Are you getting ready for your big Uni adventure? That’s so exciting! But we know too well how stressful it can be. You may find it challenging and overwhelming to figure out what you need for the next year, or longer; luckily, My Baggage can help you.
We are specialists in this area and know our stuff, but don’t take our word for it, check out our reviews.
We have put together the Ultimate Checklist to make your move to Uni as simple and smooth as possible. There’s everything you need, from daily essentials to important documents you don’t want to leave behind!
| ✔️ Important documents | ✔️ Electrical items |
| ✔️ Clothing items | ✔️ Academic items |
| ✔️ Kitchen items | ✔️ Bedroom items |
| ✔️ Bathroom items | ✔️ Toiletries/Medical items |
| ✔️ Miscellaneous items | ✔️ The essential non-essentials |
| ✔️ Before you pack | ✔️ Getting your personal effects to Uni |
During your first few weeks at university, you may be required to show some documents. It’s very important that you keep all your documents safe ensuring none will be lost. Make copies of everything (paper and digital) and make sure you keep them all together.
| Passport, Licence or official ID | University Documentation |
| Course Acceptance Letter | Student Finance Documentation |
| Accommodation Documentation | Bank Details and Bank Card |
| Passport Size Photographs | National Insurance/Social Security details |
Despite the obvious, we’ve included a list of essential electrical items you shouldn’t leave home without, including a laptop – how else will you procrastinate over unfinished essays or binge-watch Netflix?
| Laptop/PC and charger | Earphones |
| Phone and charger | Hairdryer, Straighteners, etc |
| Extension lead | Speakers |
| External hard drive | USB, Ethernet, HDMI cable, etc |
| Adaptors | Web Camera |
You’ll already know what clothes you want to bring, from your favourite shoes to the ultimate party dress, but we just thought we’d give a quick summary just in case, so you’re covered for any occasion.
| Comfortable clothes | Everyday clothes |
| Everyday shoes | Formal clothes |
| Formal shoes | Smart casual clothes |
| Nightwear | Seasonal clothes (hats, scarves, etc) |
| Costumes (for the parties!) | Dressing gown |
| Swimwear | Backpack |
| Gym clothes | Clothes hangers |
| Raincoat | Winter boots |
| Slippers | Flip flops |
Stocking up on books, notepads and stationery items can add a significant amount of weight to your bags. If you are low on room, you can alternatively, get these items when you arrive at university. Most campuses will have a college shop, that will provide essential stationery items and more. But there are a few essentials you should pack, just to get the ball rolling.
| Journal, diary or planner | Sellotape |
| Pens and pencils | Sticky notes |
| Paper clips | Stapler and staples |
| Highlighters | Folders |
Your university will send you a recommended reading list, but it’s best to purchase these books once you arrive. Not only will these textbooks cost a pretty penny, but they will add unnecessary weight to your luggage. Many universities offer a discount for buying these reading lists in the university bookshop or have second-hand book sales at the beginning of term. It’s a good idea to go with this option and save yourself some much-needed space and cash.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to bring everything. Electrical appliances will be provided in your kitchen, so you can leave your kettle, microwave, and toaster behind. If you are in doubt as to what is included, you can contact your accommodation office before the big move, just to keep yourself right. However, there are items you will need to invest in, we’ve outlined these below.
| Some bowls and plates | Cutlery |
| Mugs and glasses | Reusable food containers |
| Travel mug | Bottle opener |
| Tin opener | Saucepan |
| Wok | Sharp knife |
| Baking tray | Frying pan |
| Oven gloves | Tea towels |
| Cheese grater | Potato/Vegetable peeler |
| Sponge or dish cloth | Tinfoil |
Halls of residence cover your furniture, so you only have to worry about the basics. Be sure to double-check your bed’s size before buying bed linen. You can purchase these items on the day you move in if you need to save space.
| Duvet | Duvet cover |
| Pillows and pillowcases | Bed sheets |
| Mattress protector | Clothes storage |
| Laundry bag or basket | Doorstop |
| Earplugs | Hot water bottle |
| Rubbish bin | Mini sewing kit |
In most halls, you’ll have en-suite rooms, but if you’re sharing a bathroom, you’ll need to bring your own towels. Trust us, you’ll be grateful for shower shoes…
| Towels for hands, face and body | Toothbrush and toothbrush holder |
| Hand soap | Bathroom cleaning products |
| Toilet cleaner | Cleaning sponges |
| Bathrobe | Shower shoes or flip flops |
Include these items to avoid being caught short. These products can also be purchased once you arrive if you are short on space.
| Personal prescription medicines | Allergy medicines |
| Paracetamol, cold & flu medicines, etc | Multi-vitamins |
| Plasters | Antiseptic cream |
| Antiseptic wipes | Birth control pills |
| Condoms | Tampons/sanitary products |
| Nail scissors | Razors |
| Comb/brush | Cosmetics |
| Sun cream | Hair ties |
| Bobby pins | Toiletries bag |
The random items might slip your mind as you pack up your bags, but you never know when you might need them.
| A torch | Blu tack or pins |
| Change for washing machines | Febreeze |
| Playing cards | Alarm clock |
| Batteries | Umbrella |
| Books | Spare charging cables |
Not exactly essential, but these are some of the necessities that will allow you to make your own stamp, and make you feel more at home.
| Photographs of family and friends | Throw blankets/cushions for decoration |
| Fake plants for decoration | LED or fairy lights for decorations |
| Wall mirror/full-length mirror | Bulletin board |
Previously, we mentioned that halls of residence will already include essential kitchen appliances and furniture. There can also be restrictions on items such as candles (open flames in student accommodations can be a fire hazard) and posters/wall art (you may not be allowed to hang these on the walls). Be sure to check before you pack!
| Kettle | Toaster |
| Microwave | Mini-fridge |
| Toastie maker | Coffee maker |
| Printer | TV |
| Poster/wall art | Candles |
Having packed all your belongings, you must then transport them to your new home at university. You may find this quite challenging if you are going to a university in a new city, town, or even country. That’s where My Baggage comes in.
Make the process easier by using a student shipping service like ours! Every year, My Baggage ships students’ personal belongings to and from university. Over 125,000 customers have benefited from our services in over 200 countries worldwide. Get an instant quote here.
Download a PDF copy of the Ultimate Uni Checklist:
⬇️ CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD! ⬇️
Are you waiting for results day?
We’ve got that covered too with our guide on how to prepare and what to expect.
