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Posted Sept. 4, 2025
University packing list
With the new academic year starting in the UK, in this blog we’re going to take a look at what you need to take with you on this new chapter in your life.
Before making your university packing list, check the information from your university or student accommodation provider about what you can or can’t take – for example, are you allowed to bring your own kettle, toaster or mini fridge? Once you have a clear idea of what you can pack, make a comprehensive list so you don’t leave any essentials behind.
Some student accommodation providers, particularly those specialising in providing student accommodation for international students will provide kitchen and bedding packs that can be ordered in advance, this will literally lighten the load and ease the transition to your new country. For example, Nahla Global is a company that specialises in supporting students from the Middle East, providing bespoke support for these students when they arrive in the UK, including the option for kitchen and bedding packs to be delivered to the accommodation in advance of the students’ arrival.
Here we have compiled a list of the items we think you may want, room by room, to make sure you have everything you need to start your postgraduate journey.
Kitchen
Basics
Cutlery
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Plates and bowls
- Cups and glasses
- Tea towels and oven gloves
- Sponges/Dishmatic
- Saucepan, frying pan and baking tray
- Cheese grater
- Can opener, bottle opener and corkscrew
- Water bottle and reusable coffee cup/flask
- Tupperware – for packed lunches
- Zip-lock bags – for freezing batch-cooked meals
Luxury items
- Kettle
- Toastie maker
- Rice cooker
- Mini fridge
Bedroom
Duvet and duvet cover
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Bed sheets
- Laundry bag/basket
- Coat hangers
- Photos of loved ones
- Drying rack/clothes horse
- Hot water bottle
Bathroom
Basics
- Hand towel
- Bath towel
- Toothbrush
- Flip flips/sliders/crocs – essential if you’re sharing a bathroom, especially if the facilities are in a communal corridor
- Manicure set – nail scissors, clippers, tweezers
- Hairbrush/comb
Toiletries
Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Soap
- Shaving foam
- Makeup remover
- Cleanser
First aid kit
- Plasters
- Antiseptic cream
- Bandages
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
Electricals
Basics
- Mobile phone and charger
- Laptop and charger
- Extension leads
- Headphones
- Speakers
- Batteries
- Portable charger
Luxury items
- Electric fan
- Gaming console
Desk
- Ring-binders
- Folders
- Notepads
- Pencil case
- Scissors
Clothes
Tops/t-shirts/shirts
- Sweaters/jumpers/hoodies
- Trousers/jeans
- Skirts/dresses/jumpsuits
- Pants/knickers
- Vests/bras
- Socks/tights
- Smart outfit – for networking events, job interviews, freshers or university society balls, etc
- Coat/raincoat
- Pyjamas/nightdress
- Scarf/hat/gloves
Sportswear
- Swimming costume
- Gym kit
- Trainers
Documentation
- Passport
- Student visa (if relevant)
- Driving licence
- Bank cards and credit cards
Related articles
Student Accommodation Providers
Top Tips To Making Moving Into Your Postgrad Accommodation Easy
Ultimate Postgraduate Student Accommodation Guide
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