The Ultimate University Essentials Checklist

2 Aug

Heading off to university is an exciting time for every fresher, but before you head off into your new life, think about getting prepared. University is a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges from Whatsapping your new Uni coursemates before the start of term to finding the right University accommodation in Lancaster.

Amongst all of these big decisions, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary items ahead of move-in day to make your university experience as comfortable and successful as possible.

If you don’t know where to start. Don’t fret! We have spoken to Lancaster University Students past and present and have pulled together the ultimate university essentials checklist. Keep reading to find out the ultimate pre-university packing guide; covering everything from kitchen utensils and food basics to bedroom essentials, bathroom basics, and stationary/laptops required for lectures.

Let's dive in!

Kitchen Utensils and Food Basics:

Cookware: Nothing will be provided for you in your Lancaster student accommodation kitchen, so before you move, invest in a small set of pots and pans, including a frying pan and a good sized saucepan. Don’t go “too wild” before moving in though as your housemates might have brought enough pots and pans for you all to share.
Utensils: Unless you are a budding chef or need specialist utensils, the students we spoke to recommended getting a mixing bowl, a spatula and a wooden spoon.
Cutlery and Crockery: Ensure you have enough plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, and cutlery for everyday use. We recommend getting enough for four people (for when you have friends over to your student flat)
Food Storage: This is easily forgotten about, but if you are going to be living on a budget, don’t forget to purchase containers for storing leftovers and packed lunches.
Small Appliances: Wait until you have moved in to purchase these essentials like a kettle, toaster, microwave or a blender. Some student halls will provide these basics (and if you live in a flat of 6, you certainly don’t want to have 6 kettles lined up on the side).
Pantry Basics: Stock up on essential food items like pasta, rice, canned goods, spices, and cooking oils before you move in. This way, your first supermarket shop is easier and less heavy when you are carrying groceries back from the shop.

Bedroom Basics:

Bedding: It’s vital to bring your own bedding. Pillows and a duvet are a must, but don’t forget to bring at least two sets of sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. (Don't forget extra pillows and a cosy blanket.)
Mattress Topper: Not all mattresses in student accommodation are brand new; the students we spoke to recommended enhancing the comfort of your halls or student apartment bed with a quality mattress topper or a mattress protector.
Clothes Hangers: This is something many freshers forget to pack, but if you’re reading this university essentials list, you won’t! Make sure that you have enough hangers to keep your clothes organised and wrinkle-free.
Storage Solutions: Utilise under-bed storage containers, hanging organisers, fold away laundry baskets and storage boxes to maximise space.
Desk and Chair: Most university student accommodation has a desk and a chair, but if you are moving into private rental accommodation or a student house, double-check that you have a comfortable desk and chair for studying and completing assignments before you move in. If not, you might have to bring your own.
Lighting: A good desk lamp and bedside lamp are essential for reading and studying.

Bathroom Basics:

Towels: Invest in a set of bath towels, hand towels, and if you use them, face cloths or reusable make-up remover pads.
Shower Essentials: Don't forget shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and if you don’t have an ensuite, make sure you bring a tote bag or a shower caddy to carry your toiletries.
Personal Care Items: Bring your preferred toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal care items. If you have an electric toothbrush, not all university accommodation in Lancaster will have a bathroom charging point for it, if this is the case, make sure to pack a plug adapter.
First Aid Kit: This might sound dramatic, but remember that there won’t be any first aid provisions, this is your first step into the adult world and you will need to make sure you have everything you need to look after yourself.

It’s vital to keep a basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

Cleaning Supplies: Boring, but vital. Make sure you have a small stash of cleaning supplies, including bathroom cleaner, a toilet brush, and surface wipes. These will be invaluable for cleaning both your kitchen and bathroom.

Everything that you will need for your University Lectures:

Laptop: This will always be your biggest expense when starting University, but it is vital to invest in a reliable laptop that meets your course requirements. Remember that some laptops are better than others, we spoke to students who opted for a low cost laptop but wished that they had invested in a durable laptop with a good sized memory before the start of their first term, because ultimately, due to the amount of work that they were doing on their laptop, before their third year they needed to re-invest and buy a new one.
If you have the budget, we recommend getting a laptop that will last you throughout all of the years of your degree.
Chargers and Accessories: Double-check that you have packed all of the necessary chargers, adapters, and accessories for your devices. You don’t want to travel 200 miles only to discover that you left your phone charger at home.
Notebooks and Pens: Stock up on notebooks and pens for taking lecture notes and for using during revision sessions.
Highlighters, sticky notes and a pegboard: You will ultimately end up using highlighters and sticky-notes for organising and marking important information. However, you might not have thought about buying a pegboard before the start of term. The students that we spoke to recommended buying a pegboard, unlike traditional noticeboards, these are ideal for hanging your keys, leaving revision notes, storing your notebooks and pens plus, if you get a high quality one, they usually come with “no mark” hanging solutions which are ideal for rented student accommodation.
Backpack or Bag: Forget fashion, campus is full of students wearing sturdy backpacks, we promise. You’ll be carrying your laptop, books, notebooks, lunch and other essentials to lectures so it needs to be comfortable and supportive.

Heading off to university requires careful planning and preparation. We hope that this ultimate university essentials checklist, helps you to ensure that you have everything you need to start your next academic journey. Remember, this is just an essentials list, so ensure that you personalise the list based on your specific needs and don’t forget to pack items that will remind you of home.