September is approaching and those of you heading to uni for the first time may well be asking yourselves, what do I need to take to uni halls? It’s the question many students ask themselves when preparing to head off for their first year at university. Moving away from home and into student halls is an exciting but busy time. There’s so much to do to in the lead up to your moving-out day, it can be tricky to keep track of everything you need to pack. So to make your move into uni halls that bit simpler, we’ve put together a list of essential items that you definitely need to take to uni halls.
What to take to uni halls: Bedroom essentials
Bedding
This seems like an obvious one, but nights would be pretty uncomfortable without any bedding. It’s always nice to have an excuse to buy new bedding, but if you’re likely to feel homesick, there’s nothing like the creature comforts of bedding from home. Take two sets so you’ve got a spare to use on laundry day.
Ear plugs
These are essential. The thin walls in student accommodation can often lead to noisy nights when others around you are partying. If you want some uninterrupted rest ear plugs are the answer.
Doorstopper
Especially during the first weeks of university life it is always good to leave your bedroom door open (when you’re in it of course!) as it shows others that you are open to socialising and it’s a great way to make friends at uni.
Laundry basket
This will help you stay organised and should also help to keep your room tidy too.
Wall clock
Having a wall clock right above your bed should ensure that you are on time for all of your lectures, right? Photographs from home – It’s always nice to make your student room feel like home (to an extent). Bring some photos of family and friends that you can stick on your bedroom walls.
What to take to uni halls: Bathroom essentials
Cold & Flu remedies – Be prepared and take a packet or two of painkillers with you. With so many students living under one roof, you’re bound to catch freshers flu at some point.
Toiletries – The standard bathroom products that you need to freshen yourself up the morning after the night before. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, makeup etc.
Bath towels – Again, this one sounds obvious but is easily forgotten – take at least two or more towels so you always have a spare.
Hair dryer and straighteners – Imagine getting ready for a big night out and realise that you’ve forgotten your straighteners!
What to take to uni halls: Kitchen essentials
Whether you’re in catered or self-catered accommodation there are always a few kitchen essentials that will come in handy.
Cutlery
You can never have enough cutlery. Forks always have a habit of mysteriously disappearing.
Pots & pans
The student kitchen will be busy in the evening with all of your flatmates preparing their dinner. Ensuring you have your own pans means that you can cook as you please
Bottle opener
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to open a bottle of your favourite bevvy.
Kettle
If you’re in catered accommodation a kettle in your bedroom is a must. Offering new friends a cuppa is a great way to break the ice. Don’t forget tea bags and coffee!
What to take to uni halls: Study essentials
Lever-arch files
You will be bombarded with paper work from tutors and you will have lots of notes written down. Having one big folder to store them all will help you stay organised and on top of your work load.
An Academic diary
There will be so much going on during your first year at university so having a planner to write down all of the events will ensure you don’t miss any!
Laptop and charger
Having your own computer makes studying much easier. You won’t have to trek up to campus to find an unoccupied computer to use, and you can study wherever you want.
And the rest…
A comfy rucksack/bag
You shouldn’t have to far a walk to your lectures if you are living on campus but it’s handy to have a rucksack to cart around all of your books and notepads.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy mind and body at university. Do your bit for the environment and save yourself money by taking a reusable water bottle.
A pack of cards (or other games)
When you and your new flatmates are all sitting around the kitchen it’s a great ice-breaker to play a game. Be prepared and take some of your favourite party games,
Passport/driving licence
It’s always handy to have some form of authentic ID with you whilst you are a student.
All of the relevant bank cards
You don’t want to be stuck in a new city with no money!
It pays to be organised when you first arrive at university. Those first few moments when you arrive in halls can be daunting, but at least you won’t need to worry about something you may have forgotten. When September rolls around and you start asking yourself what to take to uni halls, we hope this list will come in handy. And if you do forget something in the big rush, don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of shops nearby your accommodation – it’s not the end of the world!
This is such a handy list! I’m sure it will come in handy for many people embarking on their journey to university.
This is a really handy list, my daughter is uni bound, so will keep this in mind when we get her stuff together, also going to make sure she packs a seasonal wardrobe rather than everything, it may make it easier for her.
Thanks for sharing ????
This is such a handy list for freshers to use as a basis for packing! I wish I’d seen it before I went to uni last year- I would have helped me know what was essential and what wasn’t