Moving to university is exciting, but knowing where to start with packing can feel overwhelming and tricky!
Whether you're moving into university halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), or a private rented house, it's easy to worry about forgetting something important or overpacking and being weighed down while travelling.
Thankfully, most student accommodation already provides many of the basics, so you don't need to bring your entire bedroom with you. Focus on the essentials that will help you settle in comfortably from day one.
This blog will cover everything you'll need before moving to university, with practical advice for both UK and international students.
Before thinking about clothes or kitchen equipment, organise your paperwork.
These documents are much harder to replace than a forgotten saucepan.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
Keep both digital and printed copies in separate places. If you're travelling internationally, always keep these documents in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
One of the biggest mistakes new students make is packing for September rather than the whole academic year.
The UK weather changes so quickly that you’re likely to experience sunshine, heavy rain, cold mornings, and freezing winter temperatures all before Christmas!
Rather than bringing your entire wardrobe, choose versatile, capsule clothing that can be layered year-round.
Think about:
Wardrobe and storage space can be limited, so leave yourself room for anything you buy during the year.
Moving away from home can feel daunting, particularly during your first few weeks.
Adding a few familiar touches can make a surprising difference.
Simple items like family photos, your favourite blanket, a small plant or a desk lamp can quickly make your room feel more comfortable.
If you'll be spending a lot of time studying in your room, consider creating a workspace that helps you concentrate.
A notebook, planner, headphones and good lighting can all improve productivity.
Before buying kitchen equipment or electrical items, check your tenancy agreement or accommodation handbook.
Many students arrive with duplicate items they simply don't need.
University halls and PBSA providers often include furniture, kitchen appliances and sometimes cleaning equipment.
Private rented accommodation can vary much more.
Commonly provided items include:
If you're sharing a kitchen, speak to your future flatmates beforehand. One kettle is usually enough for everyone!
It's often the smaller items that people forget.
Think about what you'll actually use during your first week.
Bedroom essentials:
Bathroom essentials:
Kitchen essentials:
Start with the basics, and you can always buy additional items once you've settled in.
Your laptop will probably become one of your most-used possessions.
You'll rely on it for lectures, assignments, online learning and staying in touch with family.
Don't forget:
Extension leads will be really useful, as power sockets aren't always where you'd like them to be!
Moving to university often comes with a long list of expenses.
Before arriving, it's always useful to create a simple monthly budget covering rent, food, transport, social activities and course materials.
International students should also:
If you'll need a UK guarantor to secure your accommodation, it's also worth organising this well before moving day.
Housing Hand stands as a guarantor for students from over 150 countries, which helps renters secure accommodation when they don't have access to a qualifying UK guarantor.
It’s natural to worry they'll forget something important.
But don’t panic, almost everything can be bought once you've arrived.
The biggest mistake isn't forgetting something, it's bringing too much.
So instead, focus on essentials, leave space in your luggage and remember you'll naturally build up your room and kitchen as the year progresses.
Packing is only one part of preparing for university.
If you're renting privately and need a UK guarantor, Housing Hand can stand as your guarantor; we’ll help you secure accommodation with confidence before you arrive.
So whether you're travelling from elsewhere in the UK or moving internationally, prepare early so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time enjoying the start of university life - good luck!
Need help with a guarantor application? Get in touch today.