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The ultimate university packing checklist

It’s official: you’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime... FRESHERS. Only kidding – ‘welcome week’ is a wild and wonderful ride though – congratulations on getting into university! Starting uni is a huge deal and one that comes with a flurry of emotions, including (the very justified) packing dread.

For us, writing our packing list for university was overwhelming enough, let alone actually ticking off said uni packing list. How prepared is too prepared? Is there such thing as too prepared? Why shouldn’t we buy every single thing in TK’s home department? So, to help make the process as painless as possible, we’ve put together our *ultimate* packing list for university.

Not only does this uni packing list cover what you’ll need for each room in your accommodation, it also includes handy-to-have documents (in its own little uni essentials checklist, no less) and our top tips and tricks for the big move. Together, we’ve got this!

Your university bedroom checklist

As well as comfy bedding and laundry essentials, unique pieces to personalise your room are core to a packing list for the first year of university. Here at TK Maxx, you'll find loads of funky accessories for up to 60% less!*
- Bedding
Duvet & duvet cover (check your bed size first), pillows & pillowcases, bedsheets & fitted sheet, mattress protector (optional but useful), extra blanket (for colder months)
- Laundry & cleaning
Laundry basket or bag, clothes hangers, laundry detergent & fabric softener, drying rack (if needed), disinfectant wipes & surface cleaner, small vacuum or dustpan & brush, vacuum storage bags, air freshener
- Comfort & decor
Cushions & throws, photos of family & friends, fairy lights or LED strip lights (check accommodation rules), small rug (for warmth & cosiness), desk plant, command hooks or sticky wall strips (for hanging items), clock, desk lamp

Your university kitchen checklist

As soon as you get your student accommodation assigned, look into what the halls of residence offer kitchen-wise. You may find that some of the tools on your first-year uni packing list are already provided.
- Cooking essentials
Frying pan, saucepan (medium size), baking tray (if using an oven), mixing bowl, chopping board, sharp knife, wooden spoon & spatula, tongs
- Dining
One or two plates, one or two bowls, cutlery (knife, fork, spoon), mug & travel mug, reusable water bottle, glasses or cups
- Kitchen tools
Tin opener, bottle opener/corkscrew, measuring jug, grater, peeler, scissors, colander (for pasta/rice), whisk, oven gloves
- Storage & cleaning
Tupperware (for leftovers and meal prep), food storage bags or clips, tea towels, dish soap & sponge, bin bags, kitchen roll
- Basic food & condiments
Salt & pepper, cooking oil, tea & coffee, sugar, pasta/rice/noodles, cereal or quick breakfast options, snacks (biscuits, crisps, nuts, etc.)

Your university bathroom checklist

We understand wanting to tick off as much of your uni packing list as possible but don't forget that there will be shops (and hopefully a TK Maxx!) where you're going. It could be easier and cheaper to wait until arriving at university before buying some bathroom bits.
- Toiletries
Toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, body wash or soap, face wash & skincare essentials, deodorant, razor & shaving cream, hairbrush or comb, beauty tools and products, hair tools and products, feminine hygiene products (if needed), contraception, cotton buds & pads, lip balm, hand soap, perfume/body spray
- Shower essentials
Bath towel & hand towel (at least two of each), loofah or washcloth, shower caddy (to carry toiletries in shared bathrooms), flip-flops (if using a communal shower)
- Bathroom accessories
Toilet roll, toilet brush (if not provided), air freshener or spray, small bin (if not provided), plunger (optional but useful)
- First aid & medications
Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen), cold & flu medicine, plasters (band-aids), any prescription medication (with a doctor’s note if needed), tweezers & nail clippers
- Cleaning supplies
Disinfectant wipes, bathroom cleaner, sponges or scrubbing brush

Your university clothes checklist

There are hundreds of things you might want to add to your university kit list. But remember: you're not moving to the moon. If it turns out that you can't live without that neon shoulder-pad tee you wore once in 2016, you'll probably be able to pick it up or have it sent to you.
- Everyday clothes
T-shirts & tops, jeans/trousers, leggings/joggers, hoodies/sweaters, dresses & skirts (if needed), underwear
- Outerwear
Warm winter coat (it gets cold in the UK!), waterproof jacket (for rainy days), casual jackets (denim, bomber, etc.)
- Shoes
Comfortable everyday trainers, boots (for winter & rain), smart shoes (for events/interviews), flip-flops/sandals (for showers or the beach)
- Formal & occasionwear
Smart outfit (for presentations, networking, or formal events), night-out outfits (if you go clubbing or partying), fancy dress outfits
- Activewear & loungewear
Gym clothes (if you plan to work out), sports bras (if needed), swimwear, pyjamas & comfy loungewear, slippers or cosy socks
- Accessories & miscellaneous
Belts, ties (if needed), tights (if needed), sunglasses, scarves, gloves, hats, jewellery, watches, bags/backpacks, reusable shopping bags

Your university stationery checklist

Nothing can really prep you for your first lecture, but this uni essentials list will definitely help. When it comes to your reading list, we recommending buying your books once you arrive. Not only will you save yourself some much-needed packing space, you'll probably save a pretty penny too!
- Essentials
Notebooks (one for each subject or a multi-subject notebook), pencil case, pens, pencils & sharpener, highlighters (for key points), eraser, ruler (15cm or 30cm), scissors, white tack, glue stick, stapler & staples, hole punch
- Organisation & storage
Lever arch files or ring binders, plastic wallets or document folders, sticky notes (for quick reminders), index cards (for revision), paper clips & binder clips
- Study & planning
Academic planner or diary, wall calendar (optional but useful), to-do list or sticky notes, page markers (for books & notes)

Your university tech checklist

Electronics can help make your student experience easier (repeat after us: I will back up my files), and a lot more fun. From essentials to entertainment, here's some tech options you could consider for your university kit list.
- Essential devices
Laptop & charger (lightweight but powerful for coursework), smartphone & charger (for communication & apps), headphones/earphones (for online lectures, study, and calls), power bank (for charging on the go), extension cord (UK plug type G, with surge protection)
- Storage & back-up
USB flash drive (for quick file transfers), external hard drive/SSD (for back-ups & extra storage), cloud storage access (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Entertainment & comfort
Bluetooth speaker (for music & movies), TV or monitor (for gaming or extended screen use), gaming console (if you play)

Your university documents essentials list

We know paperwork is never fun, but documents should rank highly in terms of your packing essentials for university. We suggest making digital copies where possible and keeping those together in a secure file... trust us, you don't want to be stuck frantically searching for anything!
- University & enrolment documents
University acceptance letter, student ID (or confirmation of student status), course registration documents, accommodation contract & details
- Financial documents
Proof of tuition fee payment (or funding/scholarship letter), student loan or scholarship documents, bank statements (last 3-6 months), bank account details (or set-up information), credit/debit card (International use enabled)
- Health & insurance documents
NHS registration details (if studying in the UK), medical records & prescriptions, health insurance documents (if applicable), vaccination records (including COVID-19 if required)
- Personal & emergency documents
Passport, emergency contact list (family, university, GP, etc.), copy of birth certificate, driving license (if applicable), National Insurance number (if working in the UK)
- Accommodation & living documents
Tenancy agreement, utility bills (if renting privately), TV license (if required)
- Travel documents (if coming from abroad) Flight/train tickets & travel insurance, proof of address in the UK (for customs & bank setup)