The Only Student Packing Checklist You'll Actually Need
Let's be real. Every "ultimate packing list" on the internet tells you to bring 47 things you'll never touch.
I surveyed actual students. Asked them what they actually used, what gathered dust under their bed for 9 months, and - most importantly - what they desperately wished they'd packed.
This is the result.
Before You Pack ANYTHING
Do these three things first:
1. Check your bed size
Most student beds are single or small double. Buy king-size bedding and you're spending week one at IKEA returning it.
2. Email your accommodation
Ask: "What's provided in my room?" Some include bedding packs. Some include literally nothing. Big difference.
3. Talk to your flatmates
Facebook/WhatsApp group. Coordinate who brings the rice cooker, board games, Bluetooth speaker. Don't need 6 toasters.
The "Pack a First Night Bag" Trick
This is the advice I wish someone had told me.
Pack a small bag with:
- Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets)
- 1 towel
- Phone charger
- Toiletries
- PJs
- Snacks
Everything else can wait until tomorrow. You'll arrive exhausted. The last thing you want is to unpack 15 boxes at 11pm.
The Essentials (Non-Negotiable)
Bedroom
| Item | Real Talk |
|---|---|
| Duvet (10.5 tog) | UK gets cold. Don't cheap out on this. |
| Duvet cover x2 | One on, one in the wash. Saves laundry panic. |
| Pillows x2 | One for sleeping, one for propping up in bed. |
| Mattress protector | Uni mattresses have seen things. Things. |
| ⭐ Mattress topper | Game changer. Thin uni mattresses destroy backs. |
| ⭐ Earplugs | Halls are LOUD at 3am. Every night of freshers week. |
Bathroom
If you have a shared bathroom (read this carefully):
- Shower flip flops - Non-negotiable. I don't care how clean you think it is. Just trust me.
- Shower caddy/bag - You're carrying stuff to and from the bathroom. Every. Single. Day.
- Robe or cover-up - Unless you want to do the corridor walk in a towel
Everyone needs:
- Bath towels x2-3 (not hand towels - actual big ones)
- Toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
- Prescription medications (register with GP immediately!)
Kitchen
| Bring This | Why |
|---|---|
| 1 pot, 1 pan | You don't need a set of 5. You'll use these two. |
| Plate, bowl, mug x2 | One for eating, one festering in the sink. |
| Sharp knife + board | Blunt knives are more dangerous. Bring one good one. |
| ⭐ Tin opener | You WILL need this at midnight. For beans. |
| ⭐ Colander | Everyone forgets this. Draining pasta in the sink with a fork is sad. |
| ⭐ Bottle opener | You'll be a hero at predrinks. This is how you make friends. |
| ⭐ Baking tray | Oven chips, pizza, everything. Essential. |
| ⭐ Oven gloves | Burns hurt. Tea towels are not the same. |
Tech
- Laptop + charger (obviously)
- Phone + charger (obviously)
- Extension lead (4+ sockets) - Rooms have like 2 plugs. This is essential.
- Headphones - Your flatmates will thank you
- Spare phone charger - Keep one in your bag permanently
- HDMI cable - For connecting laptop to common room TV
- Portable charger - Long days on campus
Things Students ACTUALLY Regret Not Bringing
This is the real gold. From actual student Reddit threads and surveys:
❌ The "I Can't Believe I Forgot This" List
- • Doorstop - For meeting flatmates during freshers. Prop your door open = instant friends.
- • Command strips - Decorate without losing your deposit.
- • Clothes drying rack - Laundry room queues are 2 hours long on Sunday.
- • Hot water bottle - UK heating is unreliable. This saves you.
- • Umbrella - It's the UK. It will rain. A lot.
✅ The "This Made My Life Better" List
- • Mattress topper - Sleep quality: 10x improvement.
- • Small desk lamp - Overhead lights are harsh at 2am essay time.
- • Under-bed storage boxes - Rooms are tiny. This doubles your space.
- • Sewing kit - Buttons fall off at the worst times.
- • Fancy dress outfit - EVERY uni event is themed. Be prepared.
What NOT to Bring (Save Space & Money)
| Skip This | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Printer | Library printing is 5p/page. Your ink will dry out. |
| Iron + ironing board | Hang clothes in shower steam. Works the same. |
| TV | Laptop + streaming. No TV licence needed if no live TV. |
| Fancy coffee machine | You'll use the kettle. Every student before you has proven this. |
| Candles | Banned in most accommodation. Fire alarm = 3am evacuation. |
| Your entire wardrobe | Storage is tiny. Bring 3 weeks of clothes. Swap at holidays. |
| Excessive kitchen stuff | You're sharing with 5 people. Everyone brings too much. |
Buy When You Get There
These things are cheaper locally and not worth transporting:
From IKEA / Primark Home / B&M:
- Cleaning supplies (bin bags, sponges, dish soap)
- Food staples (pasta, rice, oil, spices)
- Hangers (if you need more)
- Fairy lights (instant room upgrade)
- Doorstop (for freshers socialising)
From local supermarket in first week:
- Laundry detergent
- Toilet paper
- Bin bags
- Basic food shop
Budget: £30-50 for first week supplies (on top of normal groceries)
The Social Stuff (Don't Forget!)
🎉 These items will make you friends:
- • Playing cards - Cheap entertainment, works everywhere
- • Bottle opener - You'll be invited to everything
- • Bluetooth speaker (small) - Kitchen hangouts are better with music
- • Fancy dress outfit - Every event is themed. Seriously. Every one.
- • Board game - One simple one (Uno, Cards Against Humanity)
Download Your Checklist
Quick Reference: Room-Specific Extras
If you have a shared bathroom:
- Shower flip flops (essential)
- Shower caddy
- Robe for corridor walks
If you have an en-suite:
- Bathroom mat
- Toilet brush (check if provided)
- Small bin
If you're in a studio:
- Extra kitchen items (you're not sharing)
- Small dining table if not provided
Now you know what to pack. Want to know where to live?