You’ve worked your butt off trying to get yourself into University, and now the time has almost come! You’ve been accepted onto your course, your accommodation is sorted, and the move date is rapidly approaching. But have you thought about what University essentials you absolutely have to take with you, and what you still need to get?
In a rush? Download the Printable PDF Uni Checklist here!
P.s. Our friends at UniSOS have put together a great ‘care package’ style survival box, which is great for Freshers and will make an ideal present for loved ones who are leaving to go to uni. Take a look at their website, or continue reading for some inspiration. Don’t forget your downloadable packing checklist!
If you can’t be bothered to read the whole thing you can just use these buttons to skip to the list you’re here for:
Bedroom University Essentials University Essentials For Your Desk Kitchen University Essentials Food Cupboard University Essentials University Essentials For Your Bathroom Tech And Gadgets University Essentials Important Documents University Essentials University Essentials - Cleaning Supplies Health Related University Essentials University Essentials From Home Optional Extrasor check out 53 Things To Put In Your Student Survival Kit
When I rushed off to University, I read a whole bunch of University essentials guides, and I had my own little University checklist which I stuck to. My mum even looked up what a Student Survival Kit was and left me with some of the ‘obvious’ things I’d forgotten (first aid kit, hot water bottle etc etc..). And I still wound up without a bunch of things I needed. I remember driving to Ikea straight after I’d started unpacking with my parents to pick up a mirror and hangers, missing out on a bit of valuable socialising time.
Learn from my mistakes. I’ve made you University checklists for each area of the new place you’re moving into, like your bathroom, bedroom and kitchen, PLUS extra lists for health, your desk, and more. All of these lists are available as free printables, so whether you’re the one moving or you’re helping a loved one to move you’ll be prepared! And if you’re looking to give a friend or family member going off to University a surprise, you really should check out my previous 53 things to put in your Student Survival Kit post!
Contents
- 1 What To Take To Uni – 179 University Essentials
- 1.1 Bedroom University Essentials
- 1.2 University Essentials For Your Desk
- 1.3 Kitchen University Essentials
- 1.4 Food Cupboard University Essentials
- 1.5 University Essentials For Your Bathroom
- 1.6 Tech And Gadgets University Essentials
- 1.7 Important Documents University Essentials
- 1.8 University Essentials – Cleaning Supplies
- 1.9 Health Related University Essentials
- 1.10 University Essentials From Home
- 1.11 Optional Extras
- 1.12 ADDED EXTRA: What You’ll Need To Set Up In Second Year
- 2 SEE MORE: The Best Budget Laptops 2016 In The UK >>
What To Take To Uni – 179 University Essentials
Bedroom University Essentials
You might think you know perfectly well what to take to Uni for your bedroom. Basically what you have in yours at home already right? Well, I’ve already told you I forgot to take a mirror, and that’s because I assumed I’d have one already! And who could’ve guessed just how cold it’d be in your new place? If you’re a parent checking out this list make sure you note down the things they’ll definitely forget; like an extension cable and laundry basket!
Keep reading to find out how to access our Subscriber Perks page, where you’ll find all these lists available for printing (like the one above, but bigger!).
- Pillows – (the more the better)
- Laundry Basket
- Duvet
- Mirror
- Pillow Cases
- Alarm Clock
- Duvet Case
- Bin
- Bottom Sheet
- Wardrobe – (if there won’t be one provided)
- Blanket
- Extension Cable
- Lamp
- Pinboard
- Hangers
- Air Freshener
University Essentials For Your Desk
Packing for your bedroom’s the easy bit you know. Packing what you need for your desk gets a little bit more difficult, and can depend a lot on what your course is. You obviously won’t need and white-tac if you won’t be sticking anything on a wall, and you could need special markers or other stationary if you’re doing a University course that needs them. So this is a basic list of things the majority of courses will need.
- Pens
- Lamp – (yes, a second lamp – you don’t want to be constantly moving your bedside table lamp over to your desk for those last minute late night essay rushes)
- Notepads
- Post-It Notes
- Pencils
- Hole Puncher
- Folders
- Stapler
- Pen Pot
- Scissors
- Highlighters
- Printer Paper
- White-tac – (if you don’t have a pinboard)
- Printer Ink
- Pins
- Diary
- TipEx
- Page Dividers
- Plastic Wallets
- Sellotape
- Envelopes
- Stamps
I’ve made all of these lists into a handy printable sheet for you! They’re especially useful if you’re trying to help someone else get ready for going to University, and they’re just not getting their butt in gear. I’ve broken the University checklists into rooms, like they are in this post, and you can find them all in one spot on our Subscriber Perks page!
Kitchen University Essentials
The kitchen is an awkward one. In your first year, you’re probably going to have the majority of the things you need provided. If I were you I’d still take yourself some plates, bowls, cups and cutlery though – you won’t want to be sharing. Then when it comes to your second year, you’ll have to decide with your housemates who buys what and how you’re going to divide everything. Take this list as a starting point; but check what’s going to be provided wherever you move to before going out and buying anything special.
When you get your free checklists from our Subscriber Perks page, you’ll find I’ve already marked which things could potentially be provided for you.
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Cutlery
- 2 x Bowls
- 2 x Plates
- 2 x Mugs – (preferably your favourite ones from home)
- Shot glasses
- 2 x Wine Glasses
- Microwave
- Frying Pan
- Saucepans
- Baking Trays
- Colander
- Sharp Knives
- Utensils – (Eg. A spatula)
- Chopping Board
- Cheese grater
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Tea Towels
- Oven Gloves
- A Bin
- Tupperware – (for lunches)
Food Cupboard University Essentials
No, I’m not going to give you a shopping list for while you’re at University, I just thought I’d note down some of the University essentials when it comes to cupboard food and what you’re going to need the day you move in. These are the kind of things you could potentially twist your parents’ arms into getting for you too. And you might not think some of these are essential, like the biscuits and chocolate, but they’re just great ice breakers to leave out on the kitchen side while you’re moving your things in. Everyone loves a chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit!
And parents, or friends, if you want to send them away with a Student survival kit (or just want to send them a Student survival kit gift when you know they’re missing home), food supplies like some of the ones on this list make perfect fillers.
- Tea bags
- Coffee
- Sugar / Sweetener
- Soup
- Baked Beans
- Biscuits
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Squash
- Herbs & Spices – (you might not use them now, but trust me they can really liven up your nightly pasta bowl!)
- Salt & Pepper
- Butter
- Energy Drinks – (as many as you can possibly get, these and coffee are going to become your new best friends)
- Olive Oil
- Bread
- Favourite Home Foods
University Essentials For Your Bathroom
Whether you’re moving somewhere with a shared bathroom, or an ensuite, you’re going to need the majority of the things on this University checklist. Don’t be that person who forgets loo roll, you’ll massively regret it. I knew a lot of people who only went with one towel too; big mistake. You’ll need one to use while the other one sits for days in the washing basket. I know, mum and dad, you’ll tell them time and time again that they need to be an adult now by doing their washing and ironing, but honestly it won’t start happening until Second Year at the very earliest…
- Toilet Roll
- 2 x Body Towel
- 2 x Hand Towel
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Face Wash
- Hair Clips
- Cotton pads
- Wash-bag
- Razor
- Hairbrush
- Hairdryer
- Straighteners
- Hair Gel
- Hair Spray
- Makeup Remover
- Hair Bobbles
- Perfume / Aftershave
Tech And Gadgets University Essentials
Alright, not all of these are University essentials, but your life will be exponentially more difficult without some of them. Like a printer; not an essential, but do you know how stressful it is trying to rush in before a deadline to find a free printer in the library? And that’s without even thinking about the cost! Though I know many people didn’t bother with a TV and just used Netflix on their laptop instead. Decide what’s right for you, and then mark them off on your University checklist when they’re packed so you don’t forget them!
- Laptop – (or a Chromebook; you can find out why the Chromebook is my favourite student laptop for under £500 right here)
- Printer
- Dictaphone – (useful if you’ll be in lectures that don’t have printed or digital handouts)
- TV
- HDMI Cable
- Ethernet Cable
- Laptop Charger
- Mouse
- Chromecast
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Camera
- USB Stick
- Phone Charger
- Camera Charger
- Netflix
Important Documents University Essentials
There are some documents you’re going to want to take with you when you leave for University, and again these will differ depending on your course. The University checklist below has University essentials though; the important things you’re likely to need despite your course.
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- NHS Number
- Doctor’s Address
- Room Insurance
- Student Loan Documents
- Bus Pass
- Railcard
- CV Copies
- Passport Photos – (For Your Student ID etc)
- Certificate Of Registration
- Student Accommodation Documents
- Exam Results
University Essentials – Cleaning Supplies
Parents, if you’re reading this, they won’t remember this section. And each time you visit them you’ll wonder how they can live in such a mess of a house. You can pack them their own little cleaning supply bag, but they’ll only ever use it when you warn them you’re visiting, so make sure to give them enough notice before you turn up! And if you’re a student reading this; take the cleaning supplies to make your parents happy. Or to have a quick tidy before you invite people round. You might not think they’re University essentials right now, but it won’t hurt to take them along with you.
- Vacuum – (organise this in your second year, in your first it should be provided)
- Handwash
- Surface Cleaner
- Polish
- Duster
- Bleach
- Sponges
- Laundry Tablets
- Fabric Softener
- Drying Rack
- Toilet Brush
- Washing Up Liquid
Health Related University Essentials
Moving to University is like moving to a germ research laboratory. With all the different people coming together from so many different places, your body is going to be exposed to a lot more than it’s used to, and you’ll likely get sick. Heard of Fresher’s Flu? It’s a thing, and you’ll get it. Make sure you’re prepared because you’re sure as hell not going to want to trek to your nearest pharmacy when you’re feeling like death. These are debatably the most essential University essentials in this whole post!
- First Aid Kit
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Plasters
- Throat Sweets
- Hot Water Bottle – (not just good for when you’re ill, it’s also useful when it gets incredibly cold at winter!)
- Cold And Flu Medicine
- Multivitamins
- Tweezers
- Nail Scissors
- Condoms
- Antiseptic Cream
University Essentials From Home
There’s no University checklist for these, because I’ve obviously got no way of knowing what’s sentimental to you. I’ve put a short list of ideas below, but you’ll need to have a sit and a think to yourself about what would really comfort you when you’re missing home. I had friends who took a childhood toy, photos of friends and family, a special mug, their favourite home comfort foods etc. Parents and friends, if you’re trying to think of some more ideas for what to send a homesick student, there are a few ideas over in our 53 Student Survival Kit Ideas post.
- Photos
- Teddy / Childhood Thing
- Posters
- Fancy Dress
Optional Extras
These really aren’t University essentials, but they do come in handy. I had a fan and a heater by my second year of University; I’m sure most people would say they aren’t necessary by my house was like a sauna in the Summer and you could see your breath in the Winter. To me, they almost became more essential than my laptop!
- Calendar
- Mini Sewing Kit
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Games Console
- A Fan
- A Heater
- Toastie Maker
- Recipe Book
- Playing Cards
- Umbrella
- Onesie
- A Kindle – (you can find out which Kindle is the right one for you here)
- Hot Chocolate
ADDED EXTRA: What You’ll Need To Set Up In Second Year
You second year students are in for a treat. Know what it is? The adult responsibilities of organising a house. Prepare to hate your friends, forget at least one payment, and to be on the phone for hours complaining about something to a company. It’s all standard, you’ll get used to it. But just in case you were wondering, here’s a second year University checklist with everything you’ll need to set up on it.
- TV Licence
- Internet
- Phone Line
- TV Subscription
- Gas Supplier
- Electric Supplier
- Council Tax – (you might be able to avoid this, normally your University will register you as being exempt from it so make sure you double check if that’s right for you)
- Water Supplier
- Home Insurance
- Vote Register
And that’s it, the ultimate guide to all of the University essentials you’ll need when you move. If there’s anything you think I’ve missed, or any advice you’d like to give to new students, let me know in the comments below or over on Facebook or Twitter.
Hi, How do i find the subscriber perks page for the free printables?
Thanks
Hi Steve,
Please bear with me, it’s offline at the moment while I update the list with a few extra essentials.
Thanks
hi how do I find the subscriber perks page for the free printable things ?
Hi Rebecca,
Hoping to have this online again within a day or two after an update.
Thanks!
Why do you consider multi-vitamins to be essential?
Hi Ahman,
It’s a matter of personal preference. I liked to think I was still getting my daily dose of vitamins on the days where super noodles were the most convenient dinner option – i.e. most days in my second and third years!
Thanks for reading.