Uni Accommodation Checklist

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.

However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Reply 1

University of Surrey Student Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hello JPxwr,

Firstly:
What type of accommodation will you be living in (catered, shared, studio, ensuite etc)?

Have you checked with the university that you’ve applied to see what their policy is on what you’re allowed to bring into accommodation vs what you’re not allowed to bring?

This will help to narrow things down when giving advice and figuring out what to bring.

Imane
Placement-Year languages student

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hey there,

Things I wish I knew I had to buy when I was moving in for my first year:
1) bed sheets
2) travel plug adaptors if you are international
3) set of cutlery
4) saucepan and frying pan set
5) set of plates
6) a decent lamp
7) some nice wall posters (be carefull to not damage any walls though)
8) Extension cord (sometimes sockets are too far away from the bed)

Please let me know if you have any questions,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU :smile:

Reply 3

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hi there,

I think there's loads of good tips in the comments below but I just thought I'd jump in and give my two cents on the couple of things that I would take to holes if I went back knowing what I do now!

- Grab some slippers or sliders that you don't mind getting dirty because the kitchens in holes can get pretty disgusting if you get the wrong flat mates and you don't want to get all over your socks every time you walk in there.
- A couple extra teaspoons if you're like me and you enjoy a cup of tea sometimes they don't get washed very quickly so just have more than one when you go.
- If your parents take you to do a shop before you go or you just want to stock up before you get there I would really recommend washing up liquid and laundry detergent as those can often be expensive in the smaller shops near accommodations.
- A small desk light or some fairy lights really help make the room look a bit less like a hospital, I can also just add some cosy vibes for later in the evening.
- Finally, I swore by having command strips so I could put stuff on my walls or attach things to each other when I was moving in that didn't damage the paintwork so I could get my full deposit back.

hope this helps
Amber
Coventry university student ambassador

Reply 4

Hull Rep Callum

Official Rep

Cook books! It can be easy to slip into quick eating habits (as I'm sure we're all guilty of 🤭). But I found recipe books with affordable ingredients were my saviour at maintaining nutrition whilst keeping it relatively cheap to work with my budget.

Other honourable mentions include:

•

Stocking up on toiletries! They aren't the cheapest things to buy anymore so knowing you have a stockpile of shower gels, toothpaste and skin care essentials can make you feel that little bit better in yourself and save on the expense.

•

Pictures and posters! This will make you feel at home in your new place.

•

Important paperwork - anything you might need as proof of identity/National Insurance number, especially if you're planning to work alongside your studies.

•

Clothing – be selective, remember that you'll still be here in the winter. And don't forget the hangers!

•

A couple of house plants - they help with air quality in your room and have been known to improve your mood! Just remember to not over or under water them... speaking from experience on this one ☹️

Reply 5

LancashireRep6

Official Rep

Hi @JPxwr,

Congratulations on getting into University! 🎉 This is a really exciting time for you. Having been a student myself, I understand how stressful University shopping can be. There are already lots of great tips, but here are a few I'd suggest:

✅ Photos and posters - Bringing the ones you may already have up at home can make your new room feel much more homely and familiar.
✅ Stock up on bulk items - Think large packs of toilet roll, laundry detergent, tinned food, etc. Buying these before you arrive means you won't have to juggle heavy bags on the way back from a shop.
✅ Storage boxes - Uni rooms often aren't the best when it comes to storage. A few storage boxes can help you stay organised without making your room look cluttered.
✅ Extension lead - Power outlets never seem to be where you want them! An extension lead gives you more flexibility when setting up your room - especially for things like TV's or lamps.
✅ Pack of cards or card games - A super easy and fun way to bond with your flatmates during the first few weeks. It's cheap, light to pack, and great for breaking the ice.

Good luck with your shopping - I hope this helps!
Stella

Reply 6

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hi @JPxwr

That's great you have your accommodation all sorted. What will you be studying and where?

Have you been to view your accommodation? Do your accommodation providers provide a list of what is provided and what you need to provide yourself (this is common in university halls, not in private rental)?

It is impressive that you are being so proactive to avoid panic buying in August!

I would advise buying the essentials first, this is often things like:

•

Towels

•

Duvet

•

Bedsheets

•

Kitchen equipment if needed

•

Crockery

•

Cutlery

•

Hangers for clothes if required

I would then get the things that will make your accommodation more homely, for example:

•

Cushions

•

Photos of friends and family.

•

Posters

•

Plants

•

Games

As mentioned by Imane and Amber it is worth checking what you are allowed to bring/do, if they do allow you to put things on the wall you can get things like command strips that minimise damage to paintwork, as you don't want to have any money taken out of your deposit when you move out. On that note I would take photos of your accommodation before you move your stuff in and report any issues immediately to your accommodation providers ideally in writing (hopefully there aren't any) but this means if they say you caused any damage that was there before you moved in you have proof it wasn't you.

It depends how much you will be going home or how many existing home comforts you think you will need at uni as to what you bring. I found I needed some documents like my exam certificates when I did some job applications and my passport. I would recommend a blanket, jumpers, and cosy socks as it never harms to have extra layers in winter, plus it can save you a few pennies on your heating!

Before buying loads of new things, it is worth living in your accommodation for a couple of weeks as often things crop up once you start using the space daily that you suddenly realise you need like somewhere to store documents. Or in my case: a drying up rack for the washing up and hooks for the back of my door to maximise the space I have for hanging up clothes, etc.

I hope that helps a little.

Good luck with your studies!

Lucy ☺️
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)

Reply 7

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hi!

Here are some things that were really helpful for me in my first year:

•

Extension leads

•

Storage boxes for under your bed (check if there will be room first)

•

Photos of friends/family to make you feel at home

•

Hangers!

•

A pack of cards

•

Two duvet sets for when one is washing or drying

•

2/3 tea towels

•

Plates/bows/cutlery that has some kind of distinguishing factor so you know they're yours!

•

A couple of oven trays because you will use these quite a lot

I didn't need:

•

Big appliances such as printers, air fryers etc (you may not be allowed)

•

A door stop (again you may not be allowed)

•

Candles

•

Some fairy lights you may not be allowed either.

I hope some of this helps 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 8

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Hi @JPxwr

How exciting! Some great advice here to help you get a good list together beforehand, especially for the bigger items where you'll need an extra pair of hands to help carry it all - but I just wanted to jump on too to say that depending on where you are studying and how close things are, going to look round shops and get any extra items can be a great way to explore your local area and be an ice breaker with your flatmates 😊

I'd recommend focusing on the bigger things like many have mentioned already, my personal favourite key items are a nice big blanket and a really comfy pillow. Bring enough to start you off, and then any extra little things you can discover what you need and go search them out when you're there 😁 all part of the fun!

Oh and a top tip that a friend did - took a jar of biscuits and offered them out to everyone when they were moving in as a good ice breaker!! 🍪☕️

Hope you have a fabulous time! 🥳

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

Reply 9

freyaBU

Official Rep

Original post

by JPxwr

Hi!
I've recently booked my accommodation for University and I want to try get some supplies over the next few months so I'm not left in a panic shopping spree by the time August comes.
However, I have no clue on where to start with buying things. What are some things that you guys would recommend getting?

Hi! It's great that you're planning ahead for university accommodation—getting the right supplies early can really help avoid last-minute stress. Here’s a list of essentials and some extras to consider:

Bedroom:

•

Bedding: At least one set of sheets (fitted and flat) and pillowcases, a duvet, and a pillow (you might want to bring more if you don’t want to do laundry too often).

•

Blankets/Throws: For extra warmth or just a cozy look.

•

Storage: Under-bed storage bins or a small wardrobe organiser to keep things tidy.

•

Desk Lamp: If your room doesn’t come with one.

•

Clothes Hangers: A good number of them for your wardrobe.

•

Laundry Basket: For all your laundry (a foldable one can save space).

Kitchen Supplies:

•

Pots/Pans: At least one small pot and pan for basic meals.

•

Utensils & Cutlery: Knives, forks, spoons, a few serving spoons, and a sharp knife.

•

Plates, Bowls, and Cups: One or two sets should be enough.

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Tupperware: For storing leftovers or meal prep.

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Mugs: If you're a tea or coffee drinker!

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Cutting Board & Can Opener: These are easy to forget but very useful.

•

Kettle & Microwave: If your accommodation doesn’t already supply these, they’re essentials for quick meals and drinks (Most university accommodation supply these, but best to check with them before purchasing).

•

Cleaning Supplies: Dish soap, sponges, tea towels.

Bathroom Essentials:

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Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.

•

Towels: A couple of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.

•

Toilet Paper: It’s always good to have some on hand before you move in.

•

Storage for products.

Study Supplies:

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Notebooks, Pens, & Pencils: For taking notes during lectures.

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Planner or Calendar: To help you stay on top of assignments and exams.

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Laptop: You’ll need one for lectures, assignments, and personal use.

•

USB Drives/External Hard Drive: To back up your important files.

•

Chargers: For your phone, laptop, and any other electronics.

Other Useful Items:

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A Small First Aid Kit: With band-aids, painkillers, plasters, etc.

•

Extension Cords/Power Strips: For all your electronics.

•

A Fan or Heater: Depending on the climate and if your accommodation doesn’t provide one.

•

Decor: Posters, fairy lights, plants, or other personal items to make the space feel like home.

•

Multi-purpose Cleaning Products: For your room and kitchen.

Personal & Miscellaneous:

•

Lock for Your Room: If you’re not already supplied with one for your personal safety.

•

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your day.

•

Travel Mug: If you like coffee or tea on the go.

Starting with these essentials should help ensure you have a good base to work with, and then you can pick up extra items as needed. It’s always a good idea to check with your accommodation about what’s already provided (like a fridge, microwave, etc.) so you don’t buy duplicates!

Feel free to reach out if you need more specific recommendations or if you're unsure about anything! ☺️