As I've not long finished my second year at uni, and I know how much I googled what I needed to pack to take to uni, what experiences to look out for and how to meet new people, I though it would be a good idea to make a checklist that personally helped me! This may be a bit of a long one, but it will be worth it! I am doing a Uni series at the moment, something a little different to my usual beauty and fashion posts, so keep your eyes peeled! If you're looking for a list of things you should experience during your time at uni, have a look at my Bucket List post.


For when you arrive:

Some people bring with them a gesture like cakes, drinks etc to welcome everybody into their new student accommodation. If your baking is good then definitely make something nice for people as it makes a good impression! You don't have to do this, but I did and it was a conversation starter to help ease myself into living with strangers.

Electricals:

  • Laptop, with charger and bag.
  • Extension leads must be safe, with surge protection.
  • A printer if you think you will print a lot out - very handy. (+ ink)
  • Digital camera for photos.
  • A spare 'rubbish' phone. So many people lose their phones on nights out, have a spare!
  • Chargers for any electrical devices.
  • Speakers/docking station - plug in your ipod/phone during pre-drinks.
  • HDMI/VGA cables for connecting laptops to monitors/tvs
  • TV - check if you need a tv license though!
  • Headphones.
  • Games consoles with multiple controllers.

Clothes/Shoes:

Guys, you will come back to uni multiple times before the end of the year. You don't need to pack all of your summer items when you move up in September/October. Pack most of the things you will wear, but do leave things at home! 
  • If you're moving to a potentially cold city, bring some winter warmers! 
  • Ice proof shoes to walk to uni in, wellies won't cut it!
  • Fancy dress items for Halloween and freshers parties.
  • Clothes to go out in ("clubbing clothes").
  • Thick socks for when it's freezing.
  • Gym/sports clothes.
  • Waterproof coat/Jacket.
  • Dressing gown and slippers - a must for when the fire alarm goes off at 4am (horrible, I know).
  • Smart clothes for possible job interviews etc.

For your bedroom:

  • Buy a mattress protector, you will be sleeping where a previous student has before!
  • Bring a double duvet even if you have a single bed to sleep in. It is worth it, trust me.
  • Possibly bring two duvets - one thin and one thick.
  • Pillows; pillowcases + spares (in case someone stays over)
  • Bring printed photos for your walls, along with decorative items like bunting, fake flowers, etc.
  • Posters and blu tac/white tac.
  • Blankets for when it's cold.
  • Cushions for your bed (decorative) and for your desk chair in case it isn't comfortable.
  • Sheets for your bed x4/5. Drinks get spilled, as does makeup when you don't pay attention!
  • Door wedge - so handy for getting ready for a night out or just not being completely anti-social.
  • Hot water bottle for those chilly nights.
  • Rubbish bin for those clothes tags you'll throw away from spending your loan.
  • Small rug.
  • Fairy lights to make everything look pretty!
  • Febreeze - to keep everything fresh!

For Laundry:

  • Hamper for clothes
  • A bag to carry dirty clothes in to the washing machine and back.
  • Clothes maiden for drying if you don't use a tumble dryer.
  • Washing powder, softener, drying sheets.

For the kitchen:

You won't necessarily need all of these, depending on your student accommodation. Check your halls website page to see what is already there.
  • Frying pans, saucepans, woks.
  • Microwaveable bowls/plates, for all those noodles you'll be eating..
  • Enough cutlery for you and a few others, in case you lose some or have friends over.
  • Plates and bowls to eat out of, you won't be eating takeaways every day!
  • Kitchen scissors, knives, wooden spoons, spatulas.
  • Colanders and sieves for draining water or sieving flour.
  • Plastic cups, mugs and throwaway cups (get 100 from the Pound stores for pre-drinks).
  • Straws for pre drinks if you wish.
  • Baking utensils, if you're into that sort of thing. I was baking multiple times a week at one point.
  • Toaster, kettle, coffee maker, toastie maker.
  • For roast dinners - masher, roasting trays, steamer.
  • Cheese graters, measuring jugs, pizza cutters, peelers.
  • Tuppawear boxes, cling film, foil, baking paper.
  • Washing up liquid, tea towels, scourers, bin bags, oven gloves
  • Bottle openers!
  • Chopping boards.
  • Shot glasses, wine glasses, pint glasses.
  • Coffee, tea, sugar, hot chocolate etc.

For the bathroom:

I don't know if you will have a shared bathroom (I did) or have your own en suite. Regardless of this, you will most probably have to share a bathroom in 2nd and 3rd years!
  • Towels, hand towels, face cloth, shower cap.
  • Try and stock up on a few shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and even razors before you go!
  • Hand soap - preferably in liquid form as bars can go a bit gross (in my opinion!).
  • Face wash/personal hygiene essentials.
  • Contraceptives - need I explain?
  • Hairbrush, combs, clips etc.
  • Hair styling products/electricals.
  • Shaving essentials - nobody likes hairy legs!
  • Make up remover - so important!
  • Bath mats.

To take to Lectures/Seminars:

  • A lot of A4 pads and biros for note taking
  • Highlighters - I used so many, especially for revision.
  • If you're bringing a laptop/tablet, bring a charger!
  • Big ring binders to file your work in.
  • A water bottle - most unis will have water fountains/dispensers and it means no buying Coke!
  • Dictaphone - you must get permission from the tutor first though.
  • Stapler and hole puncher - you can buy mini versions for on-the-go use.
  • Pen drive/personal hard drive. I have 'saved' work and gotten home and it have disappeared.
  • Tippex if you can't stand a messy page.
  • Mini calendar/diary - don't rely on just remembering something important.

Important Extras:

  • Passport, drivers licence, NHS card, NI card.
  • Any uni conformation letters, contracts, event info.
  • Discount cards - 16-25 Railcard, NUS card etc.
  • CV and references if you wish to get a job.
  • CRB check if required for your course.
  • Holdall for weekends home or trips to see friends.
  • Sewing kit - my leggings rip so easy!

It seems like a huge list but remember, you will be living in uni until you graduate! These are just the things I would personally take, but be cautious on how you're going to get everything to your halls! Good luck to all those on their way to uni! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.