticky notes
• Hot water bottle

If you read through this packing list and realise you don't have everything you need, don't panic. Start by asking your family and friends if they have anything they can lend to you during term time. Once you've gathered what you can from them, then plan what you need to add to your university shopping list.

Remember that you don't need to buy everything new, however. Around most university cities and campuses, there's a whole second-hand economy of students and graduates selling things they no longer need. Check out Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle or join groups for students in the area. You might even find people giving away furniture or books for free.

If you have no luck online, charity shops are a great resource for affordable homeware, decoration and clothes.

Happy packing!