If you’re preparing for university for the first time, it’s a major milestone! It’s natural to feel both excited and a little nervous, but it’s all part of the adventure. Even if you’re returning for your second or third year, those mixed emotions can still crop up. One thing’s certain – getting your personal belongings to your university home shouldn’t be stressful. Here’s a step-by-step checklist for student shipping, packed with practical tips and helpful links to help make preparing for university as simple as possible.
1. Why Choose Student Shipping?
Student shipping has become increasingly popular in recent years—and for good reason. With so many benefits, it’s one less thing to stress about as you prepare for university, letting you travel light and focus on the adventure ahead.
Key Benefits of Student Shipping
- Door-to-Door Service: Enjoy maximum convenience with collections and deliveries right from your front door or reception area. There’s no need to trek to drop-off points or struggle with heavy bags through train stations and airports.
- Cost-Effective: Student shipping offers student-friendly prices, often saving you up to 80% compared to booking directly with a courier. It’s also typically cheaper than paying unexpected excess baggage fees at the airport.
- International Reach: Whether you’re studying in your home country or heading abroad, student shipping covers over 200 countries and territories, making it easy to get your belongings wherever you need to go.
- Flexibility: Benefit from generous weight allowances – up to 30kg per suitcase or box. Flexible fares mean you can make changes if your plans shift, so you’re never caught out.
2. Step-by-Step: Shipping Your Belongings
Here are practical, step-by-step options to help you get your belongings to university efficiently. Everyone’s situation is different, but this guide will help you master the easiest and most stress-free part of your move.
Step 1 – Plan What to Take
- Review what’s included in your university accommodation – whether you’re moving into student halls or a private residence. This simple step can save you time, money, and unnecessary packing.
- Check out The Ultimate Uni Packing List for a detailed checklist – covering everything from documents to kitchenware and bedding.
Step 2 – Arrange Your Shipment
- Book your shipment with a trusted student shipping provider like My Baggage.
- Get an instant quote for your shipment, selecting your collection and delivery country, and the shipping service you would like.
- Always double-check your shipping address before sending your belongings. If you’re moving into student halls, make sure you know exactly where deliveries should go. It’s a good idea to find all this out in advance – doing so will help your items arrive safely and save you any hassle later on.
Step 3 – Pack Smart
- Use suitable packaging – such as strong suitcases or sturdy double-walled boxes that are designed for shipping.
- Make sure your shipping label is securely attached to your parcel.
- Where needed, use appropriate packaging and protective materials to keep your items safe.
- Always keep important documents with you, and double-check that you haven’t packed any prohibited items.
Step 4 – Collection & Delivery
- Your shipment will be collected from your home and delivered to its destination within the estimated delivery timeframe. While delays are rare, they can occasionally happen, so it’s wise to allow for this when planning your move.
- For student halls or an apartment building, your shipment will be delivered to the main reception area rather than directly to your door, so it’s a good idea to check this in advance.
- Collections and deliveries take place Monday to Friday, between 9am and 6pm (excluding public holidays). When you book with My Baggage, you can easily track your shipment online throughout its journey.
3. Adapting to Student Life
Preparing for university is a big task, and adapting to student life can sometimes feel overwhelming – whether you’re a first-year or returning for your second or third year, everyone goes through a period of adjustment. It’s always a good idea to research your new surroundings so you know what to expect. For instance, living in student halls is often more convenient and social, with many facilities and bills included, but it’s important to check the details in advance. For more information, see our Guide to Student Halls.
Be ready to share your space too! Living with roommates can be a new experience, so it’s important to keep communication open, respect each other’s boundaries, and make sure everyone is clear about their responsibilities. For helpful advice, read our Guide to Living with Roommates.
Finally, remember to look after yourself – stay safe, budget sensibly, and take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. Even if you don’t think you’re a home bird, dealing with homesickness is more common than you might expect. If you need support, check out our tips for Dealing with Homesickness.
4. Student Shipping with My Baggage
At My Baggage, we’ve been helping students move their belongings since 2009, so you can trust us to make student shipping simple and stress-free. We know you might have questions about how everything works, so we’ve put together answers to the most common queries to make your move even easier.
How do I arrange my student shipment with My Baggage?
Arranging your Student Shipping with My Baggage couldn’t be easier:
- Quote & Book at mybaggage.com
- Print & Attach your Labels
- We’ll Collect your Items
- We’ll Deliver your Items
How early should I arrange my student shipment?
You can book your shipment at any time, but we recommend arranging it at least 1–2 weeks before your planned move date – especially during busy periods like September. If you need extra flexibility, we also offer flexible booking options to suit your needs.
Anything else I should take into account when using a Student Shipping service?
When you place your order, you’ll receive a delivery estimate. While most collections and deliveries are on time, occasional delays can happen, so it’s wise to allow a little extra time. If you have anything essential or valuable, keep it with you rather than shipping it.
Where will my student shipment be collected from and delivered to?
Your shipment will be collected and delivered to the addresses you provide. Collections and deliveries take place Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm (excluding public holidays). If you’re in student halls or an apartment building, your items will usually be delivered to the main reception or mail room – so check these details in advance.
Can I ship Internationally if I’m Studying Abroad?
Absolutely! My Baggage offers international student shipping to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Do I need to complete Customs Forms for my Student Shipment?
Customs forms are only needed for international shipments. If you’re shipping domestically within the UK, USA, or EU, no customs forms are required. For other destinations, we’ll generate the necessary customs forms for you to conveniently complete online – making the process as easy as possible.
Are there any items I can’t ship?
Yes, there are certain prohibited items that can’t be shipped. Please review our list of restricted items before booking to avoid any issues.
Still Have a Question?
If you have any other questions about preparing for university, just visit our support pages or get in touch with us directly. We’re always happy to help and want to make your move to university as smooth and seamless as possible.
