What to take to uni

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Reply 1

Hi there!

An extension lead was never on a packing list but was always handy to have!
Most people type their notes etc. in lectures but I would always suggest paper and pens as a sort of 'back up' plan, nothing worse in your first week forgetting your charger and wondering if your laptop is going to last the whole session.

Anything that reminds you of home, its inevitable you might feel slightly homesick so some home comforts are always handy to have to make your flat seem more homey and comforting.

If your looking to get a job whilst away at uni I suggest brining your passport or some form of ID!

I hope this helps!
Daisy- Graduate Advocate🙂

Reply 2

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi there,

This is a great question.

I would recommend bringing some 'For Life' bags and storage containers. Most rooms will have under-bed storage, so it really helps to keep everything organized and keeps your room tidy. I also find cute storage boxes to be extremely useful for organizing drawers, my wardrobe, or other storage spaces.

Something else that I rarely see mentioned is snacks! I used to get a few different things during my parent's weekly shops and stock up, so that really reduced the cost for me. Personally, I love getting breakfast bars, dry fruits, biscuits, and some chocolate. I also think that some kind of hot drink mixture (hot chocolate, coffee, tea, Horlicks) is very handy to have, especially for those late, cold nights.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 3

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi

I think that extension leads are one of the most commonly forgotten items on students' packing lists.

In addition to this, I also think that you should bring some food to last you a few days just so that you don't need to go food shopping straight away and can get stuck in with the various activities on offer.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 4

FayeYSJ

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi!
One thing I found I was short on when I arrived at uni was decorations, photos and plants to make the room more homely. Additionally, I would recommend an airer to dry your clothes on - this can help you save money on laundry and is great for items that can't be machine dried.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 5

Heriot-Watt Uni

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi!

Stuff I found useful was:

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Laundry bag that has good handles and a zip - some people just use supermarket bags for life but nothing is worse than dropping your laundry and it going everywhere

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An extension cable

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A shopping bag that folds up small

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Fun decorations for your room! Moving away from home for the first time can be a little nerve wracking and I found having cute decorations to make the space my own really helped

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions please feel free to ask!

- Jessica
Student Rep

Reply 6

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi there,

I agree with everything that has been said but I thought I could add a couple more things:

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Hangers! You will need to bring these yourself and if you forget you won't have anywhere to hang your clothes!

•

Sometimes a portable charger can come in handy if you will be at uni for a long time as you might not be sat near anywhere where you can charge your phone.

•

Have your student ID/enrolment email handy as you might need this when you are checking into your accommodation for the first time.

•

If you like going out, I would bring a pair of shoes you don't mind getting dirty as they will get ruined when you are going out!

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Along the same lines, a jumper/jacket to bring on nights out as it can get really cold and if your accommodation is walking distance from town you will likely be walking!

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Pins for your pinboard if you will have one of these in your room (you usually do).

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A keyring or a couple of key rings to put on your keys otherwise they will be really easy to lose! It will be a lot easier to find your keys in your bag/pocket if you have a keyring on them rather than just a loose key.

I hope some of this helps and good luck at uni!

Lucy -SHU student ambassador :smile:

Reply 7

University of Portsmouth Student Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi there!

All the suggestions on this thread so far are definitely things I would recommend packing for uni, a few other things I have found really useful are:

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Tupperware - great for meal prepping, packed lunches or leftovers!

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A folder or plastic wallet for documents - anything you bring with you or get at uni, it's really helpful to have them all in one place.

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Reusable shopping bags - really handy and saves you having to buy new ones every time you shop. They're also great for laundry, packing or taking extra stuff to campus if you have extra curriculars. I would recommend getting a loyalty card / app for your local supermarket too!

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Blankets / hot water bottle - temperatures in accommodation can fluctuate sometimes so these are great for keeping warm in the winter!

I hope this helps!

Eryn - Portsmouth Student Rep 🙂

Reply 8

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi there! 👋

Here’s a couple things to consider if you haven’t got it on you list already:

Bedroom:

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Duvet and pillows 🛌

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Mattress topper

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Some decoration bits to make it more homely

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Bin if your uni room doesn’t have one 🗑️

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Hangers

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Storage bins for extra bits and bobs

Bathroom:

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Toothbrush and toothpaste 🪥

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Loofah helps you make your soap last!

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Bath mat so you don’t get the place all slippery

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Toiletries 🧻🧴

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Toilet brush if you don’t have one in your room!!

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Some cleaning sprays or bleach to keep the place clean 🧼

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Laundry basket and soap 🧺

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Drying rack for clothes

Kitchen:

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Cutlery and plates 🍴

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Mugs and cups☕️

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Bin bags🗑️

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Pots and pans 🍳🥘

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Drying rack for plates is always handy

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Tea towels

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OVEN GLOVES (I’m in year 3 and still don’t own any 🙈

Electionics:

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Extension cord

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Chargers!!! 🔌

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Hairdryer

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Shaver if you need one 🪒

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Lamp or fairy lights

Extra bits and bobs

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ID badge/ passport

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A little medicine cabinet incase you get ill 💊

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Notepad 📝

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Water bottle!! 💦

Hope this has helped a bit and please let me know if you have any more questions!

-Siobhan (3rd year UCLAN student)

Reply 9

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi Anon,
I would recommend bringing anything relating to the hobbies you want to continue at university, or anything you already have relating to any societies you might want to join. This may include craft supplies, sports equipment, books ect.
Also anything to make your room feel more homely, like posters or photos as you should get a pin board.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 10

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Make sure to take your desire to be successful and your motivation

Reply 11

AGUoS

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hey there,

A few things that I found useful as a first-year are -

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A small first-aid kit

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Laundry basket (preferably with wheels)

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Decorations like rugs, pillows, pictures, etc to make your room cozy and comfortable

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Over-the-door hooks for bags, jackets and coats

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Small cleaning supplies

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A reusable shopping bag

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A planner diary

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Pin board pins

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Storage boxes

•

and a few comfort snacks!

I recommend to contact your accommodation and check what essential appliances (like irons, toasters, kettles) they provide. This will help prevent overpacking. Also, don't worry if you forget to pack a few items, you can always get it while you are there!

I hope this helps!

All the best,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)

Reply 12

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Any suggestions on things that may not be on packing lists but you found useful when starting uni as a first year?

Hi

I have found extension leads to be really useful as there just aren't enough plugs another thing I have found is it's always good to have a few plastic storage boxes to store food as it can help to save the amount of money you are spending each week on food.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps