So you’ve got your offer letter from the university of your dreams, the tickets have been booked, and all is well. Not so fast!!! There’s still a lot of planning to do and we are here to help you out. Make sure you have your planner ready because the list is pretty long. Here is what all you MUST carry and the things you can do without.
The rookie mistake most new students make is either carrying way too much stuff or nothing at all. The key is to focus on the essentials and the rest will be sorted. When traveling abroad for studies, it is important to list down the things that can be purchased locally and the things you must take from home.
University Checklist:
Starting as a fresher is quite daunting. The idea of being on your own is exciting but comes with a lot of responsibilities. Following are the several categories to be kept in mind. each category will be elaborated on to make this easy.
- Documents
- Gadgets
- Kitchen utensils
- Bedroom items
- Toiletries
- Wardrobe
- Stationery
- Miscellaneous items
1. Documents:
These are by far the most important items when going to college and are absolutely uncompromisable. documents should be the first thing to pack and must be filed to gether for easy access.
- Valid passport and/or driving licence (ID)
- University admission acceptance letter
- Course acceptance letter
- Accommodation contract
- Student Finance documents
- Scholarship or bursary letters
- Insurance documents
- Passport photos
- Vaccination history (speak to GP before you go)
- Prescription copies
- Bank debit card
- Student discount cards
2. Gadgets:
It is a digital world we live in and university life requires its fair share of technology. Make sure to pack all these beforehand to avoid going analog.
- Mobile phone (best SIM only deals)
- Laptop and case (Best deals on Laptops)
- Printer & ink (how to save on printing costs)
- USB memory stick
- Ethernet cable
- Power extension lead
- Headphones
- Portable speakers
- Games console (multiplayers = great bonding)
- USB TV Stick (Prime)
- Device chargers (Buy from Amazon UK)
- Batteries
3. Kitchen list:
When living in shared accommodation, certain facilities are common to the residents for use. Do not freak out if you see 4 other people using thesame toaster/coffee machine/fridge. carry your own basic cutlery while you share the rest. Here is what you will need.
- A dinner plate
- Bowl
- spoons/forks/knives
- Mug
- Glass
- Sharp knife (general purpose)
- Scissors
- Tupperware (food storage tricks)
- Chopping board
- Kitchen tongs
- Ladle
- Spatula
- Wok and/or frying pan
- Saucepan with lid
- Colander
- Can opener
- Peeler
- Cheese grater
- Tea towel
- dish washing liquid
- Wash cloth/sponge
- trash bags
4. Bedroom:
Basic bedroom necessities are provided by university housing (bed, table, desk, chair, almirah, mirror etc.) but the furnishings still have to be taken care of. Heres what you might need:
- Duvet with cover
- Bed linen
- Coat hangers
- Laundry basket
- Small mirror
- Small safe
- Earplugs
- Decor
- Vacuum storage bags
5. Toiletries:
Toiletries are the one commodity that cannot be shared. Make sure you carry everything you need. This basic list will give you a general idea:
- Bath towel
- Hand towel
- Dressing gown
- Hand soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Flip-flops (communal showers)
- Toilet paper
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair dryer
- Make-up and remover
- Nail cutters
- Small first-aid kit)
- Razors and shaving cream
- Sanitary products
- Paracetamol
- Medication
- Personal supplies (e.g. contact lens solution)
5. Wardrobe:
“Be so good that they cant ignore you” Steave martin – Clothing isn’t about appearance alone. It effects ones performance and changes the way one feels about themselves. One of the best things about uni is clothing, WHo doesn’t like to express themselves and make a statement?
Here are a few things to help you get started.
- Basic T-shirts
- Shirts for formal occasionsTops
- Dresses/skirts in neutral colours to mix and match
- Jumpers
- Sweatshirts
- A good pair of denim goes a long way
- Formal trousers
- Tights
- Raincoat for the rainy days
- Winter coat
- Pajamas
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Trainers
- Slippers
- Smart shoes or heels
- Suit jacket
- Tie
- Watch
- suitable college bag
- Gym kit
- Swimming kit
Stationery:
For those who take their note taking very seriously, this ones for you.
- Pens and pencils
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Stapler & staples
- Highlighters
- A4 or A5 writing pad
- Student planner
- Document storage folders
- Ring-binders
- Printer paper
- White tack
- Post-it notes
- Calculator
- Course textbooks
Miscellaneous:
These are the random items that are not absolute essentials but will make your life easier and fun.
- Rucksack
- Weekend bag
- Umbrella
- water bottle
- ThermoFlask
- Iron and ironing board
- Musical instruments
- Tea, coffee, and milk
- Box of chocolates or biscuits (for instant friends)
- Keys for home
- student friendly apps (budgeting, notes, maps etc.)
These are things that make life at university much easier. Some are far more important than others but all are quite useful. If we have missed something, let us know in the comments. Until then, happy packing!!!
