What Do Students Typically Forget to Pack for Uni?
- Philippa DC
- Feb 26, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 21
With our checklists for Uni students, you won't forget to pack a thing!
The excitement of preparing your move to University can be stressful and distracting. You have to pack your belongings, say goodbye to your friends and family, and start a new chapter in your life. So, if you are an international student preparing to study at university abroad, or when you're packing for Uni, how do you make sure you don't forget to pack anything important?
"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark!"
– Richard Cushing
Plan Ahead So You Don't Forget to Pack Anything Important for Uni
You may have an idea of what you need to bring, like clothes, toiletries, bedding, and electronics. However, there are a number of items that are easily overlooked, yet they will make a big difference to your comfort and convenience at university.
Read on to find out what NOT to forget to pack for Uni!
To help you avoid forgetting anything important, we have put together a list of the top 15 things students (those who didn't download our packing lists of course!) typically forget to pack when preparing for and moving to university.
These essentials will help you settle into your new environment quickly, giving you more time to explore the area, get to know your flatmates, and start life on campus organised and ready to enjoy your new student life.
Plus, we have a bonus tip that will make your transition to university that much easier.
We Did The Thinking So You Don't Have To!
To save you the hassle of trying to remember everything and get fully organised for your move to university, visit our website, and get our Student Resources for instant access to our extensive library of over 30 downloadable resources and packing lists for students.
We have thought of everything you will need for your university adventure - from kitchen utensils to stationery supplies. With our student essentials packing lists, you won’t miss a thing!
You wouldn't drive to an unknown destination without Google Maps to guide you, would you? So think of this list as your roadmap and the best way to get to your destination.
The 15 Things Students Forget to Pack for Uni
Storage boxes
Most university rooms, especially in halls of residence, are boxy and small, making storage options limited.
Use practical, space-saving storage boxes and hanging shelves as they provide extra space to keep things organised.
Stackable boxes can be used under your desk/table to maximise available space.
Extension cords
You may not have many power sockets in your room, and they may not be located by or near your bed or desk.
Multi-plug units and extension cords are a must for plugging in your laptop, phone charger, lamp, fan, hairdryer, straightener and whatever else you need. Make sure they are surge protected and long enough for your needs.
If you're an international student, bring plug adapters with you.
Clothes Hangers
Don't assume that your wardrobe or closet comes with clothes hangers, it usually doesn't, and if it does, you will have only a few.
Space-saving clothes hangers are a great way to fit more clothes into your limited space, keep your clothes wrinkle-free and free up space in your drawers for more foldable or smaller items, such as underwear.
You can also use hangers to hang scarves, pants, or belts. They can be inconvenient to pack, so order them online as they are a lifesaver for getting your clothes away quickly and freeing up space in your room.
Bottle opener/corkscrew
Whether you want to enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine with your friends, you will need a bottle opener or a corkscrew to open them. These are small but useful tools that can come in handy during social occasions or celebrations (and always the item that goes 'missing' first).
You definitely don't want to be stuck with an unopened bottle when you're in the mood for a drink. Fresher's week is notoriously boozy and there will be plenty of opportunities to drink. Make sure you are the flat mate who saves the day by packing a bottle opener or corkscrew!
Small toys or games
A deck of cards is one of the simplest and most versatile things you can bring to university to play games with your flat mates, to break the ice with new people, or to pass the time on a rainy day.
There are hundreds of card games you can play with a standard deck of cards, from poker to solitaire.
Bring your own deck or a pack of Uno and add some fun to the party or at the end of a meal.
You could also bring a Frisbee or table tennis bats and balls or other games like Cards Against Humanity, which can be controversial but a lot of fun.
External hard drive
You may think everything is safe on your laptop or in the cloud, but accidents can happen. Your laptop could be stolen, damaged or infected with a virus. Your cloud storage could run out of space or be hacked.
That's why it's a good idea to have an external hard drive to back up your important files and photos. You don't want to lose your coursework, assignments or memories.
Laundry bag
Doing your laundry is one of the unenviable chores that comes with living independently at university. You will need a laundry bag to store your dirty clothes and carry them to the washing machine. A laundry bag will also help you keep your room tidy and avoid mixing up your clean and dirty clothes.
Having something to carry your dirty clothes back and forth makes life easier and saves you the embarrassment of accidentally dropping underwear on the stairs!
My personal recommendation is to get an IKEA bag, preferably the zip-up version, in the corner of your room, to throw your dirty clothes in at the end of the day, and just carry the whole bag to the laundry room.
In our book, we have a whole section on washing - when to do it, how to do it, how to read the clothes labels. But to get you started, here's a guide to laundry symbols in your clothes labels, and what they mean.
Slippers or Slides
Let me tell you, the floors in student residences are pretty dirty. Walking around barefoot in your room or in the communal areas is not very hygienic or advisable! You might step on something sharp or dirty or catch something nasty!
Slippers or slides are a good solution for keeping your feet clean and comfortable. They are also easy to slip on and off when you need to go out quickly.
Top Tip: Always wear some sort of footwear on your feet in communal bathrooms / shower rooms too!
Ear Plugs and Eye Mask
This may sound excessive, but earplugs and even an eye mask are a necessary part of your sleep routine. University life can be noisy at times.
Earplugs are a lifesaver when it comes to blocking out loud neighbours, noisy flatmates playing music or cooking at 3am, or traffic from the busy streets outside your window. Unless, of course, you're one of those people who can hit the pillow and go right back to sleep until the alarm goes off in the morning.
Otherwise, these are essential, especially during exam time when students don't all have the same schedules and there may be parties going on while you're studying.
An eye mask is recommended if you need a pitch-black room to be able to sleep well. Some student rooms have blinds that still let in light, and if your room happens to be lit up by a street lamp, you may find this annoying.
Sleep is essential for your wellbeing, mental health and sanity - ear plugs and an eye mask will help.
Blu-tack & Pins or Magnets for Noticeboard
You will receive a handful of coupons and discount vouchers during Freshers Week from companies advertising their products. Take advantage! But don't lose them!
Be organised from the get-go - take pins, a few magnets and blu-tack with you to display these on the noticeboard in your room, or the back of your door to keep handy.
You can also display takeaway food menus, your class timetable, etc. so you have them easily to hand and within easy sight when needed.
Sewing kit
Even if you’re not very handy with a needle and thread, a sewing kit can be useful for fixing minor clothing issues. You might need to sew a button, mend a hole, or adjust a hem.
A sewing kit can save you from having to buy new clothes or go to a tailor. It can also help you customize your clothes or add some flair to them.
You can buy these in supermarkets, or you may have one lying around at home that you got from a hotel room once.
You can't just go out and buy new clothes when you have a lost button or rip, so learn to mend it yourself.
Medicines
You never know when you might get sick or injured at university. You might catch a cold, have a headache, or cut yourself, and getting sick is pretty much guaranteed during Freshers Week! Read our blog on Freshers Flu and how to deal with it.
Having some basic medicines in your room can help you deal with common ailments and avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy or the doctor.
Some medicines you might want to pack include painkillers, antihistamines, antiseptics, band-aids, and cough drops. It's better to be prepared than to have to run to the chemist's when you're not feeling well.
Make sure you bring any prescribed or over-the-counter medication you may need too. Some universities also have a health centre on campus where you can get medical attention if you need it.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is another item that can help you deal with minor injuries or emergencies. You might need it for yourself, or for someone else who needs your help. And a well kitted out first aid kit with some meds will help you get through Fresher's Flu too!
A first aid kit should contain items like gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers, gloves, and a thermometer. You should also learn how to use them properly and when to seek professional medical attention.
Here's a list to download with direct links to buy the products on Amazon and yes, I may get a tiny commission if you do!
Hot water bottle
No, you're not an old lady! But, with the current cost of living stretching student budgets to the limit, a great way to keep heating bills down and if your room is freezing, is to put a hot water bottle in your bed at night. It is a simple and effective way to heat up the bed and keep warm and cozy on cold nights. It's also great to soothe sore muscles, stomach aches or cramps. A hot water bottle is easy to use and refill, and can last for hours.
Sports Kit
Packing a sports kit is a frequently missed packing item (as is a towel too!) particularly if sports is not your go-to activity. Physical activity not only promotes your current state of fitness, but it actively contributes to improved mental well-being, stress reduction and greater focus and concentration.
Student life often entails a demanding study schedule, and participation in sports or exercise can give you a refreshing mental break, recharge and energised. Sports also provide an opportunity to socialise, make new friends and be part of a community beyond your class interactions.
The above list of items are often overlooked are small things and will make a big difference to your university experience and help you feel more settle in and comfortable in your new surroundings.
And our bonus tip is....
Take A Positive Attitude With You
Moving to university is a big change, and it's normal to feel nervous or a little overwhelmed.
A positive attitude makes a big difference.
Remember that everyone is in the same boat and you should take advantage of the many opportunities to make new friends and have new experiences.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Good luck with your move to university!
Don't forget to visit our website and download all our packing lists for students. They will make your packing process easier and faster, and ensure that you don't forget to pack anything important.
In addition, our Student Resources provide accommodation guides, student budget planner and much more to help you settle in stress-free! And our essential guide for students is available on Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and many more bookstores online.
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