Moving To University: The Ultimate Student Checklist

Whether you’re heading to university for the first time, or returning after a long break spent at home or away, knowing what to pack for the new term can be quite the challenge. 

If you’re about to start your first term as a fresher, living away from home for the first time can feel like a daunting experience. When thinking about what you might need for a whole term, or even a whole year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But worry not. To help you prepare everything you need for an exciting and action-packed term, the team here at Seekers have provided a handy checklist on what to pack for university. This uni checklist will help you start the new term on the right foot.

What should I take to university?

Whether you’re staying in a purpose-built student flat, a house share or a studio, there are key basics that no student should be without. Here’s the Seekers ultimate university checklist for any student:

Essential Documents

Having your ID to hand is important for more than just getting served at the Student Union Bar! It’s vital to make sure you bring your relevant identity documents with you. A passport, driving licence, or other form of photo identity will be needed when sorting your student university ID card, managing any banking transactions and account changes, and obtaining insurance or other official paperwork. 

Other important documents to bring include your official university admissions letter, course acceptance letter, bank card and bank account details, student finance documents and accommodation documents. We also recommend you bring your National Insurance Number, NHS Medical number and exam certificates with you too, you never know when you may need them.

It goes without saying, however, that when unpacking these essential documents for uni, make sure you keep them in a safe place, and check regularly that you still have everything you need.

Stationery 

We may live in the digital age, but sadly when it comes to studying, it’s not quite paperless yet. To make sure you have everything you need to get stuck in with the actual studying part of being a student, the Seekers team recommends that you pack essentials such as notebooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, a stapler, a calculator, and a hole punch for all those lecture notes. It’s also worth investing in a diary or planner to keep track of the lectures, seminars and tutorials you’ll be attending, as well as the exciting social events the new term has to offer. 

Kitchen Must-haves

Although Seekers student accommodation comes with essential kitchen facilities, a few homely essentials are important to include in your list of things to take to uni. For only a few pounds from your local supermarket or department store, you can pick up your own set of mugs, plates and cutlery, as well as cooking implements like saucepans, knives, tin openers and bottle openers. These will not only keep your kitchen fully-stocked, but also help you make your student room or student house feel more like home.

Our top tip when living in a house share, would be to label your items with your name where possible, or choose items that you are able to easily identify, for instance a specific colour of mugs or plates that are different from the usual white plates. This will make it easy to identify your belongings when you want to pack them up and separate them from your house mates when you decide to move out. 

Cleaning Essentials

When heading to university, it's essential to pack a variety of cleaning supplies to maintain a tidy and hygienic living space. Key items include multi-surface disinfectant wipes and sprays for countertops and desks, washing up liquid for washing up and microfiber cloths for dusting.

Don't forget a toilet brush and cleaner, especially if you have a private bathroom, along with a shower cleaner and a squeegee to keep tiles and glass surfaces spotless. Lastly, stock up on bin bags and laundry detergent to manage waste and keep your clothes fresh. These essentials will help ensure a clean and comfortable environment throughout your university life whether you choose to live alone or with others.

Homely Touches

You’d be surprised how important the right duvet, pillows, sheets, blankets and even a hot water bottle can feel when you’re away from home for the first time. Bring your favourites from home, or pick out new ones that can help you really stamp your own identity on your student bedroom. 

It’s true that going away to university for the first time can often be a chance to try out new ideas and experiences, as this is as true of interior design as anything else. Bright colours and bold patterns are our personal recommendations to ensure your room feels like a warm and welcoming place to come home too after a long day of studying (or long night of partying). For more on this topic take a look at our guide to making your student room more homely. 

First Aid Kit Go To’s

Bringing a well-stocked first aid kit to university is crucial for managing minor injuries and illnesses. Essential items include plasters and blister plasters in various sizes, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment for treating cuts and scrapes. Pack pain relievers like ibuprofen or Paracetamol for headaches and minor aches, as well as cold and flu medications.

Include a digital thermometer to monitor fevers, and adhesive tape and gauze pads for larger wounds. Tweezers, scissors, and a small flashlight are useful tools to have on hand. Don’t forget allergy medications and any personal prescriptions. With these first aid essentials, you'll be prepared to handle minor health issues and stay well during your university years.

Miscellaneous Items

We all have a drawer at home full of different items that need a home. These are the sorts of items that may be university essentials, but are often forgotten on a student packing list. These include an umbrella, batteries, a padlock, reusable bottle, a USB stick, reading books, sports equipment, board games and cards, a spare phone charger and a portable speaker. 

Sort your student accommodation early

Amongst all the excitement of leaving home and starting a new chapter in your life, it’s important to explore all of the different accommodation options open to you as a student. Whether you are interested in a studio flat, house share or flat, we recommend that you start your property search early, so as to find the right student property for you.

At Seekers, we specialise in student lettings and are one of the leading providers of student accommodation in Newcastle. Whether you are about to start university in Newcastle for the first time, are a returning student, or are a parent or guardian of a student, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Check out our student advice hub for more helpful information on how to find the best student accommodation for you. 

Browse our available properties in some of the most popular student areas in Newcastle to start your property search. 

Whatever stage of your student journey you are at and whatever questions you may have, our friendly, experienced and trusted team are here to help. 

Get in touch with the Seekers team today.