The Student Room Group

Any advise what should I take to uni?

I’m starting soon and want to know any things people normally forget
Original post by Maryisme
I’m starting soon and want to know any things people normally forget

Hi there!

One thing I forgot when I started is a laundry basket. Washing your clothes at university is expensive so I would make sure to get a big enough laundry basket so you have plenty of space to put your dirty clothes and then you can do a big wash when you have enough clothes to fill the machine. I'd also recommend one with handles so it's easier for carrying your clothes to and from the launderette.

Some other things that are important are

Extension lead

Slippers or slides

Medicines like Ibuprofen and Paracetamol

Hangers for your wardrobe

Mattress protector


I hope this helps😀

Lottie, Graduate Advocate
Original post by Maryisme
I’m starting soon and want to know any things people normally forget

Hi there,

Great question! Packing for university can be a stressful and chaotic time, so there is always something that is forgotten. I've linked some useful packing lists here, here, and here, so hopefully this helps you with the basics.

One thing I can't stress enough is medication. A first aid kit, any personal medication, tissues, cold and flu tablets, cough syrup, plasters, and any other things you can think of. Usually when you forget to pack something, it's a little inconvenient but no issue to go and buy a new one. However, as soon as you start to feel unwell, going out to buy supplies is the last thing you want to do! I packed mine in a little storage container to keep everything organized.

Some other things that I think you might want to consider packing are a small sewing kit, batteries, and cleaning supplies!

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Geography with a Year Abroad Student
Original post by Maryisme
I’m starting soon and want to know any things people normally forget

I don't know what people normally forget, so I would like all things that I would bring with me.

The thing about uni accommodation is that the rooms tend not to be too big. You should only bring enough with you with the aim of moving everything again to somewhere else in 9 months. If you haven't lived by yourself before and haven't moved around a lot, you will quickly appreciate the idea of minimalism and keeping it light.

My rule of thumb is to have enough that can comfortably fit in the rear half of a hatchback. If you can't fit everything in this area, then you're probably carrying too much.
Do also note, you can always buy supplies once you reach uni; you don't need to bring everything with you. Also, note that a lot of things are digital, so long you have WiFi, data, or tablet/phone, you're more than OK with a lot of things.

Things I would bring with me:
Bedroom

Laptop

Computer accessories including: all-in-one printer, wired mouse, earphones, laser pointer, monitor, HDMI cable, mini speakers, ethernet cable, memory stick, USB hub (many of these are optional, but I strongly recommend that you get the printer, ethernet cable, memory stick, and earphones at least)

If your course requires it, your desktop PC

Duvet covers

Books that you read all the time or need in your spare time - you will likely be reading all of the time on your course, so be tasteful about this; also, try to get the electronic version where possible to save you carrying them. Good examples of these include: religious book, dictionary, how to manual, book you are currently reading

Tablet (if you have one) and charger

Phone and charger

Extension lead - not even optional, it's mandatory

Light weights/dumbbells, resistance bands, and mat (optional, but recommended unless you go to the gym all the time)

Enough clothes to fit in 2 suitcases: Clothes that you wear 80% of the time, formal wear (for jobs), for sleep, for gym, and something for the nightlife; 2-3 pairs of shoes is plenty; scarf and warm clothes are recommended

Seasonal wear is up to you, but winter coat and summer wear is worth bearing in mind

Card reader/PIN sentry from your bank if you use online banking

Optional when you don't have extra chairs in the room: Bean bag or Zaisu

Clothes hangers

Makeup and hair dryer if relevant

Shelf organisers (optional, so long it doesn't take up too much space)

Simple toolset (optional) e.g. screw drivers

Laundry basket (optional; foldable where possible), otherwise use a plastic bag

Shoe rack (optional) - unless you're comfortable putting your shoes anywhere

Kitchen

Pot

Saucepan

Dining Bowl, Mixing bowl

Plate and Cutlery

Cups and drinkware (not too many)

2 knives (chef and paring) and chopping board (if not provided)

Serving spoon/fork/tongs (prefer tongs where possible)

Water bottle (optional)

Scissors (not small)

Tupperware

Sieve (depending on what you cook and whether you need to drain or have fine powder)


Exterior

Bike and lock (especially if the main campus or building that you need to go to is more than a 10 minute walk away - and they usually are)

Ideally don't bring your car if you intend to be living on uni campus since they have a lot of parking restrictions


Bathroom

Toothbrush and toothpaste (plus whatever else you need for dental hygiene)

Towels x2

Shower gel

Shampoo

Toiletry bag (recommended but optional)

Bathrobe (optional)

Slippers (optional)


General rule of thumb is to bring enough supplies for at least 1 week until you need to buy more, if you don't have time to buy them once you get there. It should give you enough time

What's not recommended:

TV and game console

Multigym equipment, pull up bar, and workout bench

Piano (has to be said)

Chairs that take up a lot of space


What I recommend buying once you get there:

Notepad and stationery (including calculator for your course if a basic calculator is not sufficient) - pens, ring binder, arch folder, hole puncher, stapler

Journal/diary/notebook (optional)

Food for a week

Kitchen supplies e.g. cling film

Toiletries including toilet rolls

Cleaning supplies including tissue, shoe freshener, air fresher, washing up liquid, antibacterial wipes/spray

Any room décor that you fancy from the Fresher's Fair (or online if there's nothing you want) e.g. poster, book ends, vases, plants

Bus pass - if you will use the bus often


If there is anything that you habitually use daily or 80-90% of the time and they're small and lightweight, then you can bring them along.
Your wallet or purse should include your bank card, student ID, and other ID/driving licence.

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