The Student Room Group

Durham Uni packing HELP

Im having trouble packing as an international students and have some questions:

1- How much storage is built into a typical college room? I dont want to overpack and have no space
2- Should I pack some "summer"/ warm weather clothes for Michaelmas term (shorts, short sleeve tops etc)
3- I work by numbers and feel like I packed too much, can someone tell me how much of each item I should pack lol (I packed 10 hoodies and now in recollection I can tell this is too much haha)
4- What should I pack for formals/balls as a female? how dressed up should I be on balls? what should I wear for matriculation?
5- What are MUST pack items instead of buying them when I get there?

Thanks!!!!

Reply 1

Original post
by bg112
Im having trouble packing as an international students and have some questions:
1- How much storage is built into a typical college room? I dont want to overpack and have no space
2- Should I pack some "summer"/ warm weather clothes for Michaelmas term (shorts, short sleeve tops etc)
3- I work by numbers and feel like I packed too much, can someone tell me how much of each item I should pack lol (I packed 10 hoodies and now in recollection I can tell this is too much haha)
4- What should I pack for formals/balls as a female? how dressed up should I be on balls? what should I wear for matriculation?
5- What are MUST pack items instead of buying them when I get there?
Thanks!!!!

Tagging @Durham Students
Original post
by bg112
Im having trouble packing as an international students and have some questions:
1- How much storage is built into a typical college room? I dont want to overpack and have no space
2- Should I pack some "summer"/ warm weather clothes for Michaelmas term (shorts, short sleeve tops etc)
3- I work by numbers and feel like I packed too much, can someone tell me how much of each item I should pack lol (I packed 10 hoodies and now in recollection I can tell this is too much haha)
4- What should I pack for formals/balls as a female? how dressed up should I be on balls? what should I wear for matriculation?
5- What are MUST pack items instead of buying them when I get there?
Thanks!!!!

Hiya,

1.

Every college room is different but realistically most don't have that much storage space imo.

2.

You can if you want to but it really does depend on the weather (which is unpredictable) but you can pack a few summery clothing items.

3.

I can't really give a number because it does really depend on the individual and what sort of activity you will be doing but 10 hoodies is definitely maybe too much. Keep in mind you will be collecting more clothes as the year goes on, especially college stash or society stash which is usually comprised of hoodies. I would say 5 hoodies at the most is pretty good.

4.

For formals, usually the dress code is smart casual (unless its a themed formal) so dresses, jumpsuits, suits, etc (anything smart and a bit formal). For balls, its a bit fancier, ball gown/prom vibes is what most people go with. Usually floor length dresses is what most people go with but you don't have to, you don't have to be really dressed up if you don't want its entirely up to you 🙂 For matriculation, I would suggest something similar to what you would wear at a formal (do keep in mind you may end up wearing a gown if its a gowned college)

5.

Must pack items: Extension cord, hangers, slippers, any card games or board games (trust me it comes in handy during freshers and pres), cookware, cutlery, plates, etc. There's a TJ Hughes in Durham where you'll find some of this stuff for quite an affordable price but keep in mind you will be quite busy during freshers to go out and buy all of that so its best to bring it with you and any extras you can buy in Durham.


I'll link a blogs about moving in, formals and what to wear and just general info on how to navigate freshers if you'd like to have a read 🙂

So, what are formals all about? The Durham Student
What I wish I’d known before coming to Durham The Durham Student
A few of my Durham uni top tips The Durham Student

I hope this helps!

-Ghala

Reply 3

Original post
by Durham Students
Hiya,

1.

Every college room is different but realistically most don't have that much storage space imo.

2.

You can if you want to but it really does depend on the weather (which is unpredictable) but you can pack a few summery clothing items.

3.

I can't really give a number because it does really depend on the individual and what sort of activity you will be doing but 10 hoodies is definitely maybe too much. Keep in mind you will be collecting more clothes as the year goes on, especially college stash or society stash which is usually comprised of hoodies. I would say 5 hoodies at the most is pretty good.

4.

For formals, usually the dress code is smart casual (unless its a themed formal) so dresses, jumpsuits, suits, etc (anything smart and a bit formal). For balls, its a bit fancier, ball gown/prom vibes is what most people go with. Usually floor length dresses is what most people go with but you don't have to, you don't have to be really dressed up if you don't want its entirely up to you 🙂 For matriculation, I would suggest something similar to what you would wear at a formal (do keep in mind you may end up wearing a gown if its a gowned college)

5.

Must pack items: Extension cord, hangers, slippers, any card games or board games (trust me it comes in handy during freshers and pres), cookware, cutlery, plates, etc. There's a TJ Hughes in Durham where you'll find some of this stuff for quite an affordable price but keep in mind you will be quite busy during freshers to go out and buy all of that so its best to bring it with you and any extras you can buy in Durham.


I'll link a blogs about moving in, formals and what to wear and just general info on how to navigate freshers if you'd like to have a read 🙂
So, what are formals all about? The Durham Student
What I wish I’d known before coming to Durham The Durham Student
A few of my Durham uni top tips The Durham Student
I hope this helps!
-Ghala

Thank you so much this is very helpfulllll x

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