So, you’ve gotten into university - congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: moving out and starting your student journey. Whether you're living in university halls or sharing a student house, there are some must-have items that will make your transition smoother, help you stay organised, and ensure you’re comfortable from day one.
While takeaways and microwave meals might seem appealing at first, cooking your own food is healthier and much cheaper in the long run. Stock your new kitchen with basic cooking tools such as saucepans, frying pans, chopping boards, and cooking knives. You’ll also need plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery, or you might end up eating straight from the pan.
Before you move in, check if your accommodation provides a kettle, toaster, or microwave. If not, consider bringing your own. Don’t forget food containers for leftovers, a can opener, a bottle opener, and oven gloves.
Keeping your living space clean is essential. Stock up on washing-up liquid, dish sponges, tea towels, and multi-surface cleaner. You’ll need laundry detergent and fabric softener to keep your clothes fresh.
A laundry basket will keep your dirty clothes in one place, and a clothes airer is useful for drying without a tumble dryer. Bring a dustpan and brush, mop or broom, and make sure you have bin bags and a rubbish bin to avoid mess piling up.
A good night’s sleep is key for both studying and relaxing. Pack bed sheets, a duvet, pillowcases, and at least one extra blanket. A mattress protector and mattress topper can make your bed much more comfortable.
To create a cosy space, bring cushions, a bedside lamp, and possibly a small rug. Earplugs or an eye mask can help if you're a light sleeper, especially in noisy halls.
You’ll need your daily toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, razors, and deodorant. Don’t forget hairbrushes, sanitary products, skincare items, and any prescription medication you take regularly.
If your bathroom is shared, a shower caddy or basket is useful to carry your items back and forth. Bring at least two bath towels, a hand towel, face cloths, toilet roll, and a toilet brush. A bath mat will help keep floors dry and safe.
Your student room should feel like home. Bring photos, fairy lights, posters, wall art, or anything that makes the space feel personal. Use hooks, Blu Tack, or push pins to decorate safely and within your accommodation rules.
To stay organised, bring storage boxes, under-bed storage, or a set of mini drawers. A desk lamp, mirror, and plenty of coat hangers are also essentials. Small touches like a clock or decorative plant can make a big difference.
You’re at university to study, so make sure you’re fully equipped. Pack notebooks, pens, highlighters, folders, and sticky notes. A planner or academic diary will help you keep track of assignments and deadlines.
Organise your desk with a desk tidy, magazine holder, and maybe a pinboard. Keep your study space stocked with essentials like paper, stapler, paperclips, and scissors. If you're planning on pulling the occasional all-nighter, don't forget a mug, coffee or tea, and a stash of snacks.
Technology plays a major role in university life. A reliable laptop or tablet is essential for coursework, lectures, and online learning. Don’t forget your chargers and consider bringing a multi-socket extension lead.
Other useful tech includes noise-cancelling headphones for focusing, a USB flash drive or external hard drive for backups, and a Bluetooth speaker for downtime. A printer can also be handy if printing on campus is limited.
Moving to university is a big milestone, and being prepared makes all the difference. Pack smart by checking what your accommodation already includes and making a list of what you need. Most importantly, take the time to make your new space your own.
For more university essentials, visit our Student Shop and get everything sorted before move-in day.
