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 is appropriate, for example clothes to wrap up in if it’s winter, lighter clothing for summer, 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)
Don’t forget to pack something smart to wear for interviews and maybe something fancy too!
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 a sieve
Bathroom
- Towels
- Personal care products (shower gel, shampoo, etc.)
- Shower cap
Study essentials
- Laptop
- Desk lamp
- Notebooks
- Textbooks
- Stationery
And finally, don’t forget your electronics (headphones, laptop, tablet, chargers, etc.) or anything related to your hobbies (sports gear, books, etc.)!
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!). We also offer bedding packs upon arrival if you’re staying with us for over 19 weeks, so you won’t need to bring a duvet or pillow with you.
3. 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.
And before you set off on moving-in day, make a note of your new address:
Clanny House: Clanny House, Block 11, Peacock Street, Sunderland,SR4 6UH
Panns Bank: Panns Bank, Hart Court/Douglas Court, Sunderland, SR1 1XS
Scotia Quay: Scotia Quay, Russell House, Low Street, Sunderland, SR1 2RH
4. Connect with your flatmates
Use the power of social media to find your flat mates 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.
And there you have it! Moving into your 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: 28 June 2023