What to bring (and not bring) to university 2024

Are you heading to university this September? It can be overwhelming to head to a new environment - and you might not know exactly what to bring. Luckily, we’re here to help! We've created a university packing list for 2024 which outlines everything you actually need to bring to university - and all those things you don’t need. 

Documents

When you first get to university, you may need to check into your accommodation and register onto your course in person. International students may also need to provide visa documentation. It’s important to bring all your relevant documentation with you, even if you end up not needing it. Better to be safe than sorry, right? 

And of course, you’ll need your ID for nights out. If you have one, bring your driver’s licence as well as your passport. It’s smaller, more convenient, and easier to replace if you lose. If you haven’t passed your test yet, you can still apply for a provisional lisence which works well as ID. 

• Passport 
• Driving licence/provisional driving license
• University and course acceptance letters
• Student accommodation documents
• Student finance documents 
• Scholarship or bursary letters
• Bank details and cards
• Visa documentation (if relevant) 

Bedroom

Your bedroom is the main space at university that is just yours - so it’s nice to make it your own. Bringing a few decor or sentimental items can make a new space feel just like home. But, if you are looking to save on suitcase space, maybe try and be more selective when it comes to clothes. You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe! 

• Bedding - sheets, duvet, pillows, pillowcases and blankets 
• Mattress protector 
• Clothes 
• Shoes
• Clothes hangers 
• Laundry basket 
• Airer 
• Small bin
• Doorstop 
• Command hooks, Blu Tack and push pins
• Decor items - e.g. fairy lights, photos, cushions, rug

Kitchen

If you're staying in halls, typically larger appliances like kettles, microwaves, and toasters are provided by your accommodation, but if you can, it’s always good to check this. While you’ll probably end up sharing a few kitchen items with your flatmates, it’s important to bring the basics for yourself. You can get your own set of plates, cutlery, glassware and cooking equipment for cheap from places like B&M, Dunelm, IKEA, or Amazon. 

You can usually find out who your flatmates will be before you move in which might help you avoid ending up with too many of the same items!

• Plates
• Bowls
• Cutlery
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Sharp knife
• Tupperware 
• Scissors
• Bottle opener
• Can opener 
• Chopping board
• Frying pan
• Saucepan 
• Colander 
• Peeler
• Grater
• Utensils - e.g. spatula, wooden spoon
• Measuring jug
• Baking Tray
• Tea towels
• Oven gloves
• Sponges/washing up liquid 
• Tin foil
• Cling film
• Cupboard food essentials
• Bin bags

Bathroom

We probably don’t need to tell you too much about what to bring in the bathroom. But a good tip if you’re sharing a bathroom is to bring flip-flops to wear in the shower and a shower caddy to transport your toiletries. 

• Towels 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Hand soap
• Makeup and remover
• Hairbrush
• Nail scissors
• Tweezers
• First aid kit
• Razors and shaving cream
• Sanitary products
• Contraceptives
• Medication

Electronics

Who could get through university without their electronics? These few essentials should see you through both your studies and your personal life. Make sure that you check your accommodation policy before using extension leads and certain other electircal appliances as they might be considered a fire hazard.

• Mobile phone
• Laptop
• Chargers
• Extension leads
• Headphones 
• Memory stick
• Portable speaker 
• Hairdryer and styling tools

Miscellaneous

You’ll always need a few other extra bits when you’re at university. From an umbrella when it rains to fancy dress to see you through the themed club nights in Freshers’ Week, these miscellaneous items might not fit into a category but are definitely important not to forget! 

• Stationery 
• Fancy dress
• Pack of cards
• Umbrella 
• Rucksack
• Hot water bottle
• Water bottle 
• Washing detergent 
• Cleaning supplies 

What not to bring to university 

• Larger kitchen appliances - e.g. kettle, toaster, microwave, toastie maker, coffee machine. These are often provided by your accommodation and tend to just clutter up the worktops in your kitchen.
• Irreplaceable valuables. This probably speaks for itself, but things can easily get misplaced or lost at university. Save yourself the stress and don’t bring anything you’d be heartbroken to lose.
• Candles or wax burners. Most of the time candles and wax burners are prohibited by university accommodation as they pose a fire hazard.
• Too much food. You can bring a couple of cupboard staples with you but you don’t need to do a whole food shop before you arrive. You can get all your food in once you’ve moved in.
• An iron and ironing board. Let’s be honest, as a student, most of the time you aren’t going to use this. And if you do need to iron, most university halls provide irons. 
• Old school books or notes. University is a fresh start so most of your notes from school will not be relevant.
• A printer. Most university work is online now. If you do need to print anything, your university will have printers available in the library. Plus, printer credits are a far cheaper option than buying ink.

You’re ready to start packing!

Now you know what to bring (and not to bring) as a 2024 Fresher, you can get the suitcases out and start packing. 

Want to tick off items as you go? Download our ultimate packing list to keep everything organised.