University packing list UK: what to take to uni

Your halls room will have a bed frame, mattress and desk, but no bedding, so pack a duvet cover, a fitted sheet, a pillowcase or two and a warm duvet or blanket. Bring a couple of towels, and remember that a shower towel and a hand towel are different sizes. A laundry basket keeps your clothes together on the way to the machine. In a small room, a clothes airer is essential, because UK weather is often wet and drying clothes outside is not always possible. Pack a few hangers too, since wardrobes can be bare. Bulky bedding and towels can wait, because you can order them from UK shops to your halls address after you arrive.

Kitchen kit is usually not in your room, so plan for it. Many halls have shared kitchens, so you will cook alongside other students. Pack one kettle, one or two pans and a sharp knife you trust. Add a few food containers, plus a mug, a plate and a bowl. Keep it light and buy extra kitchen items once you are settled. Label everything with your name so nothing goes missing in a shared kitchen.

Your halls room will have a desk, but not a lamp, so pack a small desk lamp with a steady, warm light for late-night essays. A laptop stand lifts the screen to eye level, which keeps your neck and back relaxed after long hours of reading. Choose a backpack with a padded sleeve that fits your laptop, because you will carry it to lectures through changeable, often wet UK weather. Many rooms have only a few sockets, so an extension lead with USB ports keeps your laptop, phone and lamp charged at the same time. Remember that UK sockets are Type G, so you will need a plug adapter for chargers from home. Bulky items can wait, since you can order them to your halls address after you arrive.

Your arrival day is busy, so pack the small things that make it easier. First, bring a UK plug adapter. UK sockets are Type G, with three square pins, so chargers from home will need one. Next, pack a power bank. Journeys can be long, and it helps to keep your phone charged while you find your way. A rain jacket is a must too. UK weather is changeable and often wet, so a light waterproof will keep you dry on the walk to halls. Keep your important documents in your hand luggage, not your suitcase. That means your passport, visa, offer letter and accommodation details. Finally, add a reusable water bottle. Many halls have shared kitchens, so you can refill it easily. For the full list, see the UK pre-departure checklist.

Pack the small basics, and leave the truly bulky things behind. Most UK halls rooms come with a bed frame, mattress and desk, but not bedding, towels, kitchen kit or a lamp. The good news: you can order bulky items, such as a thick duvet or a full set of pans, from UK shops to your halls address after you arrive, so they do not need to fly with you. Pack light. Bring what is personal or hard to replace: your documents, favourite clothes, medicines you rely on, and chargers with a UK plug adapter, since UK sockets are Type G. Remember that UK weather is changeable and often wet, so a good waterproof jacket is worth packing.