When it comes to things to pack for university, strategy and streamlining are key. Here are our top tips for your university packing list.
1. Pack the essentials
Although it may be tempting to bring lots of stuff with you, make sure you only bring the essentials. Your move-in day will be much smoother as a result, and your room won’t be filled with clutter you don’t need! Lists are always a good place to start, particularly if you split them into categories of the things you need. To start you off, you could consider packing the following:
Bedroom
- Bedding (pillowcase, bed sheet, duvet cover)
- Clothes and shoes (consider what's appropriate, for example warm clothes, layers, and boots for winter, lighter clothing and shoes for summer, something smart for interviews, something fancy for special occasions, etc.)
- Coat hangers, clothes airer, laundry bag
- Comfort items (for example, your favourite teddy, family photos, or anything you think will help if you get homesick).
Kitchen
- Crockery (plates, cups, dishes, mugs, glasses)
- Pots and pans
- Cutlery
- Tupperware boxes (use your leftovers the next day and save those pennies)
- Chopping board and a good sharp knife
- Scissors, wooden spoon, cheese grater, can opener, spatula
- Baking trays and oven gloves
- Measuring cups
- Colander or sieve.
Bathroom
- Towels
- Personal care products (shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, period products, etc.)
- Shower cap.
Study essentials
- Laptop
- Desk lamp
- Notebooks
- Textbooks
- Stationery.
Electronics and hobbies
- Headphones
- Tablet or e-reader
- Chargers
- Sports gear
- Books.
2. Check what your accommodation provides
There’s no point packing things your accommodation already provides. For example, all our accommodation sites are self-catered with fully equipped kitchens and onsite laundry facilities. So, you won’t need to bring your washing machine or microwave (phew!).
3. Connect with your flatmates
Use the power of social media to find your flatmates and get to know them before you move in. It may take some detective work, but this would be a great way of introducing yourself and sharing ideas on what to bring with you before you move in.
4. Familiarise yourself with any pre-arrival information
If you stay with us, you’ll receive an email from accommodation services before moving in. The email will include a pre-arrival induction and important information about your accommodation before you arrive.
On moving-in day, you’ll collect your keys from reception and a temporary visitor’s card (you’ll use this until you get your student card). When you arrive at your accommodation, you'll be sent an email requesting that you complete an online inventory for your room and communal area within the flat, to make sure everything is in its place and that nothing is damaged.
Finally, before you set off on moving-in day, make a note of your new address:
- Panns Bank: Panns Bank, Hart Court/Douglas Court, Sunderland, SR1 1XS
- Scotia Quay: Scotia Quay, Russell House, Low Street, Sunderland, SR1 2RH
- The Precinct: The Precinct, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR2 7PS.
Moving into university accommodation can be stressful, but by following our guide, we hope we’ve made it a little easier for you. We'll see you on move-in day!
Published: 8 October 2024