Student Life Information

Countdown To University: Capsule Packing List

A new poll from the DfES showed that 31 per cent of past students packed too much when they went to university.  Avoid their mistakes, by following the packing list below:

The essentials

1. Stationary – writing materials as well as a stock of cartridges if you take a printer.  Think about the little things which come in useful: tacks, stamps, envelopes

2. A good cook book

3. An alarm clock

4. Towels

5.Clothes – think about what you will need for each term, a thick woolly jumper and parker may not be essential packing for the summer term

Room decoration

1..A door stop – an open door will make you appear sociable, and will help you to form new friendships

2..Food – tins and packets of food last a long time, and can help in those last few weeks of term when you are running low on funds

3..Some mugs/glasses for your room – you won’t have to wash up when you need a brew, and can invite friends to share a glass of wine or two

4. An extension lead – to plug in all those electricals

5. Coat hangers

6. A desk lamp (if not already provided in your accommodation)

7. A clothes line or airer

8. A laundry bag or basket

9. Half-a-dozen passport-sized photos – essential for your student ID card, library card, NUS card, etc.

Added luxuries

1. A laptop – better than a PC if you can afford one, so you can work in your room as well as the library

2. A printer – and don’t forget a stock of cartridges

3. A TV, DVD player & games console – check first to see these items aren’t already available and limit your viewing/gaming to ensure your TV doesn’t come before course work or making new friendships.  And don’t forget to get a TV licence

4. A bike – one of the top items past students wish they had taken

5. Fancy dress clothes – another of the top items past students wished they had packed, these are often expensive and difficult to source when you arrive at university

6. A mini fridge – great for ensuring nobody takes your milk, and for keeping drinks when friends pop into your room

7. A stock of beer and wine – a sure fire way to start form friendships

8. A camera – for recording those memories you will have with you for life

9. Dictaphone – to record important lectures

10. MP3 player and speakers – but respect your neighbours

What not to pack

1. If staying in university accommodation, check what is already provided: no need to invest in a toaster, iron, kettle or ironing board if they are already there

2. If staying in shared private accommodation, don’t invest in items for the communal area.  Wait until you arrive, see what others have brought from home then club together to buy anything else you need

3. Fancy kitchen items: items such as juicers, coffee makers are likely to get damaged or stuck at the back of the cupboard

4. Every book on your course list – you may not need them all so just focus on the essentials (the core books).  Wait until you arrive to see what you need, what you can borrow from the library and which you can get second hand to save cash

5. Bedding left over from childhood – that Thomas the Tank Engine duvet cover may not impress your new mates!