If you are heading off to University this September, then you’re probably going to spend the weeks leading up to your departure frantically packing, unsure on what exactly you will need to bring.
It can be easy to overspend on things that you will never use because you are desperate to ensure that you are prepared for all eventualities. But, it’s important to remember that University life isn’t that different to living at home, apart from the fact that you will have to do your own washing and cooking.
In order to help you with your University preparations, I have put together a comprehensive packing list which will cover all the essentials that you will need to survive at University.
The Packing List
Important documents
- Photo ID (passport and/or driving licence)
- Bank card
- National Insurance card
- Student discount card/details
- Official University correspondence, including acceptance letter
- Student loan correspondence
- Details of your accommodation and contract
- Insurance documents (for international students)
- Details of current GP and doctor’s surgery
- Prescription copes
- Vaccination history
Electronics
- Laptop/tablet/computer
- Mobile phone
- Extension cables
- USB memory stick
- Printer and ink
- Headphones
- Chargers for all electronic devices
- Batteries
Stationery
- Pencil case
- Pens and pencils
- A4 lined notepads
- A4 binders (one for each module/subject)
- Highlighters
- Post-it-notes
- Calendar/diary
- Paper clips
- Stapler and stables
- Hole punch
- Any study books that your course has told you to print/purchase
- Printer paper
- Calculator
Kitchenware
- Cutlery (teaspoons, tablespoons, knives and forks)
- Crockery (plates, bowls and mugs)
- Utensils (chopping board, sharp knife, wooden spoon, spatula, measuring jug, peeler, whisk, cheese grater, potato masher, colander, bottle opener, tin opener)
- Saucepan and frying pan
- Scissors
- Baking tray
- Oven gloves
- Tupperware containers
- Washing up liquid and sponge
- Tea towel
- Bin bags
- Tin foil
- Cling film
- Cupboard food essentials
Bedroom items
- Mattress protector
- Duvet and pillows
- Bed linen
- Blankets
- Laundry bin
- Clothes hangers
- Alarm clock
- Desk lamp
- Ear plugs
- Mirror
- Small safe
- Photos of friends and family
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Wash bag
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel
- Deodorant
- Razor/shaving foam
- Bath towels and hand towels (x2)
- Hairbrush/ comb
- Toilet roll
- Sanitary products
- Beauty/hair products and devices
Healthcare
- Personal medications
- Basic first aid kit (pain relief tablets, plasters, cold and flu medication, allergy tablets, antibacterial lotion or spray, hand sanitiser)
- Glasses
- Multivitamins
- Face coverings (take a look at my piece on 17 of the best reusable face masks)
- Hand sanitiser
Clothing
- Casual clothes (t-shirts, jumpers, trousers, skirts)
- Party clothes
- Smart office outfit
- Underwear (pants, socks, bras)
- Pyjamas
- Winter coat and jacket
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Shoes (trainers, smart shoes, casual shoes)
- Sportswear/swimwear
- Fancy dress costumes
- Washing detergent
- Drying rack
Miscellaneous items
- Sturdy bag for carrying books
- Weekend bag
- Small sewing kit
- Cleaning products
- Matches or a lighter
- Books/kindle for personal reading
- Film/TV series boxsets
- Board/card games
- Drinks bottle
- Thermoflask
- Keys for home
With so much to think about when starting University, I hope that this list helps to alleviate the stress that comes with remembering what to bring. The most important thing to remember is that anything you forget can be purchased in Manchester or posted to you by friends or family, so there really isn’t any need to worry about your packing list.