The Ultimate University Essentials Guide 2025: Don't Forget a Thing!

If you are looking up “what to take to uni?” congratulations, you’ve made it to your dream University! We all know how stressful packing can be, but you've got to do it. You know the university essentials you’ll need to pack, like your passport, comfortable clothes, your laptop, shoes, blankets, etc. We have created the Ultimate University packing list to make your move to the University as simple and smooth as possible. Everything you need, from daily essentials to important documents, you don't want to leave behind!

Packing Panic? Don't Sweat It!

Think about how you should pack for college before getting everything on your Uni packing list. Here are a few of the things you should consider packing! 

University Essentials: Documents 

As a student studying abroad, your uni checklist must include the necessary documents that you may need in the first week at University. Here is a uni essentials list of what you should carry:

• A valid Passport/ driving licence
• Passport size photos
• Acceptance letters
• Student finance docs
• Scholarship letters
• Medical certificate
• Bank details 
• Student discount cards 

University Essentials: Electrical Gadgets

We all love and adore our mobile phones, and they take up a cosy spot in our hands, so that's one thing that you won't forget to carry, but some other electronic devices are as important as your phone, which you will need shortly while moving abroad. Must Haves

• Laptop
• USB memory stick
• Headphone/earbuds
• Batteries 
• Chargers 

Optional

• Ethernet cable 
• Game console 
• Portable speakers
• USB TV stick 

University Essentials: Clothes

We know our crowd, and for you all, "All worries are temporary; drip is forever". You already know what clothes you want to bring, from your favourite shoes to the ultimate party dress. Still, we thought of summarising the university essentials checklist so you're covered for any occasion.

Must Haves

• Comfy everyday clothes 
• Casual footwear
• Casual clothes 
• Formal shoes 
• Nightwear 
• Gym clothes 

Optional

• Flip flops
• Seasonal clothes
• Dressing gown 
• Swimwear 
• Raincoat 
• Winter boots 

University Essentials: Stationery

If you are moving abroad for further education, it only makes sense to carry your beloved stationery along. Without it, your uni checklist is incomplete. Books, notepads and stationery items can add significant weight to your bags. Most campuses have shops that provide essential stationery items. But it would be best to pack a few university essentials to get the ball rolling.

Must Haves

• Pens and pencils 
• Sticky notes 
• Stapler and staple pins
• paper clips  
• Highlighters 

Optional 

• Journal or planner 
• Sellotape 
• Folders

University Essentials: Kitchen Items

Don't worry! You don't have to bring everything. Electrical appliances are usually provided in your student accommodations so that you can leave your kettle, toaster, and microwave behind. However, our uni checklist recommends you keep some of these items handy: 

Must Haves

• Bowls and plates 
• Cutlery 
• Mugs and glasses 
• Reusable food containers 
• Tin opener 
• Saucepan 
• Sharp knife 
• Frying pan 
• Potato/Vegetable peeler 
• Sponge or dishcloth 
• Tinfoil

Optional

• Travel mug 
• Bottle opener 
• Baking tray 
• Oven gloves and tongs
• Tea towels 
• Cheese grater 

We know that carrying all these items from our uni essentials list can be a little too much; in that case, we believe you should check out these ten easy recipes for students to cook during their stay away from home.

University Essentials: Bedroom Items

Since most residence halls are furnished, you only have to worry about the basics, and this uni essentials checklist has it all. Here are a few items you can add to your university checklist to help you settle in with style:

Must Haves

• Duvet 
• Duvet cover 
• Pillows and pillowcases 
• Bed sheets 
• Mattress protector 

Optional 

• Clothes storage 
• Laundry bag or basket 
• Doorstop 
• Earplugs 
• Hot water bottle 
• Rubbish bin 
• Mini sewing kit

University Essentials: Bathroom Items

You'll have en-suite rooms in most halls, but if you're sharing a bathroom, you'll need to bring your towels. Trust us; you'll be grateful for shower shoes. Your uni checklist should include these items:

Must Haves

• Towels
• Toothbrush and toothbrush holder 
• Hand soap 

Optional 

• Bathroom cleaning products 
• Toilet cleaner 
• Cleaning sponges 
• Bathrobe 
• Shower shoes or flip-flops

University Essentials: Toiletries & Medical Supplies

It's always wise to add essential toiletries and critical medical supplies to your uni checklist! Here are a few items we suggest you add to your university packing list:

Medical supplies

• Prescription medicines 
• Allergy medicines 
• flu medicines 
• Multi-vitamins 
• Plasters 
• Antiseptic cream 
• Antiseptic wipes 
• Birth control pills 
• Condoms 
• Sanitary products 

Toiletries

• Nail cutter 
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body lotion
• Razors 
• perfume/deodorant
• Comb/brush 
• Cosmetics 
• Sunscreen  
• Hair ties 
• Bobby pins 
• Toiletries bag

You can also check out these eight healthcare apps for students to keep track of their health and stay healthy and fit.

University Essentials: Miscellaneous Items

These are items that appear to be random but are helpful. You never know when you'll need them! We've included some items in our uni essentials list that are always needed at one stage or another. 

Must Haves

• Alarm clock 
• Batteries 
• Umbrella 
• Books 

Optional

• A torch 
• Clothes hangers 
• Blu tack or pins 
• Playing cards 
• Spare charging cables

University Essentials: The Essential Non-Essentials

It varies from person to person; some may find them insignificant and small, but for others, they are necessary because they can make them feel more at home and comfortable. Our uni checklist has some necessities you should consider carrying along. 

• Photographs of family and friends 
• Throw blankets/cushions for decoration 
• Fake plants for decoration 
• LED or fairy lights for decorations 
• Wall mirror/full-length mirror 
• Bulletin board

Check Before You Pack

While most halls of residences are equipped with kitchen appliances and furniture, there are often restrictions on the use of certain items. These sometimes include candles (open flames in student accommodations can be a fire hazard) and posters/wall art (you may not be allowed to hang these on the walls). Be sure to check before you pack!

• Kettle 
• Toaster 
• Microwave 
• Mini-fridge 
• Toastie maker 
• Coffee maker 
• Printer 
• TV 
• Poster/wall art 
• Candles
  

Having packed all your belongings, you must transport them to your new home at the University. This may be challenging if you attend a university in a new city, town, or country. That's where My Baggage comes in handy. We are specialists in this area and know our stuff, but don't take our word for it; check out our reviews. Over 125,000 customers have benefited from our services in over 200 countries worldwide. Get an instant quote here.

So, now that you know what to pack, go ahead and do your thing!

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