University Checklist: What to Take and Preparations to Move

university library

Are you excited about this new chapter of your life? Have you been working hard all year to get the grades, and to take all exams with the highest scores? Did you get accepted to your dream university? Great for you, and Congratulations!

Your work isn't over yet...

Moving to university is not only exciting and liberating but also responsible and requires a lot of self-control. And it all starts with packing all of your items.

Wondering what you should take to university? Read our university checklist of essential things you will need. We've compiled a very easy list to follow, and it doesn't make your luggage the heaviest thing on Earth.

University Checklist First Year

The listed things may not apply to everyone, of course. Most students can't cook food for themselves or consider some of the items as a necessity. It all depends on the person, really. But we will try to cover most of the essentials of what any student may or may not need in university.

Important Documents You Need to Take to University

  • Passport/ID card
  • Passport photos
  • Drivers licence
  • Insurance documents
  • Bank details
  • Uni acceptance letter
  • Accommodation documents
  • Acceptance letter and all university documents
  • NHS medical number

You should always have your ID card on you. IDs serve many purposes, including proof of age when attending age-specific events, proving your identity at new doctor visits, and proving your age when going to a new school or college.

Keep all of your other documents together in a safe place. If you have all of your personal information together, it will be easier to remember and access important documents.

Electrical Items You'll Need in Your University Checklist

  • Mobile Phone
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Chargers
  • USB Flash drive
  • Power extension cable
  • Desk lamp
  • Headphones may not be the most important, but having some nice noise-cancelling ones is good.

A laptop would come in handy for research and studies. You won't be able to carry too much, so bring only what you will use, and it won't be much of a distraction.

Stationery You Need to Take to Uni

  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • A4 lined notepad(s)
  • Highlighters
  • Course readers and textbooks

Those are the essentials that are good to have from day one. You can get other items like rulers or staplers once you are settled in.

Clothes You Need to Take to University

  • Pyjamas
  • Comfy clothes for when you're home
  • Formal wear for any holidays, parties and celebrations
  • Shoes
  • Underwear
  • Socks

These are essentials, but bring all the clothes that make you feel good. Try to be prepared for any occasion. Prepare the right seasonal clothes, considering whether or not you will be able to go home for the holidays and change your wardrobe.

Bedroom Items on Your University Checklist

  • Beddings - duvet cover, bed sheets, pillows, mattress protector
  • Laundry basket
  • Coat hangers
  • Earplugs
  • Clothes horse

A Standard single-size bed, bedside table and other basic bedroom furniture should all be provided by your university. Make sure you have more than one bedding set, so you can always have a fresh pair ready. Laundry day might get a bit unruly at university, you'll see.

Kitchen Items You Need to Take to University

  • Crockery - microwavable
  • Baking trays, pots and pans
  • Glasses and mugs
  • Cutlery, a sharp knife and a chopping board
  • Food containers and freezer bags
  • Small appliances - toaster, waffle or sandwich maker, coffee machine

If you are not into cooking, don't bring things to cook in at all. Don’t overdo them. Bring two of each cutlery and crockery. You won't use them. And if you ever decide to cook and need a pot or a tray, your roommate can lend you theirs.

Bathroom and Health Care Items on Your University Checklist

  • Medicine
  • Towels
  • Slippers - make a pair just for the shower. You don't want to go barefoot.
  • Dressing gown
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet rolls
  • Nail clippers
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Hairbrush and/or comb

There are many more for sure, but these are the most important. Bring whatever is best for you!

Non-Essential but Fun to Have

  • Board games
  • Pack of cards
  • A ball
  • Speakers

It doesn't have to be studying all the time. Find time for entertainment as long as it does not interfere with your learning but just enough to keep you sane.


Useful links:
Moving to London to study.
Leaving the UK to study abroad checklist.
Moving to France
Moving to Birmingham

What You Don't Need on The University Checklist

  • You can take the shower products like shampoo, shower gel and soap off your university checklist if you want. All these things you can buy when you are settled in your room.
  • Cleaning products - you probably won't need any straight away. If you do, you can always buy them when you get to uni. Don't make your luggage heavier by carrying a ton of cleaning products with you.
  • Books that are not on your university's reading list. You probably won't have the time to read for pleasure, but if you do, go to the library. There is no need to bring all those heavy books and make your move even harder.

Call your student halls to ask if there are any appliances in the rooms. Some university accommodations have things like a kettle or an iron in the rooms, so if you've packed one, you can leave it behind. Also, ask them if there's a place for things like a mini-fridge or a coffee maker.

Moving to University

Aside from packing the essential must-have items you need to take to uni, you will need to organise several other things for your relocation. Will you be moving internationally to university? Are you going to another city, or just from your parent’s house to the student halls? You will have to plan your move accordingly.

Find the Right Student Accommodation

Most first-year students will choose to live in the dormitory. They are normally situated on or near campus. Some universities provide photos or virtual tours on their website. Take a look so you'll get a better feel for the place. Most universities have an open day, so it's possible to see it yourself.

Read your university’s move-in policies and prohibited items.

There are private accommodation options, too. Private apartments and houses mean you don't have to share a bathroom with anyone else. You'll also find that many universities rent their flats or houses.

International Students

For international students, organise your move as early as possible so you can book a cheaper plane ticket and find the best accommodation.

Conduct preliminary research to better understand what to expect in your study-abroad adventure. You can do this by visiting your university website, reading online articles, contacting other students, and learning more about the universities you are interested in.

Transportation

You have to have enough time to prepare for everything. Organising reliable transportation for you and your belongings is a significant step in the process. Will your family members help you move out and transport your belongings to the university? Will you ask friends to help? Or do you have to find and hire a professional company for student moving services?

Can You Pack Everything for University in Your Suitcases? 

Probably not. You will need some boxes for sure. If you wish to save money on moving boxes, you must get them on your own. To get strong and reliable boxes, check your local liquor stores. Liquor boxes are made to be sturdier to protect the bottles. They will be perfect for packing the essentials you'll need to take to university.


Pro Tip:
You can use our moving checklist to be more organised before, during and after the moving process.

Upon Arrival at the University

After all of your luggage has been carried into your room, make sure nothing has been left in the moving van or your parent's car. Then unpack and settle down. Don't let the moving anxiety kick in and ruin the first day of your university life. Many students experience anxiety, especially if it's their first time away from home. But it's nothing too scary, and it goes away quickly.

University is an incredible time for you. It’s an exciting period of your life in which you can reinvent yourself and mature into the person you want to be. These tips will make the first steps much easier for the long journey ahead.


More helpful info about student relocation and moving to university:
How to tell the council you have moved?
How to pack for a long-distance relocation.
More than 50 packing tips

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