By
ResLife
Posted 2 weeks ago
Tue 28 Jul, 2026 12:07 AM
The countdown is close: you'll soon be settling in halls, eating free pizza whilst testing out the new toaster your mum bought you.
Before you either pack up all your belongings or forget the important stuff, we will share with you a must-have list of what you SHOULD bring to uni.
Only pack what you really need, as once you start university you'll most definitely buy other things! Try to bring things that will make your life easy in the first weeks as well!
Don't forget you can purchase bedroom, kitchen and bathroom kits from UniKitOut. For more information, check out our article.
General checklist items📝
- Any form of photo ID (Passport or driver's licence)
- Copy of National Insurance
- Any travel documents (Visa, Tickets)
- Bank cards
- Any medication or medical documents
- Details of Health Insurance (overseas students)
- Any University documents you've been told to bring (acceptance letter, etc.)
- Any copies of financial documents
- Any discount cards you use (Railcard)
- A basic first aid kit (quite useful to have in the kitchen for you and your flatmates)
Useful items 👀
- Duvet, duvet cover and sheets
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Socket Adaptor (for international students)
- Extension Lead
- Mobile phone and charger
- PC/Laptop and any cables or chargers
- Decorations and photos to make your room feel more like Home
- Clothes, shoes and coat hangers
- Laundry basket
*Did you know? You can purchase bedding from us (FutureLets) to be ready and waiting in your room before you arrive! To do this you can simply tick this option in the e-arrival online pages (where you select your arrival time).
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair products
- Towel and hand towel
- Hand soap
- A few mugs and glasses
- Plates and dishes
- Cutlery
- Saucepans and frying pans
- Chopping board
- Tupperware
- Any utensils you need, like a wooden spoon and spatula
Too many toasters!
Avoid trying to find storage for 6 toasters and 3 kettles when you arrive by discussing with your flatmates as to who brings what before you arrive at halls.
Medical Card!
Bring your medical registration Card and get registered with your local GP as soon as you arrive so you're not suffering in bed with freshers' flu your first few weeks here.
We also have our own University Medical Centre in The Hub for you to utilise. Just don't forget to bring your medical card or NHS number if you're a UK resident!
What NOT to bring
Here's our list of what you SHOULD NOT bring to uni:
Including anything that is or may become dangerous, offensive, combustible, corrosive, inflammable, radioactive or explosive:
- firearms
- air rifles
- BB guns
- pistols
- cross-bows or any other weapons
- gas cylinders
- oil burners
- fireworks
- laser pens
- joss sticks or hookah pipes
- Illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Hazardous chemicals or materials
Anything that could harm or endanger yourself or others is a big no-no and should be left at home, especially anything that is (or could be used as) a weapon.
- candles, tea lights, incense sticks, oil burners or similar devices
- Any appliances with an exposed heating element (for example, deep fat fryers)
- Plug-in air fresheners or electric diffusers
- BBQs or gas sa=canisters
- Additional heaters or portable radiators
- Laundry appliances, including personal washing machines, tumble dryers or electric drying racks
- Rice cookers and microwaves
Electrical appliances must be:
- Safe for UK use, CE-marked, and meet British standards
- Never overload sockets or be plugged into cube adapters or unprotected extensions
- No pets of any kind are allowed in halls, including fish, birds, or any other livestock
Happy packing and good luck for university!
