Starting university is an exciting time, but with all the anticipation, packing for your big move can easily become a last-minute scramble. This guide is here to help you stay organised and avoid either bringing way too much or forgetting to pack the essentials. 

Before you do anything else, check what’s already provided in your accommodation, which will be outlined on each hall profile. All bedrooms will come with a desk, bed and storage space. 

Have a good look at any pictures you can find to get a solid idea of what your new space is going to actually look like, and how everything is set out. 

Start with the basics 

Before you even begin thinking about decor, make sure your essentials are in order. Think practical – things you can’t go without. 

Must-haves: 

• ID, passport, and any documentation you may need 
• Electronics: Laptop, phone, chargers, extension leads, headphones 
• Bedding and mattress protector (make sure to check your bed size!) 
• Hangers and storage boxes 
• Toiletries 
• Cleaning products 

Top tip: Pack these essentials together in one small bag that you can easily access on moving day. It can often be a pretty hectic day, and you might not get around to fully unpacking for a while. It’s good to have all your important items to hand. 

The kitchen 

If you’re moving into self-catered accommodation, you’ll need to navigate the world of communal kitchens. There’s no need for a Michelin-star setup but having your own basics will save you from either relying entirely on (expensive) takeaways, or other people’s stuff. 

Think in twos. Two plates, two sets of cutlery, two glasses, two pans. It’s always best to have enough to feed yourself and someone else. You don’t want to have to end up serving your mate dinner on a chopping board, but you still want to keep it simple and avoid overcrowding your cupboards. 

While you want to have some of your own things, there’s often no need to buy larger kitchen appliances such as air fryers and rice cookers until you arrive. Chances are, your flatmates have the same idea, and you end up overcrowding the space. Even if no one does end up bringing them, you can always split the cost and buy one together to save money. 

Don’t forget the little things such as a sharp knife, tea towels, a lunch box, scissors, a tin opener. While some things you may not find yourself using very often, there’s always that time where it will come in handy. 

Clothes 

Clothes are often the culprit of overpacking (we’ve all been there). When it comes to clothing, be realistic and pack smart. 

First, be sure to cover the three main categories for clothes: 

• Everyday outfits 
• Going out outfits 
• Comfy staying-at-home outfits 

Then you can think of a few sub-categories, like gym clothes for staying active, or coats and waterproofs. If you happen to have it already, bring fancy dress! It’ll come in handy at some point – most likely for a society social. 

Top tip: pack seasonally and then swap things out during your visits home. There is no point in keep everything at uni the whole time. It’s Manchester, so don’t worry, your summer clothes definitely have no chance of appearing in January! 

Now for the fun bit! 

When all the practical stuff is sorted, you can actually start on customising your room. Posters, photos, plants. You want this place to reflect you and feel like home. 

It’s easy to skip this step, but it really is these personal touches that help when you’re settling in and adjusting to a new environment. If you’re not too good with decorating, use Pinterest and other social media channels to get inspiration and see what other people have used to make their rooms feel special.  

When decorating, make sure to use command strips and not blu tac. You’ll thank yourself at the end of the year when everything is much easier to take down. Remember to check the banned item list, as there are some things (such as plug-in fairy lights and LEDs)  you may not realise are actually not allowed. 

HOW to actually pack 

This is a step that many students miss. It comes to packing day, and you don’t know where or how to actually pack everything.  

Firstly, use up whatever suitcases and empty boxes you already have. You can also utilise the things you’re already bringing, like laundry baskets and storage containers.  Try your best to group similar items together to make unpacking slightly easier on yourself.  

Top tip: Use bin bags! They can carry heavy weight and aren’t expensive to buy. 

Final tips 

Packing is not just about ticking items off a list, it’s about setting yourself up to feel confident, comfortable and ready to embrace every element of student life from day one. 

Remember you really don’t need to bring everything, and it’s not the end of the world if you forget something. Especially being in Manchester, there’s so many shops nearby (there’s a really good B&M in Fallowfield!), and even places like Sainsbury’s will sell pretty much anything you could need. You’ll have plenty of time before lectures start and term really kicks in to pick-up anything you’ve forgotten. 

But heads-up! Local stores get cleared out fast during Fresher’s Week, so try and double check that you have your absolute essentials with you. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to do your first food shop either before you leave home or somewhere on your way.