Heading to uni this September? Wondering what to pack? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate uni essentials list. Here are our top tips on what to take and what you can leave at home - plus download your own university checklist!
Five item challenge
We challenged some of our current students to pick just five items on their uni essentials list that they absolutely wouldn’t be without while at uni. Watch the video above to see what they said...
What not to take to uni - four things to leave at home
Ok let’s start with what you don’t need to take! More often than not, in all the excitement, you’re packing for uni and trying to fit absolutely everything you can into a suitcase or your parents’ or mate’s car and turn up with far too much stuff. So what can you leave at home?
1) Candles
If you’re moving into halls of residence, leave your candles at home! These are a fire risk and they won’t be allowed.
2) Appliances
These won’t be allowed unless PAT tested, and chances are there won’t be space for them anyway! If you need specific appliances like your own fridge, speak to your accommodation provider first, as most likely they’ll provide one.
3) Kitchenware
If you’re moving into halls, so are all your housemates, and you don’t all need to bring a full set of kitchenware. It’s probably better to wait to see what’s there when you get there and suggest sharing. Plus, Birmingham is not short of shops if there’s something you forget!
4) Furniture
Most uni accommodation comes fully furnished, so there’s no need to splash out on expensive furniture, at least not until you’ve moved in and worked out whether you actually need any of it!
Get your free packing checklist
Download your free packing checklist to get on top of what you need for September!
What to take to uni - five top essentials you mustn't forget
So you may now be thinking, what do I need to take to uni? Well, our uni packing list can help – you can download the full list here. We’ve pulled out some key essentials that you don’t want to miss.
1) Important documents
This includes your driver's license or passport (you’ll need some ID to get into various places!), plus your student finance, admission and accommodation documents. Find out a full list of documents you’ll need in our Ultimate Packing Checklist.
2) Home comforts
This is what makes your new room feel like home. It could be photos of family and friends, your favourite blanket or cushions or posters for your wall. Looking for ideas? Check out our guide to making your room your own, with help from IKEA, here.
3) Only your favourite clothes
Pick what you’re actually going to wear! And make sure it includes a range of clothes that you’ll use, like gym wear (if you’re a gym-goer), comfy clothes for those inevitable hungover Netflix binges, and a few nice pieces for all the nights out you’ll be enjoying. Remember you don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe though, as no doubt you’ll be enjoying the shops on offer around Brum too.
4) Stationery
If you manage to get through Uni without picking up a pen, you’ll be doing well (or missing the point completely, depending on how you look at it). Pens, a notepad, highlighters and more can be super useful for making notes in lectures, picking out the important bits of articles, or ultimately, revising for exams.
5) Chargers
So commonly forgotten! Make sure you’ve ticked off chargers for anything electrical – whether it’s a phone, laptop, electric toothbrush, or wireless speaker…. It might also be worth investing in a portable charger for days when you’re on the go all day.
