How much stuff should I bring to uni

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

Original post by crimsonrose3205

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

I'm regurgitating what I have written in a previous thread, since it's such a common question:

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)

•

Kettle

•

Mittens - or something that allows you hold hot items

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, foil
• 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.

Sensible shoes. I know it's boring but there's going to be one pair you'll live in. 😆

For the kitchen, think about everything you use in a week and are there items which can do multiple jobs, e.g. a good knife can do all kitchen jobs or a medium bowl which can work for cereal, cooking and serving.

(edited 1 month ago)

Original post by crimsonrose3205

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

Hi there,

I also brought way too much with me when I first moved into uni! It's not the end of the world but it is a lot easier if you don't overpack as you can always buy things when you get to uni. The amount that you are describing doesn't sound like too much to me, but again it depends how big the suitcases are that you are bringing. The bedding will all be needed and on your bed, so you won't need to think about storing any of this and one suitcase of clothes should all fit in your wardrobe (although it will probably be quite small). All other things such as crafts etc should be able to fit in any other storage your room has, such as shelves or drawers etc. It's also worth looking to see if you have space under your bed where you can put some boxes as student accommodation quite often has space under the bed where you can store things so if you do you could always get some boxes that fit under there and lots of things can go there.

With clothes, you can always just bring winter clothes at first, or things that will be suitable to wear for the first few months at uni as you can always swap these around with the clothes that you have at home. You won't need as much as you think as you will end up things more than you think. Have a few pairs of trousers that you like and you know you will wear a lot and then bring different tops that will go with these as these are often smaller and save room but you can make lots of different outfits out of them! Make sure you have a coat too as it will get cold and also maybe a jacket that you can wear out if you like going out/just a nicer jacket as this will come in handy too.

When you are buying kitchen stuff, try and think about the meals you will make and just buy things that you need based off this. Just because people normally buy things like a potato masher doesn't mean you have to if you don't think you will ever use it! Also try and buy plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery etc that has a pattern on/colour on as this will be very handy so you can tell it apart from everyone else's as everyone will have very similar looking cutlery so this is a good idea to make sure you know which ones are yours!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador :smile:

Reply 4

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by crimsonrose3205

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

Hi @crimsonrose3205
I would definitely recommend bringing all of your equipment relating to your hobbies like crafting ect. Also i would definitely recommend some shoes to wear around your flat like slippers/sliders or crocs. However, it might be worth seeing if your universities has printing facilities in the library, as these will likely be provided and will save lots of space in your room. Also, if you don't already have stuff for your kitchen/bathroom i would recommend buying these on move in day, once you see what space you have available in your kitchen cupboards ect. and try to buy equipment that has more than 1 use to save space.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Original post by crimsonrose3205

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

Hi @crimsonrose3205,

That doesn't sound like too much to me. I definitely took more as I wasn't going home too frequently. I think take everything you need for your day to day life like you would at home but remember you will probably accumulate more things later down the line. Each year I moved to another accommodation I had more and more which started to become harder to move.

I think having something from home or something that reminds you of home is great and helped me a lot.

Great idea to get the kitchen and bathroom stuff when you are there. I did this too and it made the first lot of unpacking so much easier and less bulky.

There will be facilities to print so the printer may not be essential however not long after starting first year, I got myself a printer as it was more convenient. :smile:

Hope this helps!
Jakub- Fashion promotion graduate

Original post by crimsonrose3205

So I am moving into my new accommodation on the 7th next month and I can't work out if I am packing too much. So basically when I arrive up there I will buy all the bathroom and kitchen stuff. So currently I have one large suitcase full of stuff relating to my hobbies and likes such as reading and crafts with a few bits of uni stationery and another large suitcase for my clothes and accessories. I also have a printer from the DSA and a bag full of bedding. As it is my first year I can't tell if im bringing way too much or not. Hopefully someone can shine a light on what is a normal amount to bring.

Hi there!

How exciting - are you looking forward to moving in to your accommodation?

You definitely want your accommodation to feel like home, so bringing things from your bedroom like your bedding and a couple of trinkets will make you feel more comfortable in your new place, along with your hobbies which you'll enjoy doing in your free time. As you say, you can then buy kitchen and bathroom essentials once you arrive.

However, just remember that uni accommodation can be on the smaller side, so try to be mindful of space as you won't want your room to be too cluttered. And you can always buy anything you forget further down the line.

We've actually written a checklist of essentials that will set you up nicely for your first few weeks. View our checklist here.

I hope you find this helpful, and best of luck for moving in and starting uni! 😄
G

Reply 7

Trinculo

21

As a first year, any kitchen equipment brought should be commensurate with your actual ability to cook.

Your mum taking you to Peter Jones to buy a balloon whisk and a pestle & mortar is more wishful thinking than having any practical application.

How much stuff should I bring to uni

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