Packing checklist

Don't forget a thing...

We've compiled a list of just about everything you will need to pack when you head off to University, so don't be a dummy use our handy checklist to make sure you don't forget anything!

Basics:

• Bedding:  It is not a hotel; you will need to bring your own sheets!  And make sure you know what size bed you have before you get there.
• Mattress cover:  This is essential as you don’t know how many people have slept in your bed before you.
• Towels:  More than one would be best.  And remember to wash them regularly!
• Clothes:  Suitable for all weathers.  Make sure you take a warm coat for those walks to and from university.
• Footwear:  Sensibie shoes, going out shoes, job interview shoes, sports shoes...
• Toiletries:  Shampoo, shower gel, hairspray, toothpaste etc - Tip : Get as much out of your parents before you go!  (And make sure you keep them in your room if you have a communal shower or they will soon be gone!)
• Toilet roll:  You can buy this there but if you don’t know your way around at first you don’t want to get caught short!
• Febreze:  Your mum’s not on hand to wash your jeans after three wears now.  A students essential to freshen up any outfit.
• Door wedge:  Keep your door open when you're around and in your room…an open door is much more friendly and sociable.

Cooking:

• Basic foods:  Bread, teabags, beans, chocolate.. Anything to keep you going for a few days.
• Pan:  A pan is a good idea, but don’t take too many.  Remember everyone else will be taking pots and pans too and you need somewhere to put them all!
• Plates and cutlery:  One of each should be fine, and an easy identifiable mug is always a good idea so that no one nicks it!
• Student recipe book:  A basic student cookbook is a great starting point; learn how to make the standard home cooked meals such as spaghetti bolognese and tuna pasta bake.  (You can get these from Amazon for under a fiver)
• Corkscrew/bottle opener!: Easily forgotten, you will be everyone’s best friend in fresher’s week with one of these!
• Cleaning materials: They will probably sit on the side until one of you eventually cracks.

Easily forgotten:

• Pyjamas:  Nothing like a home comfort to help you get to sleep that first night.
• Flip flops/slippers: You won’t want to walk barefoot on the floors after the first few weeks.
• Hairdryer/straighteners: You don’t want the hair of a witch when you are trying to make new friends.
• Mirror: There are not always mirrors in student accommodation so you are best finding out or taking along your own.
• Coat hangers:  Your clothes may end up on the floor within two weeks, but at least start as you mean to go on!
• Phone charger:  For all those late night calls to mum/best friend/girlfriend back home.
• Ear plugs:  These can come in handy when you have exams or 9am lectures.
• Radiator airer:  With four+ people fighting for radiator space to dry their clothes it’s a good idea to invest in a clothes horse or radiator airer (about £5 from Wilkinsons)

Paperwork

• CVs:  A good idea if you are planning on getting a part time job.  If you are being financially supported some other way then don’t bother!
• Transport timetables:  Don’t leave it until 10 minutes before you have to be somewhere to try find which bus you need to catch.
• Important phone numbers:  Family, university, local authority..
• University forms:  You will have been sent a number of forms to take with you such as enrolment, student card applications etc.

Home from home:

• Photos/posters:  These can make your bare room walls much more homely and unique to you.
• Rug/blankets:  Great for adding extra comfort (and covering up drink stains and cigarette burns.)
• Storage Boxes:  The more storage the better as your room will probably be the size of a shoebox and you will soon be over-cluttered with uni work, toiletries and..road signs.
• Bag:  A large, sturdy bag for all those course books you will bring home and never read.  At least you tried!
• DVDs: While a TV may not be essential, it is always a good idea to have a few classics with you for the weekend.  Yes, you will find yourself going out less and less at weekends as this is the locals (boo! hiss!) chance to go out.  There is also no way you will pay normal drink prices once you are used to 50p shots.

Electrical:

• Laptop/Computer:  No matter how persuasive retail stores are, you don’t have to get a laptop.  A desktop computer will do you fine!  Check how much space you will have in your room first though, as it may be a handy purchase to save on space.
• Lamp:  These can be really handy in dull lit uni rooms.
• Ipod:  If you don’t have one, you will within a month.  Great for those walks to and from uni.
• USB pen:  Best way to store work and take it between your computer and university.
• Camera:  You may not remember freshers week but at least you will have photographic evidence.

Thing you don't need to take:

• TV: They stop you socialising, there will be one in the common room or living room and TV licenses cost £142.50 a year.  It will also take up vital space in your room.
• A Level work: You may think it will come in useful – it won’t.
• Car: Student accommodation is generally in walking distance of the University and city centre.  A car is extra expense, parking is not always available and you will be the only one with a car so will end up giving people lifts!

Now get packing!

By Kim Watson

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