Starting University in 2023 – What Do I Need?

Not sure what to take for your first term at university?

Don’t worry! Here’s a list of essentials for every student leaving home for university in 2022.

Bedroom

Your room will usually be kitted out with some basics, including a bed and mattress, a wardrobe, desk and chair. But you need to pack the things that make it feel like home. You should take:

1. duvet, duvet cover and sheets (take a few of each)
2. mattress protector
3. pillows and pillowcases
4. things to spruce up your room, like a rug and some cushions
5. decorations to make you feel more at home. Things that hang on door handles, photo frames, and fairy lights are some examples
6. photos, posters, and Blu Tack
7. stationery and books
8. laptop, phone, chargers, and whatever other tech you need. A small speaker can be handy if you’re allowed one
9. purse, cards, ID, passport, important documents etc.
10. bags, including the essential clutch/bumbag for nights out and a bag big enough to fit your laptop and books in for uni
11. clothes, shoes, and coat hangers
12. a TV if you want one, but most people use their laptop or a PC monitor (remember to get your TV licence sorted)
13. an airer and laundry basket
14. medicine (paracetamol is a fresher’s must)
15. a bedroom bin (double-check, as this might be provided)

Bathroom

Check whether your accommodation is en suite or shared. If it’s shared, you might end up wanting to split the cost of things like toilet rolls later down the line. To start off with, take:

1. shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
2. toothbrush and toothpaste
3. hand soap
4. toilet cleaner, bleach, toilet brush
5. towels and hand towels
6. toilet rolls

Kitchen

Most halls provide a toaster and a kettle (in addition to your oven), but check what you get before you go. The essentials you’ll need are:

1. a few mugs and glasses
2. a couple of saucepans and frying pans
3. a chopping board and some baking trays
4. cutlery and some chopping knives
5. plates and bowls
6. bin bags, sandwich bags, foil, and cling film
7. any utensils you need, like a wooden spoon, spatula, and pizza wheel
8. tea towels
9. Tupperware
10. some cupboard essentials, like teabags, baked beans, and pasta, to get you through the first few days