Accommodation

The best advice for moving into your new home…

Moving to University & Living With Others

The move to university is a huge step and there’s lots to think about, luckily there’s help available from students who have been in the same position as you.

What do bring with you

With all the excitement of moving to a new city and starting university it’s easy to forget things.

So, before you start packing make a list of everything you use in a week, from toothbrushes to toilet cleaner and spatulas to coat hangers, make sure you include everything you use.

What not to bring

Don’t bring kitchen appliances that you rarely use or every single item of clothing you own (you will need some clothes when you go back home).

Make sure to check what is and isn’t allowed in student accommodation as well – for example candles are strictly not allowed.

Clothes

Everyday clothes (for lectures, the library etc)
Pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers
Night out clothes
Smart clothes (for careers events or interviews)
Sports/gym clothes (in case you join a gym or take up a new sport)
Fancy dress (uni nights out often include fun themes)

Quick tip: The cost of washing and drying your clothes can quickly add up, so to help reduce this cost invest in a small clothes horse. Not only is this better for the environment you’ll also save money – just don’t forget to open your window.

Quick tip: Use a dryer after washing bed sheets and towels as these are too big to hang out to dry in most rooms.

Bedding

Sheet x2
Duvet cover x2
Duvet
Pillows
Cushions and blanket (to make your bed feel cosy)
Towels (two body towels and two hand towels)

Quick tip: If you’re in halls a mattresses topper will make your life a whole lot comfier. Not only do they transform your bed into a cloud of happiness, they’re very affordable too!

Electrical items

Laptop and charger (if you don’t have your own, don’t worry! There are PCs and Macs you can use to do your uni work on campus and also laptops you can borrow from the library)
Phone and charger
Extension leads
Hairdryer and/or straighteners
Headphones
Electric toothbrush and charger
Speaker (non-essential but will be guaranteed to win over your flatmates)
Battery powered Fairy lights (again, non-essential but will make your room cosy and homely)

Quick tip: Investing in one or two extension leads is a must as not only will you have all your chargers for your tech bits, you’ve got space for other essentials. Just make sure you check in your tenancy agreement that extension leads are allowed in your room and never plug one extension lead into another!

Miscellaneous

Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner etc.
Pain killers and cold medicine
Medication/contact lenses
Stationery (pens, plastic folders and wallets, highlighters, diary and notebook)
Textbooks
Coat hangers
Clothes horse
Room decorations/plants
Blue tac for putting posters up (but try not to leave any marks on the wall!)
Notice board pins
Pack of cards for games with your flat
Cleaning products (anti bac spray, bleach etc)
Loo roll/kitchen roll
Multivitamins
Washing tabs/Fabric softener (tablets that contain fabric conditioner as well are a great option!)

Quick tip: Buying a little shower caddy, particularly ones that can hook over your shower and ‘float’ is a must – it ensures you’ve got all your essentials in the shower without cluttering up the limited floor space.

Kitchen

Plates x2
Bowls x2
Mugs x2
Glasses x2
Set of cutlery x2
Wooden spoon
Spatula
Sharp knife x2
Grater
Peeler
Tin opener
Sieve/Colander
Frying pan
Saucepan
Baking tray/Pizza tray
Chopping board
Oven gloves
Sponges and cloth
Washing up liquid
Tupperware
Student cookbook

Quick tip: Only get the the kitchen accessories you’ll personally use. Your flatmates won’t necessarily be up for sharing – especially straight away – and you will be happier with the freedom of being able to cook whenever you like without having to worry about washing up your flatmates’ pan. This will include plates, bowls, mugs, cups, pans and maybe a spatula or two, but just enough for yourself.

Documents

Valid passport and/or driving licence (ID)
University admission acceptance letter
Course acceptance letter
Accommodation contract
Student Finance documents
Scholarship or bursary letters
Insurance documents (cheap student contents insurance)
Passport photos
Vaccination history (speak to GP before you go)
Prescription copies
Bank debit card (best student bank accounts)
Student discount cards (e.g. 16-25 railcard)
NHS Number
National Insurance Number

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What not to bring

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Best of: Making your uni room feel like home!

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