Maybe you are moving into a the Halls of Residence, shared accommodation off campus or renting a room from a lovely family nearby whatever option you are going for moving out of your family home for the first time is an exciting part of university life, but it can be tricky to know what to bring. Here’s our guide to help you pack the essentials and avoid cluttering your space with unnecessary items.

Must-Have Essentials

1. Bedding: Your bed is the centerpiece of your room, so make it cosy. Bring sheets (make sure they fit your bed size), a duvet or comforter, pillows, and an extra blanket to snuggle up to on chilly nights.
2. Paperwork: Don't forget your ID, Passport photos are helpful, Letters of offer from your Uni and anything else they have sent you, Bank cards, if your not fully virtual, and your Student Transport Cards...You will need these!
3. Storage Solutions: Your rooms are often short on space, so think vertically. Consider under-bed storage bins, a hanging shoe organiser, and stackable storage boxes to keep your belongings tidy.
4. Laundry Supplies: A laundry basket or bag, detergent, and a drying rack are essentials. Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of hangers for your wardrobe.
5. Kitchen Basics: Even if you’re not cooking full meals, you’ll need some basics: a set of utensils, a few plates and bowls, a mug, and a water bottle. A microwave, mini-fridge, or electric kettle can also be handy if your accomodation allows them.
6. Personal Care Items: Bring all your bathroom essentials like towels, toiletries, a shower caddy, and flip-flops for shared bathrooms. A small first aid kit is also a smart addition.
7. Study Supplies: Equip your desk with pens, notebooks, a desk lamp, and a calendar or planner to keep track of deadlines. Don’t forget a power strip to accommodate all your electronics.
8. Decorative Touches: Personalise your space with your photos, posters, or fairy lights to make it feel like home. Just be mindful of any rules about what can or can’t be hung on the walls or how.

What to Skip

1. Too Many Clothes: Space is tight and your wardrobe will probably be small, so only bring the essentials for the current season. You can swap out clothes when you visit home to do laundry!
2. Bulky Furniture: Typically your room come furnished, so there’s no need to bring extra chairs, tables, or large items that will take up space.
3. Excessive Kitchenware: Unless you plan to cook regularly, you don’t need a full set of pots and pans. Stick to a few key items and avoid bringing appliances that aren’t allowed.
4. Duplicates of What’s Provided: Check what’s already included in your room, like a desk chair or a lamp, to avoid unnecessary duplicates.
5. Large Décor Items: While it’s nice to decorate, oversized items like rugs, large mirrors, or multiple pillows can overwhelm the space.
6. Too Many Cleaning Supplies: Bring the basics like disinfecting wipes and a small vacuum, but remember you’re likely sharing the cleaning load with roommates and if you need more items there will be somewhere to buy them close by.
7. Printer or Other Large Tech: The simple answer is you won't need them cluttering up the space and printers can be found in the library or at the Campus amenities.

Final Tip

Before you start packing, check with your university halls guidelines to see what’s allowed and what’s provided. Packing smart will help you create a comfortable, functional space without the clutter, so you can focus on enjoying your new home away from home.