London University Essentials –The Definitive Student Moving Checklist
If you're like most students, the thought of moving to London is simultaneously exciting and daunting. On the one hand, you’re moving to the capital of England where there’s a huge amount of things to do and the whole city to explore. On the other hand, you’ve got to pack everything up and move somewhere completely new and, let’s be honest, a little intimidating.
On top of that, if you’re moving into student accommodation in London for the first time, it can be tricky to work out just what you’ll need. More often than not, students either bring way too much or too little. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but don't worry – we've got you covered with this definitive student moving checklist.
By following this checklist, you’ll be good to go by the time your move-in date arrives. All you need to do is make sure you’ve got everything you need and don’t leave packing until the very last minute.
Tips for Packing for University Accommodation
Before we start with the checklist, we thought it would be handy to give you some general advice for packing. After all, we’re all different, and there are things that some of us can live without and others can’t. That’s why it’s essential to ask yourself some questions when you’re packing:
Do I need this?
Do I really need this?
Does my accommodation provide this?
That last one is pretty important. You’d be surprised by how many people arrive at their accommodation and find that there’s more or less than they were expecting and by then, it’s too late. So here’s our advice for packing for university accommodation:
Check what your accommodation provides
Don’t leave packing until the last minute
Get yourself some sturdy boxes (trust us on this one)
Only take what you really need
Ok, let’s get cracking with the checklist.
Important Documents
University is an exciting time where you get to meet new people, learn about interesting things and party hard. But it's also a time when you're responsible for yourself and your belongings. So, before you head off to university, make sure you've got all the important documents you need. Here's a list of some of the most essential:
A valid passport or ID card – If you're planning on travelling during your studies, you'll need a passport. And if you're staying in the country, an ID card will come in handy for things like opening a bank account.
Your university offer letter – This is probably the most important document of all, as it proves that you've been accepted onto your chosen course. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe so you don't lose it!
Proof of your finances – If you're from outside the EU, you'll need to show proof of your finances in order to get a student visa. This could be in the form of a bank statement or an official letter from your sponsor.
Your vaccination record – Some countries require students to have certain vaccinations before they can enter the country. So check whether this is the case for your destination and get vaccinated if necessary.
Proof of accommodation – Wherever you decide to live at university, you’ll need to make sure you pack any paperwork for your student accommodation. You might not need it but it’s always worth having it handy.
If this is your first time moving away, it’s a good idea to consider making copies of important documents and leaving the originals at home. Things like your National Insurance number (if you have one) or even your original student finance documents can easily be copied down for easy access without risking losing the originals during your move or time at university.
Clothing
Unsurprisingly you’re going to need clothes when you’re at university. But knowing what clothes to pack for university can be pretty tricky. You’re going to meet new people and maybe you want to try out something new with your wardrobe.
But when you’re packing for your first move, you just need to think about the essentials – there’s plenty of awesome shops in London where you can pick up new threads if you fancy switching up your style.
But here’s what you’ll definitely need:
A good pair of shoes – Whether you're walking across campus or exploring your new city, you'll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and stylish.
Seasonal clothing – London is a great city to live in but the weather can be a bit unpredictable. In the winter, it’s fairly likely you’ll get snow but in Spring and Summer it can hit nearly 40 degrees. Make sure you’ve got a warm winter coat, a scarf and gloves for the colder months and shorts, t-shirts and sunglasses for the summer.
Comfortable clothes – If you’re sitting in a lecture hall for hours, you’ll want to be comfortable. Make sure you pack clothes that won’t make you uncomfortable during seminars or those long nights in the library.
A smart outfit – While you’re at uni, there’s a good chance you’ll need to dress up for an occasion. It might be for an awards night, a classy boat trip down the Thames or possibly for an interview. Don’t go overboard but it’s always worth having a smart outfit handy if an occasion comes up.
Workout gear – If you’re planning on getting or staying fit while you’re in London, it’s a good idea to bring your exercise clothes with you.
Waterproofs – London and England in general have a reputation for rain. While it doesn’t rain quite as much as you’d expect, it’s always worth having a raincoat and an umbrella handy.
While it’s not quite clothing, you should also make sure you pack some extra coat hangers. Most accommodation provides some coat hangers but most of the time, you’ll need a few more.
Another absolute essential is a good laundry bag. Your accommodation will probably have on-site laundry facilities but you’ll want something sturdy to carry your laundry to and from. Plus, it’ll help make sure your room is tidy.
Electronics
When you're heading off to university, it's important to make sure you have all the right supplies. In addition to the basics, you'll also need a few key electronics. Here are four essential items for any university student:
Laptop – A laptop is essential for taking notes in lectures and doing research. Look for a model that's lightweight and portable, with a long battery life.
Smartphone – A smartphone is also a must-have. In addition to staying connected with friends and family, you can use apps for things like campus maps, course schedules, and student budgeting.
E-reader – An e-reader can be a great way to save money on textbooks. Plus, you can carry around a whole library of books without weighing down your backpack.
Portable hard drive or flash drive – A reliable flash drive or hard drive is perfect for storing assignments, papers, and other important files to keep them safe.
Charging cables – One of most important things to remember to pack is your charging cables for all of your electronics. They’re an easy thing to forget as you’ll probably be using them right up until you leave for uni. It’s a good idea to set a reminder to pack them before you leave. (And take some spares, too. Just in case.)
Other electronics you might want to consider taking to university include:
Camera
Games console
Headset
Adapters (if you’re coming from abroad)
Hairstyling tools
Toiletries
When you're packing up for university, it's important to remember the essentials. Of course, you'll need your clothes, your textbooks and your laptop, but don't forget the toiletries! Here are some items that you should make sure to pack:
Shampoo and conditioner – You'll want to make sure you have a good quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. If you have any specific hair needs, like frizziness or dryness, be sure to pack products that will address those issues.
Soap or body wash – Whether you prefer bar soap or body wash, make sure you have enough to last you throughout the first month or so while you get your bearings in London. It's always a good idea to have backup soap in case you run out.
Toothpaste and toothbrush – Don't forget your toothbrush! It’s easy to forget your toothbrush as you’ll be using it right up until you leave. It’s a good idea to pack a new one earlier so you don’t forget on moving day.
Deodorant – Trust us, you'll need it. Make sure to pack a deodorant that works well for you and that you know will last throughout the day. You'll be glad you did when you're taking exams or giving presentations.
Makeup: If you wear makeup, be sure to pack your essentials. This includes foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, etc. Depending on how much makeup you wear on a daily basis, you may want to bring more or less with you. Just make sure you have what you need to feel confident and look your best.
Hair products – If you have specific hair styling needs, make sure to pack the products you need to maintain your look. This includes things like hairspray, gel, mousse, etc. Again, how much of each product you'll need will depend on your individual hair type and style.
Shaving equipment – If you regularly shave, remember to pack your razor, shaver, shaving cream and any post-shaving lotions. If you use a shaver, it’s worth packing an adapter just in case as well.
Toilet roll – While there might be a complimentary toilet roll in your accommodation, you’re going to need more. If you’ve got space, get one of the large packs from a supermarket to keep you going throughout your first semester.
Packing toiletries may not be the most exciting part of getting ready for university, but it's definitely necessary. By making sure you have all of the above items packed and ready to go, you'll save yourself a lot of stress (and money) once classes start.
Kitchen Supplies
When you're packing up your things to head off to university, it's important to make sure you have all the essentials for your new kitchen. Here's a list of some of the most essential kitchen supplies you'll need to make sure you have:
Pots and pans – You'll need a basic set of pots and pans for cooking simple meals. Make sure you have a frying pan, a saucepan, and a pot for boiling water.
Utensils – You'll need some basic utensils, including a spatula, a spoon, and a set of knives. If you plan on doing any baking, make sure you have a measuring cup and spoon.
Dishes and silverware – Unless you plan on eating all your meals out of Tupperware, you'll need some dishes and silverware. A basic set of plates, bowls, and cups should be enough. Don't forget to pack a set of forks, knives, and spoons!
Kitchen towels – These come in handy for everything from wiping down counters to drying dishes. Pack at least two or three so you always have one on hand.
Bin - You'll need somewhere to put all your rush, so make sure you bring along a small bin for your kitchen.
While you’ll definitely need all of these items, it’s worth checking with your accommodation to see if they supply anything first. Some student accommodation in London comes with kitchen basics so you won’t need to take everything with you.
Food
Moving into university accommodation can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to food. Gone are the days of home-cooked meals and an always-stocked fridge. Now it's time to fend for yourself, which means stocking up on some essential food items. Here’s what we’d recommend taking with you when you move in:
Non-perishable food items – think canned soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, etc.These are absolutely essential and will mean you can put a meal together easily.
Snacks – both healthy and not-so-healthy options. granola bars, crisps, sweets, etc. These are great for a pick-me-up. Try to take foods you normally eat at home as it can help battle home sickness.
Coffee and/or tea – For those late-night study sessions (or early mornings!).
When you’re moving into student accommodation, it’s a good idea to take some food with you to get you started. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be able to find local shops or order your groceries online.
If you're heading off to university soon, you're probably wondering what you need to pack for studying. Every student will need a laptop for university but beyond that every student's needs will be different. Here are a few essential items that everyone should bring:
Notepads
Pens
Highlighers
Post-it notes
Calculator (depending on your course)
Stapler
Folders
As you’ll have already been studying to get to university, use your experience to determine what stationery you’ll need. A lot of students will buy stationery because they feel they need to and then never use it at university.
While you should try to keep your packing to essentials, it’s a good idea to include a few home comforts if you have the space. Here are few things to consider taking:
Photos of friends and family
Cushions
Blankets
House plants
Posters and art
Moving to university can be a bit daunting and having some things that personalise your accommodation can make a big difference if you’re ever missing home.
Find the Best Student Accommodation in London for You
So there you have it, the definitive student moving checklist. If you want to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, be sure to have this post handy when you start packing.
If you need help finding accommodation in London, StudentStudios2Let is here to help. We offer a wide range of properties close to all the best universities in London – explore our student accommodation options today and find your perfect home away from home.
dent moving checklist. If you want to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, be sure to have this post handy when you start packing.