Student Accommodation Checklist 2026 | VibeMyStay

Before You Pack - Do This First!

Check your bed size - Most student beds are single or small double. Don't buy king-size bedding!
Email your accommodation - Ask exactly what's provided. Some include bedding, most don't.
Coordinate with flatmates - Share big items (rice cooker, board games, speaker)
Pack a "first night" bag - Bedding, towel, phone charger, snacks. The rest can wait.

Bedroom Essentials

Duvet (10.5 tog)

UK gets cold - don't cheap out

Duvet cover x2

Having a spare saves laundry stress

Pillows x2

One for sleeping, one for propping

Pillow cases x4

Fitted sheet x2

Check bed size first!

Mattress protector

Uni mattresses have seen things...

Mattress topper

Game changer for thin mattresses

Small lamp/desk lamp

Overhead lights are harsh at 2am

Earplugs

Halls are LOUD at 3am

Throw blanket

Fairy lights

Instant room upgrade

Photos from home

Eye mask

Bathroom

Bath towels x2-3

Shower gel

Shampoo & conditioner

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Deodorant

Prescription medications

Register with GP early!

Razor

Hairbrush/comb

Hair styling products

Makeup/skincare

If Shared Bathroom

Shower flip flops

Non-negotiable. Just trust me.

Shower caddy/bag

Carry stuff to/from bathroom

Robe or cover-up

For the corridor walk

Kitchen Essentials

1 pot (medium)

You don't need 5

1 frying pan

Plate, bowl, mug x2 each

Cutlery set

Sharp knife

Blunt ones are dangerous

Chopping board

Tin opener

You WILL need this at midnight

Wooden spoon & spatula

Kitchen - Often Forgot!

Colander

For pasta - everyone forgets this

Bottle opener/corkscrew

You'll be a hero at predrinks

Baking tray

Chips, pizza, everything

Oven gloves

Burns are not fun

Tea towels x3

Tupperware containers

Meal prep & leftovers

Reusable water bottle

Grater

Peeler

Measuring jug

Tech & Electronics

Laptop + charger

Phone + charger

Extension lead (4+ sockets)

Rooms NEVER have enough plugs

Headphones

Your flatmates will thank you

Spare phone charger

Keep one in your bag

HDMI cable

Connect laptop to TV

Portable charger

Long days on campus

USB stick

UK plug adapters

If you have foreign devices

Documents

Passport/Photo ID

Tenancy agreement

Print or save offline

Student finance letter

Bank details

NHS number

Driving licence

Passport photos x4

For bus passes, ID cards

Exam certificates

Cleaning & Storage

Dustpan and brush

Vacuums are shared & always gone

Laundry basket/bag

Hangers x20+

Wardrobes are empty

Clothes drying rack

Laundry room queues are real

Under-bed storage boxes

Maximise your tiny room

Health & First Aid

Paracetamol

Ibuprofen

Plasters/bandages

Cold & flu tablets

Hot water bottle

UK heating is inconsistent

Antihistamines

Throat lozenges

Thermometer

Life Savers - Don't Forget!

Doorstop

For meeting flatmates in freshers!

Command strips

Decorate without losing deposit

Blue tack

Scissors

Sewing kit

Buttons fall off at worst times

Umbrella

It's the UK. It will rain.

Nail clippers

Mini desk fan

Some buildings get HOT

Slippers

Cold floors

Torch/flashlight

Playing cards

Cheap entertainment

Fancy dress outfit

EVERY uni event is themed!

Board game (small)

Bluetooth speaker

Drinking game cards

Buy When You Arrive

Laundry detergent

Bin bags

Toilet paper

Cleaning spray & sponges

Dish soap

Food staples

Pasta, rice, oil, salt, pepper

Where to Buy Cheap

IKEA - Best for kitchen stuff, storage, bedding
Primark Home - Cheap bedding, towels, basics
B&M / Home Bargains - Cleaning supplies, kitchen bits
Poundland - Stationery, cleaning, basics
Wilko - Good all-rounder for home stuff
Facebook Marketplace - Second-hand furniture from departing students