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what should I take to uni?

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

shoe polish in case you go to something fancy

a book of stamps

a first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic cream and some form of paracetomol

a fireproof box for important documents and items

a reusable coffee cup if you like hot drinks

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hey there!

Here are some not-so-obvious items that I found helpful when I started uni:

1. A reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, and having a reusable water bottle is not only eco-friendly, but can save you money on buying bottled water.
2. An umbrella: You never know when the weather will take a turn for the worse, so having an umbrella on hand can be a lifesaver.
3. A small first aid kit: Accidents happen, so having a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and pain relievers can be helpful.

I hope you find these tips helpful! And remember, university is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and make new friends. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things - who knows, you might just surprise yourself! Best of luck to you in your upcoming studies, and welcome to the student family!

- Ilya :smile:

Reply 3

University of Strathclyde

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hey @jreid24 :biggrin:

To add to some of the other good suggestions here - I'd recommend an extension cable for your room if that's not already on your list! Sometimes plug points can be limited and having an extension cord can come in handy :smile:

If you forget anything then you'll be able to pick it up once you get there so try not to overload your packing too much :^_^:

Good luck!! Which course are you starting in September? :dance:

- Caitlin

Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 4

StudentRoostRep2

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hi there!

A few things I would suggest would be:

- An eye mask so you can enjoy a good sleep, especially during freshers!
- Small decor items such as photos that you can frame and put on your desk, to bring a piece of home with you
- An airer to dry your clothes

There are also some advice blogs on our website, such as student essentials and what you really don't need to pack!

I hope this helps and good luck on your university journey.

Eleanor

Reply 5

Anonymous #2

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

What's considered obvious is very much dependent on the individual - it's like saying common sense is common when in fact it depends on a number of factors including age, gender, social class, upbringing, culture, values, experience

In a standard uni room, you would expect to have a furnished room i.e. there should be a bed, desk, lamp, shelves, wardrobe. However, these rooms are small (unless you grew up in a city, in which case these rooms are "normal" size), so I would try to keep things minimal where possible i.e. be a minimalist and keep things digital.
The rule of thumb is if you can't fit it in a suitcase and a backpack/laptop bag (like you would on holidays), it's generally not a good idea. If you can't fit it in boot and rear seats of a small hatchback car, then it's too much.

I would include the following:
• Suitcase, rucksack/messenger bag, laptop bag minimal; holdall/sports bag optional
• Suitcase full of clothes, hangers and toiletries
• Clothes – clothes for night out, interview, everyday wearing, PJ, exercise; winter and summer coats and wear if abroad or not home that often
• Laptop – pointer, wired mouse, 2 memory sticks,
• 2 earphones, phone charger
• Duvet, pillow cases, bed sheets
• Umbrella
• Kitchen utensils and dining ware - pot, pan, plate, set of cutlery, spatula, wooden spoon, chopping board, and small paring knife/chef's knife

Optional stuff:
• Exercise equipment - dumbells, yoga mat (or something to cushion the weight and allow you to workout on the floor), skipping role, resistance bands, etc.
• Additional IT gear – monitor, speakers, printer (all in one), external hard drive, usb hub/port, DVD reader
• Software/apps – Notion/ChatGPT, Microsoft Office, Desmos (for quantitative degrees), antivirus, Netflix or similar
• Books and DVDs– only the ones that you keep going back to time and again or you intend to go over in detail during your time at uni
• Bike – bike lock should be included
• Tablet - but I would rather not bring one
• Mirror – I prefer the body length ones, but your room might have this

You should check to see if you can park your car near your accommodation. This is more relevant if you decide to live off campus for your second and third year since you can get parking space at your place of residence.
Cars are mostly useful if you want to go to supermarkets, town/city centre, for work, or drive home often. If you do this rarely, then it might not be worth bringing it with you. Having a car is not ideal if you intend to drive it to uni often or have it on campus (parking charges, difficult to find a place to park, etc).

What I don't recommend bringing includes:
• Large TVs and consoles
• Workout bench
• Your extensive shoe collection

There are things that I recommend getting once you're on or near the uni (because you don't know how much space you have, whether you can get away without having them, and you don't want to carry extra weight and chilled/frozen food long distance when you don't have to):
• Food – especially if you know how much freezer space you have
• Food for the first few nights – optional to bring some with you
• Stationery and paper – optional items include hole punchers and staplers; nonoptional items include an arch lever folder (1 for every 1-2 modules), ring binder
• Textbooks that you need for your studies – second hand where possible, but you can also spend time in the uni library as well
• Toiletries and supplies

Reply 6

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hey!

All of the replies you've had so far have pretty much covered it all to be honest! :smile:

I also wanted to hop on and add a couple of things I forgot/saw other people find useful and ended up buying once I arrived:
1. Pop up laundry/washing basket
2. Storage caddies for shower/bathroom (depending on your accommodation - my shower was tiny so I found a hanging shower caddy helpful to put all my shower gel .etc on)
3. Clothes horse/airer & pegs to dry your clothes & save money on tumble drying (you can find some that pack away really small as well!)
4. Photos/frames/fairy lights/blanket/cushion to make your room more cosy/homely (less necessary but nice to have!)

Good luck starting uni!

Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep

Reply 7

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

@jreid24

A waterproof jacket if you are going up North. When it rains, it rains : (

If you're a foodie or you enjoy a certain cuisine and know where to buy those items where you currently live, it might be worthwhile to take a few items e.g. spices/ those key ingredients that can make or break a meal.

As a black woman, there are certain hair products that are not so easily available everywhere, so it might be useful if there are particular products that work for you to bring them along.

Again as a woman, useful items during your time of the month e.g. mattress protector, sanitary items, paracetamol, hot water bottle etc...

White wine vinegar (purchase after you arrive). If you are in student accommodation and using the kettle that has been previously used by the last students it might not be clean : (

If you don't want limescale in your cuppa/brew then put a 1:1 ratio of white wine vinegar to water for a few hours in the kettle, after a few hours boil it, and then leave it for 20 mins before pouring the liquid away. You will then need to rinse the kettle a few times/ boil water a few times to get rid of the vinegar smell, but you will have a clean kettle : )

Hope that helps,

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

Reply 8

UniOfLincolnStudent

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hi,

First of all, congrats on starting university!

I would definitely have a look at your accommodation inventory beforehand and see what is already provided. This will help you decided what you would need to bring for your kitchen and bedroom.

I would bring the essentials such as pots, pans, cups and cutlery for the kitchen.

For the bedroom, I would again check the inventory, but pillows and duvets are usually down to you to bring. I would also bring any decorations to make your room as homely as possible such as photos and lights! They always help!

Plus whatever you would need for your course.

A lot of stuff can be bought when you have moved in so don't panic if you miss anything out!

Hope this helps!

Good luck with everything!

Jennifer :smile:

Reply 9

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

This article might have some useful suggestions/be a good place to start at making a checklist of things :smile:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/freshers/what-to-take-to-university-checklist

As the list says though definitely check beforehand before bringing any kitchen appliances - firstly as they may not permit them/may require they undergo PAT, and secondly as it's quite possible everyone else might bring one! I think it seems fairly common for student flats to end up with a surplus of kettles and toasters as a result :wink:

Likewise double check before bringing decorative electricals like fairy lights, specialist lamps and so on, as they may or may not be permitted. Also bear in mind things like incense and so on are usually not allowed in halls!

Reply 10

CCCU Official

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

What I don't recommend bringing includes:
• Large TVs and consoles
• Workout bench
• Your extensive shoe collection

I agree! (unless you like gaming...or a fashionista... then the shoes and consoles are a must) :groovy:

Reply 11

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

Hiya @jreid24 !
Some things that helped me that you wouldn't necessarily think of:

1) A washing bag with handles: i managed to find one of these at B&M but this really helped with carrying things down to the laundry room.

2) A couple of plug boards: sometimes you barely get any sockets in your flat so this will help to provide you with extra power outlets.

3) A keychain with a card holder in it: I got a clear one and put it on my keys, I put my student ID in it when I'm going on nights out so I never forget it.

4) A hook clip: Kind of like those ones you get at the gym only smaller. I use this to attach my keys to my belt loop of my jeans or trousers on a night out so I don't lose them. I attach the key to the belt loop with the hook and then tuck my keys into my pocket.

5) A portable charger: Goes without saying, invest in a really good one that'll last you a fair few charges. Mine was from Amazon and it gets me through 3 full charges

6) Toothbrush charger: I forgot mine when I first went and had to brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush with no charge for a few weeks until I went back home to get it.

7) HDMI cable: Good for presenting things at uni. They may have them but it may help to bring one with you. My uni has collaborative learning spaces in the library and they're like smaller rooms with a monitor screen in them so it helped for one of us to bring a HDMI cable to present with.

8) Tissues: don't stick to toilet paper during freshers flu period. I learned that the hard way, my nose was literally peeling.

9) Batteries and a toolkit: You never know when you're going to need them.

10) Tupperware boxes: Taking food to uni instead of buying a meal deal there has saved me so much money in the long term. Even just cheap ones from IKEA will do. It will also help with money to batch cook.

11) An eye mask: Student accommodation curtains almost never fit the actual window, you always get light creeping in.

12) A hot coffee cup: Get a reusable one and save so much money on buying teas and coffees when you're there, just make one before you go.

Hope this helped!
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU

Reply 12

NewJobStarter

Original post by jreid24

hey, I'm starting uni this September and I've got a lot of the basics I need to bring. I was just wondering if there was anything people found helpful that might not be obvious?

What did you bring everyday when doing your alevels ?

Reply 13

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

@jreid24

Just to add:

Do bring (at least one) toilet roll and soap/handwash!

It's a bit of a nightmare, if you arrive and want to make use of your facilities and don't have the basics.

Also remember to bring washing-up liquid and a sponge, so that you can wash your plate/bowl/mug and cutlery that have been wrapped in newspaper and so that you can eat and drink and wash up afterwards.

You might like to bring some kitchen roll to dry your kitchen items, or a kitchen towel before storing them away or better yet you might like get a dish drying rack after your arrival.

Finally don't forget your phone charger.

Hope that helps,

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield