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Moving Away for University: Packing Guide

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Going to University can be an enriching experience that allows you enough time and freedom to study, meet new friends and learn more about yourself and how to become independent.

But like many students, this might be your first time living away from home. If it is, you might not know what to bring when you first move into university accommodation. 

In this article, we’ve provided a simple first-year university packing list and included some easy tips and tricks that could help you pack your belongings safely and securely, ready for move-in day.

What Do I Need To Bring To University?

Before you start packing your life into cardboard boxes, it’s important to check the inventory sheet you’ve been given for student accommodation. 

This is a list of everything that is provided with the room and everything the university expects will stay behind when you leave. 

If something listed in this article also appears on the inventory sheet, like a bedroom bin, you don’t have to worry about bringing it yourself. 

Essentials

Essential items are the objects that you would grab during an emergency and cannot forget, including:

  • Documents and ID: While you are at university, there is going to be some critical documentation that you do not want to lose. You will be responsible for your photo ID, passport, bank information and medical information, all of which could be essential to your life at university. It’s a good idea to keep your critical documents in an appropriately sized envelope or postal box and store them in a safe place.
  • Chargers: Chargers are an essential part of any university packing list. Bring the correct charger and charging cable to ensure your phone, tablet, laptop and consoles are fully charged. For additional protection while packing, consider using anti-static bubble wrap to prevent any unexpected electrical discharge.
  • Medicines: If you take any medications regularly, take a note of what they are and bring them with you. Finding an appropriately sized box can help you keep your medication together so you can have peace of mind knowing your medication is there when you need it.

Bedroom

You might be spending a lot of time in your bedroom, so make it your own unique space by bringing your own:

  • Duvet and Pillows: Although university halls and student houses provide mattresses, students are generally expected to bring their own duvets and pillows.  Always check the size of the bed to ensure you are bringing the right-sized duvet.
  • Bedding and Sheets: After packing your duvet and pillows, it’s time for your bedding and sheets. Choosing your bedding is a great chance to make your room feel cosy, so choose bedding that matches your aesthetic and feels great when you’re napping. Make sure to bring two sets of bedding so you can rotate your sheets out as they are being washed.
  • Bedroom Bin: Some halls may not provide bedroom bins, so checking your room inventory is important to see what is included.
  • Posters and Wall Hangings: No student bedroom is complete without posters or wall hangings. If you have a lot of posters to move (or if you are studying graphic design), consider a postal tube to keep your prints in top condition.
  • Soft Furnishings: The finishing touches on your room will be the soft furnishings. Make sure you pack at least one comfortable cushion and a large throw or blanket. If you feel anxious about moving out, choose something that reminds you of home to help you feel even more comfortable while you decompress.

Bathroom

It’s vital that your bathroom remains a clean and functional space. Make sure you’re prepared for university life by bringing:

  • Towels and Shower Mat: Bring at least 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels to university. This lets you switch them out regularly when you’re doing your washing.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Bleach, antibacterial surface spray, and a toilet brush are all essential components of any university bathroom.
  • Toilet Paper: Possibly the most self-explanatory item on this university packing list, maintaining a stock of toilet paper is always a good idea and means you won’t have to borrow any from your flatmates on your first day.
  • Shampoo, Soap and Bodywash: Pack your favourite soap, shampoo, and bodywash to take with you. Feeling confident and refreshed will allow you to put your best foot forward when meeting new people and keep yourself smelling great, even after freshers.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often a social area in halls, so make the most out of your university kitchen by bringing:

  • Mugs and Glasses: Realistically, students should only require 2-3 mugs and glasses, as almost everyone will bring their own. However, to guarantee they arrive safely, pack them in bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking during the move.
  • Crockery, Cookware and Baking Trays: Most university halls and houses will provide microwaves, toasters and ovens, but you must provide your own plates, bowls, cookware, and baking trays. To stop them sliding around during the move, you can slide pieces of foam roll between each item, providing additional cushioning and grip to help everything stay safe and stable.
  • Chopping Board: Chopping boards will appear on every packing list for university. Keep your knives sharp and your surfaces protected by slipping a chopping board in with your crockery and cookware.
  • Cutlery and Utensils: Going overboard with cutlery and utensils can be easy. Generally, each student should only need three or four sets of cutlery and their favourite cooking utensils, like spatulas or spoons.
  • Tea Towels: An essential part of any kitchen, tea towels are a great chance to choose something fun and share your personality with your new flatmates.
  • Tupperware: Tupperware is a great way to save time and money. Plan and prep your meals before going to class to help you stretch your student budget.
  • Aluminium Foil, Greaseproof Paper and Cling Film: Foil, greaseproof paper and cling film are great tools for cooking, but they also help minimise cleaning up. Layering foil or greaseproof paper on top of your baking trays when cooking will ensure that your baking tray stains less frequently, and cling film is perfect for covering your half-finished snacks for later.
  • Padlock: Plenty of university accommodation provides individual cupboards and fridge areas that can be locked with a padlock. Protect your food and pots by bringing a padlock and ensuring your kitchen space remains off-limits, even during parties.

Studying

Studying is also an important part of the university experience. Set yourself up for success, both at university and beyond, by making sure you remember to pack:

  • Laptop: Laptops have become an essential piece of university equipment, so it’s important to keep your laptop safe. Use a bubble wrap pouch or anti-static bubble wrap to protect your laptop during transit, and make sure that you have a box that provides a tight fit with minimal movement.
  • Stationery: Universities often provide a lot of stationery, and university stores will almost always have anything that you’ve missed, but if you already have a studying system that works for you (like using sticky notes or writing with a favourite pen) make sure you remember to add it to your university packing list.
  • Books: University textbooks have a reputation for being heavy and expensive. Investing in a good quality box for transport and storage will prevent any embarrassing trips and spills and keep your room looking tidy after they have been packed away.
  • Bags: University is full of new experiences, and you want to make the most of them. Find a small bag that’s comfortable enough for everyday use and fill it with essentials like tissues, hand sanitiser, and a water bottle to give you an easy walking-around bag, allowing you to leave your heavy laptop bag safely in your room when you aren’t in class.

Prepare For University Life By Following A University Packing List

From choosing the right packing boxes for moving on your first day to meeting your new friends after class, university is an exciting experience where no two days are the same.

If you’re moving into student accommodation this year, we have put together a student moving boxes pack to help make your transition to university as seamless as possible and set yourself up for a great start in education.If you have any questions about our packaging materials or want clarification on an order, please contact our team by emailing us at info@schottpackaging.co.uk.