The Ultimate Uni Essentials Checklist

Let’s start with your ‘don’t-leave-home-without-these’ list for move-in weekend...


Personal Essentials:







💡Pro tip: Create a “Grab Folder” with your key docs, receipts, and emergency contacts.

Let’s start with your ‘don’t-leave-home-without-these’ list for move-in weekend...


Personal Essentials:







💡Pro tip: Create a “Grab Folder” with your key docs, receipts, and emergency contacts.

Bedroom Essentials for Uni Halls

A good night’s sleep might well just be the real secret to surviving uni.







Bedroom Essentials for Uni Halls

A good night’s sleep might well just be the real secret to surviving uni.







Bathroom Essentials for Uni Students

En suite or shared, these essentials will make bathroom life way easier.







🧴 Pro tip: Keep a “shower grab bag” or caddy ready for the early morning dash to shared bathrooms.

Bathroom Essentials for Uni Students

En suite or shared, these essentials will make bathroom life way easier.







🧴 Pro tip: Keep a “shower grab bag” or caddy ready for the early morning dash to shared bathrooms.

Kitchen Essentials for Uni Students

Avoid awkward “who stole my tupperware?” moments with smart labelling (or a sharpie, we won't judge).











🍳 Don’t try this at home! Forget the TikTok uni cooking hacks – boiling eggs in a kettle or cooking toast with an iron might sound resourceful, but they taste terrible, stink out your room, and could get you a hefty fine.

Kitchen Essentials for Uni Students

Avoid awkward “who stole my tupperware?” moments with smart labelling (or a sharpie, we won't judge).











🍳 Don’t try this at home! Forget the TikTok uni cooking hacks – boiling eggs in a kettle or cooking toast with an iron might sound resourceful, but they taste terrible, stink out your room, and could get you a hefty fine.

Student Clothing Checklist

Dress smart, sleep comfy, and be ready for every social curveball.








Student Clothing Checklist

Dress smart, sleep comfy, and be ready for every social curveball.








Study Supplies

Because organisation = half the battle.






Study Supplies

Because organisation = half the battle.






Student Survival Kit: The Little Things That Matter









💬 Pro tip: Prop your door open on move-in day with a doorstop, it’s the easiest icebreaker ever.

Student Survival Kit: The Little Things That Matter









💬 Pro tip: Prop your door open on move-in day with a doorstop, it’s the easiest icebreaker ever.

What Not to Pack for Uni 🙅

Save your suitcase (and your sanity).


❌ Full 48-piece dinner set

❌ Childhood pets (sorry, it’s a no)

❌ Your entire shoe collection (6 pairs max)

❌ Massive kitchen gadgets (no space, no time)

❌ Entire book library (Kindle = space saver)


🧍‍♂️ Fun fact: One student brought a life-sized cardboard cut-out of David Attenborough - apparently Sir David became an honorary flatmate by week two.

What Not to Pack for Uni 🙅

Save your suitcase (and your sanity).


❌ Full 48-piece dinner set

❌ Childhood pets (sorry, it’s a no)

❌ Your entire shoe collection (6 pairs max)

❌ Massive kitchen gadgets (no space, no time)

❌ Entire book library (Kindle = space saver)


🧍‍♂️ Fun fact: One student brought a life-sized cardboard cut-out of David Attenborough - apparently Sir David became an honorary flatmate by week two.

Most Common Uni Student FAQs: University Packing & Prep

  • How do I know which bedding size to order?

    Most uni halls use single or small double beds - but definitely check your accommodation details first! Bed sizes can vary from Single (3'), Three Quarter / Small Double (4'), Double (4'6"), to King (5'). Some accommodations offer extra long beds, in these cases your duvet & cover stays the same, but you'll probably need a couple of extra long fitted sheets to accommodate.

    We offer bedding packs in all these sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your room.

    Still confused about Uni bedding sizes? Download our Uni Bedding Size Chart

    💡 Top tip: A Three Quarter bed is the same as a Small Double. Always pack two bedding sets to rotate between laundry days.

  • Do I need a TV licence at uni?

    If you’re watching live TV or BBC iPlayer, yes. Plan to binge Netflix or on-demand only? Usually no. Remember, some halls cover shared lounge TVs so always check with your accommodation before paying for something you don't need to.

  • What’s a realistic weekly food budget for a student in the UK?

    This is a tricky one, as it varies depending on where you live. With the current cost of living, £35-£45 per week is average. Note this gets swallowed up pretty fast if you order food-delivery services! Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean missing out - it’s all about getting creative.

    Try batch cooking and freezing leftovers in Tupperware, use cheap protein sources like lentils and chickpeas to bulk out your meals, and keep an eye on food rescue apps such as Too Good To Go. Grab 'yellow-sticker bargains' at the supermarkets and split essentials like oil and spices with your flatmates to save even more.

  • How do I make friends when I don’t know anyone at uni?

    Many students swear by keeping your door open on move-in day (doorstop = secret weapon). Nows the time to put yourself out there, so if starting conversations in person feels daunting, connect with classmates through social media instead.

    Join societies, chat with course mates, join whatsapp groups and most importantly, remember everyone’s in the same boat.

  • What if I don’t click with my uni flatmates?

    Sometimes, this is completely normal! Your friend group won't always be those you live with. Explore clubs, hang in common areas, and connect through your course. Your uni community goes so much further beyond your flat, and once you find your tribe, you can even look at sharing accommodation with people who share your interests in second year.