Things You Need for Uni
Your uni room will be your home away from home, so it’s worth getting the basics right. This guide covers the essentials – the stuff you’ll actually use. Don’t worry about packing everything though. There’ll be shops wherever you're headed, and loads of students just bring the must-haves, then top up with a cheeky Amazon order once they’re settled. If you want to add a bit more personality to your space, check out our Dorm Room Ideas too.
Bedroom Essentials
Duvet and pillows
Duvet cover, pillowcases, bedsheet (get two sets for when one is in the wash)
Mattress protector (you don’t want to think about what’s under there…)
Blanket/throw
Hangers (take more than you think you would need)
Laundry basket or bag
Doorstop (great for letting the breeze in, and encouraging people to pop in for a chat)
Bedside lamp or clip-on light for late-night reading/studying
Storage boxes or under-bed storage (check the dorm situation before buying)
Pack of blue tack or pins for sticking up your timetable, notes, or motivational memes. (Most dorm rooms have a corkboard)
Bathroom Stuff
Bath towel and hand towel (x2 each)
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, handsoap, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, etc and a shower caddy to carry it all if you have a shared bathroom)
Toothbrush holder or mug
Sliders/flipflops (you don’t want to be walking barefoot in the shared showers…)
Hair removal products (Razor, cream etc)
Nail clippers, tweezers
Haircare bits (hairbrush/comb, hairdryer, straighteners)
Makeup
Toilet roll (take a few to start you off, you’d be surprised how many people overlook this)
Kitchen Kit
Plates (x2), bowls (x2), mugs (x2), glasses (x2)
Cutlery (2-4 of everything. And make it easily recognisable from everyone else's)
Sharp knife
Chopping board
Saucepan and frying pan
Baking tray
Spatula and wooden spoon
Tongs (optional but handy)
Bottle opener / tin opener
Peeler
Tea towel (x2)
Dishmatic (the washing-up sponge with liquid in the handle – trust us)
Washing-up liquid
Food containers (for leftovers or lunch)
Travel mug or reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Cheese grater
Oven gloves
Food bag clips or pegs (keep snacks fresh)
Some food (at least for a few days until you find the local shop)
Study Stuff & Electronics
Laptop and charger
Phone charger (and maybe a backup cable)
Headphones (noise-cancelling if possible)
USB stick or external hard drive
Notebooks, pens, highlighters, post-its
Ring binders or folders
Sticky tabs and revision cards
Desk organiser or pen pot
Desk lamp
Power bank
Rucksack
Extension lead with USB ports (plug sockets never end up where you need them and you can never have enough plugs)
Clothes & Footwear
Everyday clothes
Hoodie or jumper (essential comfort wear)
Going-out clothes
Pyjamas
Dressing gown
Comfy shoes/trainers
Smart shoes
Sliders/flipflops (yes, again – they’re that useful)
Coat/jacket (warm and waterproof if possible)
Gym gear (if you’re into it)
Underwear and socks (lots)
Swimwear (just in case)
Important (but boring) Stuff
ID (passport or driving licence)
Bank card and bank details
Student finance info
Uni acceptance letter
Accommodation contract
NHS number / medical info
Medication (any regular medication you take, plus you will definitely need paracetamol at some point)
National Insurance number
A few passport photos (for societies, student cards, etc.)
Laundry & Cleaning Supplies
Washing powder/liquid or pods
Laundry bag or basket
Clothes airer/drying rack
Lint roller
Disinfectant wipes
Antibacterial spray
Dustpan and brush or small handheld vacuum
Toilet cleaner/bleach and brush (if you’ve got your own bathroom)
Bin bags
Extras (Optional But Nice)
Fairy lights (you may need to check if you’re allowed plug in ones)
Posters or photos from home
Rug
Cushions
Plants (real or fake)
Games or playing cards
Speaker
Mini toolkit (think: screwdriver, scissors, command strips)
Blanket hoodie (vital winter gear)
Pro Tips
Bring some non-stick foil or baking paper. It makes cleaning trays so much easier.
Label your chargers. When everyone has the same one, it’s chaos.
Bring a few command hooks or over-the-door hangers – perfect for bags, coats, or towels without wrecking walls.
Check what your accommodation already provides – no point buying things you don’t need when that money could go on something better… like Costa.
Pack for all seasons – freshers might be hot, but winter will hit fast.
Scan important docs and save them in the cloud before you go.
Pack a lightweight tote or fold-up shopping bag for food shops and last-minute errands.
Take a plug-in air freshener or a reed diffuser. Some rooms smell weird, especially if no one’s lived in them over summer.
Remember: you’ll grow into uni life. You don’t need to be perfect, just prepared.
