What to pack for university: the checklist

If you need some inspiration before packing for university then look no further. We have prepared the ultimate uni checklist

Essentials:

• Important documents — These could include: Passport, drivers license, uni offer letter, accommodation contract, insurance docs, student loan docs, any thing you think you might need access to. Keep them in a folder and lock them away safely when you get to halls.
• Other documents — NHS medical card for easy registration with our on-campus doctor, Health Insurance for overseas students, Vaccination history, a few paper copies of your CV.
• Passport photos — these come in so handy!

• Clothes & shoes — Obviously, but pack light. If it hasn’t seen daylight in the last two years, the chances are you don’t need it. There are loads of student deals in Northampton shops to boost your wardrobe if you need to!
• Toiletries — Make-up, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, various personal hygiene products, a mini first aid kit, mild painkillers, toothbrush and, most importantly, deodorant.
• Towels & a bathmat — Unless you like to drip dry of course. We don’t judge.

• Kitchenware — Forks will become like gold dust by the end of the first term, so make sure you are fully stocked up with kitchenware. Plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery, a few pots and pans, sponges/washing up liquid and washing detergent are all pretty essential.
• Bedding — We supply the beds and mattresses but not the bedding, so make sure you bring: sheets, duvet covers, duvets, pillows and a blanket if you get chilly toes.
• Food & drinks —Bring the basics with you for your first 2 days. Stuff that lasts a long time is best: Pasta, rice, tea bags. Protip: If you bring a pint of milk and some tea to share on your first day, your flatmates will love you forever.

• Homely things & decorations — Pictures or mementos from home are so important, so save some space to pack some. You can also decorate your rooms with battery-powered fairy lights or battery-powered candles too to give it that homey touch.
• Laptops and electrical equipment — This goes without saying but remember your essential mobile phone, laptop, tablet and chargers, socket converter if needed, USB stick and batteries. Plus hair dryers/straighteners if you use them. And remember —everything electrical needs to be PAT tested!

Extra things that come in handy:

• Drinking straws
• Twister or other board games — you’d be surprised at how often these get used!
• Contraception
• Fancy dress clothes — maybe this should go in the ‘essentials’ list…
• Lounge clothes — extremely handy for assignments & revision
• Mini sewing kit

Do not pack:

• Kitchenware that you don’t know how/will never use. These will just take up valuable space in your kitchen cupboards. Does anyone use a juicer daily, really?
• Your whole book — trust us, you won’t have time to watch/read it all just bring your faves.
• Your pet — tempting but not allowed.
• Iron/ironing board — if you’re in halls, you will have one to share with your flatmates.

We hope this list helps you fight the urge to overpack but helps you to remember the essentials.

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