So you're planning what to take to university, it's important to make sure you don't forget anything especially if you're moving along way from home. Likewise it's important not to over pack with things that aren't going to be essential.

Top Tip
If you or a family member are planning on driving remember that it's likely you'll have more stuff to come home at the end of term as you'll probably have bought new things over the year and have extra coursework/books etc. So try not to fill the car to the brim or you'll not be able to take everything home in one go at the end of the year. Alternatively towards the end of the year if you're visiting home at a weekend or Easter, bring a few items with you that you won't need again until the summer in preparation for moving home.

Ok, so now onto the checklist of things you may need to pack for uni.

Related to study

• Reading list
• Calendar
• Pen drive/memory stick
• Laptop (if you're lucky enough to have one!)
• Notebook for taking notes in class/lectures
• Exam results/certificates (most universities don't require this but some do during enrolment, so it's a good idea to check before packing).

General bathroom items

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Sponge
• Soap/shower gel
• Razors
• Body Spray
• Toilet roll (if you're in halls these are normally provided)
• Air freshener

Bedroom related items

• Sheets
• Duvet/quilt - Some unis have these for sale on move in day.
• Pillows/pillow cases

Decorative Items
It's important to have a few things to remind you of your friends and family from home plus to make your room a good place to study/chill.

• Photos of friends and family
• Clock
• Poster(s)
• Beanbag
• Door stop (leaving your door open you'll make friends quickly)
• Lamp
• Alarm clock (it's never good walking into a lecture late and the only free seats are on the front row!)
• Phone
• Dirty cloths basket/bag (often the laundry maybe in a different building)
• A waste paper bin

Clothing
This should be fairly obvious but it's always worth reading through the checklist.

• Everyday casual clothing
• Comfy shoes
• Dressing gown
• Pyjamas
• Slippers
• Waterproof/warm coat (remember it may be warm when you move in September but it'll soon get colder as winter approaches).
• Gloves/scaf/hat
• Formal suit/dress (some uni's have black tie events, and you may need to dress smartly for job interviews if you're going on placement).
• Smart shoes
• Uniform (applicable if you're a nursing student etc).
• Gym/sports clothes & indoor trainers

Bike
If you plan to take your bike then don't forget about these.

• Puncture repair kit
• Pump and adapter valve
• A rucksack for carrying your stuff
• Lights and suitable reflective clothing

Car/Driving
If you're lucky enough to have a car. Also consider break down cover especially if you're a long way from home.

• Documents (ie. driving license, insurance details, MOT document, tax details, V5/ownership info.
• Spare set of keys (it's amazing how often keys get lost).
• Oil (alternatively make sure you know what sort of oil to buy)
• De-icer/Screen scraper (make sure they're kept in the car).
• Map/Satnav
• Spare tyre/jack

Documents

• Passport
• Driving licence
• National insurance card/number
• NHS medical card (if applicable)
• Insurance documents
• Any information from the SLC about your student loan
• Your offer letter from the university
• Any documentation about your accommodation
• Cheque book/bank cards/bank passbook
• Travel cards (e.g. 16 to 25 rail card)
• Exam certificates (if applicable)

Electrical type items

• Extension lead (very handy if you're the typical student)
• Laptop/PC (including power cable, mouse, keyboard etc)
• Network cable (also known as Ethernet/RJ-45 cable)
• Speakers
• Printer
• External hard drive (great for backups)
• Mobile Phone
• Camera
• Television (don't forget a TV license)
• Games console
• Headphones
• Alarm clock
• Hair drier
• Hair straighteners
• Iron

Cooking/Kitchen Items
If you're in halls or sharing a house you may be able to borrow some items from the people you're sharing with. The university may also provide a few of these items.

• Kettle
• Toaster
• Baking tray
• Pizza tray
• Saucepan (large/small)
• Plates/cutlery
• Frying pan
• Tin opener (important!)
• Bottle opener
• Kitchen scales
• Microwavable bowl
• Chopping board/knives
• Tupperware (ideally with your name written on so things don't go missing or get chucked out by accident)
• Drinks bottle
• Glasses/cups
• Oven gloves
• Bin bags

Laundry/housekeeping items

• Washing powder (can be quite expensive)
• Laundry bag
• Clothes horse (can save you money instead of using a uni tumble dryer)
• Washing up liquid
• Kitchen roll

Other random items

• Handbags/rucksacks
• Door wedge
• Board games
• Pack of cards (great for drinking games/socialising)
• Sports equipment (badminton rackets/football etc)
• Musical instrument
• Various vouchers you may have been given prior
• Alcohol (handy for the first night in case you want to have a drink or two with the new housemates/hall mates).
• Money
• Pens/pencils
• Highlighters
• Ruler
• Tippex
• Pencil case
• Scissors
• Sellotape
• Hole punch
• Paper clips
• Ring binders
• Envelopes/stamps
• Calculator

 

We've complied this list from experience, there are a few other things you may want to do to prepare for the move which you can see - Preparing to move to uni.