Essential University Packing Checklist for Students - Lawson's Guide

The new university year is approaching fast, and whether you're moving into halls or shared accommodation, preparing for this exciting new chapter of your life and education can be overwhelming. Lawson's is here to simplify your packing with our essential checklist, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and productive start to university life.

Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom forms the core of your new home away from home and is likely to have most of the basics covered, such as a bed, desk and wardrobe. However, you’ll need some of these essentials to make it a bit more practical, comfortable and homely.  Be sure to check the bed size before you go. 

• Duvet & Pillows - a must have for a comfortable night’s sleep.  You’ll need all the rest you can get between studying and living the student life!
• Mattress & Pillow Protectors -  Ideal or hygiene keeping mattresses and pillows protected from spills and accidents.  
• Sheets, Pillowcases & Duvet Bedding Sets - It’s probably a good idea to have 2 or 3 different sets so that you have a spare when it comes to laundry day.  
• Rugs & Cushions - to add a nice touch and a homely feel.
• Clothes & Coat Hangers - You’ll need to be able to hang your clothes in the wardrobe and may like to consider an over door hanger for your bedroom door.
• Small Desk Fan -  useful for climate control, particularly on warmers days.
• Storage - Maximise your space with clever storage solutions like under-bed boxes, Wham storage baskets and ceramic planters, perfect for keeping your room tidy and clutter-free.
• Personal Items - photos and home comforts

Kitchen Must Haves

You’ll definitely need some sort of kitchen cleaning spray, even some antibacterial wipes but you’ll probably need some essential cooking equipment and kitchenware to get you started.  If you are sharing accommodation then your housemates are likely to have some equipment that they will be willing to share and some items may be included in the rental of your accommodation.  Otherwise, here are some of our must haves:

• Cutlery - Basic and essential utensils for dining and food preparation, which  you may not have considered
• Plates, Bowls, Mugs & Glasses -  Choose from our wide selection of simple and stylish dinnerware to suit your taste and needs
• Saucepan Set & Frying Pans - Equip yourself with the basics for cooking everyday meals with ease.
• Chopping Board - Important for food prep & to keep your kitchen organised and hygienic.
• Baking Trays - Ideal for baking treats and maybe the odd roast dinner!
• Food Storage Containers - for keeping your ingredients fresh, organised and identified.
• Utensils -  From spatulas to ladles, stock up on essential kitchen tools for cooking and serving.
• Kettle & Toaster -  Check if these are provided in your accommodation or consider getting your own for convenient access to hot drinks and toasted snacks.

You can browse our full range of cookware here to find all of the basics that you will need.  

Once you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll be able to find out where the nearest shop or supermarket is so that you can stock up on cupboard staples, bread, milk and cleaning supplies.

Laundry, Bathroom & Cleaning Essentials

Besides your usual toiletries (don’t forget the toilet roll) you’ll need a few other basics to help you through daily life. Stay clean and organised with these student essential items:

• Clothes Airer - you’ll need somewhere to dry your washing
• Laundry basket - for portability.  Look out for space saving collapsible ones.
• Iron
• Towels - bathroom towels and tea towels 
• Cleaning supplies
• Bin - to keep everything hygienically tidy

Electricals

These are probably some of the things that you most definitely can’t live without when starting out with university life.  

• Tech - Laptop, phone charger and headphones
• Extension leads - especially helpful if sockets are limited in your room.  
• Entertainment - you may want to consider bringing your own TV & streaming devices

On top of these home living essentials, most of which you can buy from Lawsons, you’ll need all of the usual start of term stationery, probably a wall planner or calendar to stay on track and don’t forget any registration documents.  We hope this checklist helps with your organisation ready to start a new year of education.

Sources:

https://www.savethestudent.org/accommodation/what-to-take-to-university.html
https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/big-list-absolutely-everything-you-need-take-university
https://www.ryman.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-ready-for-university