University packing list: What to take and what's included at Unite Students

Getting ready to pack up and leave for uni? It can be hard to know where to begin. Moving away from home for the first time is exciting, but it’s natural for it to be a little nerve-wracking too. Deciding what to pack for uni doesn’t have to be overwhelming – you just need a bit of preparation.

Ensure you’ve got everything you need to settle in smoothly at your Unite Students accommodation with our student essentials list.

This article will cover how to pack for university. We’ve listed everything already included in our accommodation, so you don’t end up bringing anything you don’t need.

• Unite Students accommodation includes all the basics you need to get up and running, including your bed, wardrobe, curtains, a desk and chair and storage options.

• Don’t forget to pack your bedding – or plan to buy when you arrive. You’ll need a duvet, duvet cover, sheets, mattress protector, pillows and pillow covers.

• Try to squeeze in some uni room decorations to make your pad feel like home – this can include pictures, fairy lights, lamps, plants and more.

Jump to section:

• What to bring: Uni bedroom essentials

• What to bring: Uni bathroom essentials

• What to bring: University kitchen essentials

• The extras: Documents & important paperwork

• How to pack for university: Smart tips for a smooth move

• FAQs

What to bring: Uni bedroom essentials

Your uni bedroom is your haven – the place you'll recharge after Freshers' Week, focus on your studies, and enjoy quiet downtime. It’s also the main part of your accommodation that you can customise and make your own, with additions like fairy lights, soft furnishings and pictures.

Help your room feel like home with these must‑haves.

What’s provided by Unite Students

With Unite Students, your pad is already kitted out with the basics. Here’s a list of what you don’t need to add to your university packing list.

Bedroom

• Bed

• Bedside table

• Wardrobe & storage

• Shelves

• Curtains

• Full-length mirror

• Desk & chair

Study area

• Desk

• Chair

• Shelving

• Desk drawers

What you’ll need to bring

Bedding

Create the perfect nook to unwind after lectures, or recuperate after a night out. While we provide the bed itself, you’ll need to bring the soft furnishings to make it extra comfy. Don’t forget your:

• Duvet

• Pillows

• Duvet cover & pillowcases (x2)

• Bottom sheets (x2)

• Mattress protector.

Uni room decorations

Put your own spin on your uni room with some home comforts and decorations. From accent lighting and plants to pictures of family and friends, you can create a room that reflects you. Pop these on your list:

• Photos or prints

• String or fairy lights

• Lamps or soft accent lighting

• Plants and ornaments

• Cushions and cosy blankets.

Personal tech

Everyone’s essential tech needs are different. And your university packing list won’t look the same as your neighbour’s down the hall. Pack what brings you joy:

• TV

• Smartphone + charger

• Bluetooth speaker

• Games console

• Tablet or e‑reader

• Hair dryer/straighteners/curlers.

Clothing

At Unite Students, storage isn’t an issue. So you can breathe a sigh of relief and bring that extra raincoat – if you’re heading to Manchester or Cardiff, you might need it.

Pack what you feel comfortable in:

• Clothes for lectures, nights out & relaxing

• Coats & jackets

• Footwear (trainers, boots, slippers etc.)

• Activewear

• Bags, belts & accessories

• Jewellery

• Underwear & pyjamas.

What to bring: Uni bathroom essentials

Whether you have an ensuite or shared bathroom, you’ll need to bring your own toiletries and supplies with you – from shampoo and soap to toilet cleaning products. Check what’s included with Unite Students and what you’ll need to add to your university packing list.

These basics will keep you feeling fresh.

What’s provided by Unite Students

We make sure your bathroom is kitted out with the essentials – things like your toilet, shower, and washbasin. Here’s what you else you can expect:

• Bathroom mirror

• Towel rail

• Washbasin

• Toilet

• Shower

• Toilet roll holder.

What you’ll need to bring

Bathroom essentials

When it comes to toiletries and basic essentials, that’s up to you – from your favourite shampoo to soft and fluffy bath towels. Here’s a hint at what you may like to bring:

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Shower gel + loofah/washcloth

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Makeup remover

• Bath towels (x2)

• Hand towels (x2)

• Hair towels (if needed)

• Bathmats (x2)

• Razors

• Hand soap

• Toilet roll

• Air freshener

• Bathroom cleaning products

• Toilet brush

• Small bathroom bin.

What to bring: University kitchen essentials

Whether you know your way around a kitchen yet or not, you’ll find your way at uni. And, as you gain confidence, your kitchen kit will grow with you.

Unite Students starts you off with the non-negotiables, like your fridge, oven and vacuum. But you’ll need your own utensils and cutlery. We suggest starting with the basics and adding more as you go.

What’s provided by Unite Students

We set you up with the foundations you need to cook and host. Here’s what you can expect in a Unite Students kitchen:

• Fridge & freezer

• Oven & hobs

• Microwave

• Ventilation

• Kitchen table & chairs / breakfast bar & stools

• Kitchen bin

• Mop & bucket

• Dustpan & brush

• Vacuum cleaner.

What you’ll need to bring

Cooking & eating

You need basic cooking equipment before you can start whipping up a storm. If you’re sharing a kitchen, you may want to plan who brings what – to avoid doubling up where you don’t need to.

Consider buying the following:

• Frying pan & saucepans

• Plates & bowls

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring jug

• Cutlery

• Oven tray or baking dish

• Sieve/colander.

Tools & utensils

You also need basic utensils, from spatulas to cheese graters. Again, you could coordinate with your flatmates to see who’s bringing what.

Here’s what you may want to pack for uni:

• Spatula, wooden spoon, tongs

• Kitchen knives

• Chopping board

• Vegetable peeler

• Cheese grater

• Kitchen scissors

• Tin opener

• Corkscrew/bottle opener.

Drinks & storage

Whether it’s a cup of coffee to get you out the door in the morning, or a glass of wine or pop after finishing a particularly tough exam, you’re going to need something to hold your drinks. Don’t forget to pack:

• Glasses

• Mugs

• Flasks

• Water bottle

• Food storage containers.

Cleaning

And finally, cleaning and safety products. You’ll need some supplies to keep your flat in ship-shape. Make sure you’ve got some:

• Tea towels

• Oven gloves

• Cleaning products

• Wipes & clothes

• Mop

• Broom

• Air freshener.

The extras: Documents & important paperwork

While they may not top your list when planning what to pack for uni, there are some essentials that you need to remember to bring with you. From your ID to student finance documents, you need to account for the important stuff too.

Don’t forget to bring your:

• University acceptance letter

• UCAS details

• ID – this could be a passport or driving license

• Bank details

• Student finance documents

• Insurance details

• Copies of any other important documents.

We’d suggest keeping these essential documents somewhere safe. File them in a secure, accessible folder that you can easily grab if you to, but keep it in a place where it’s unlikely to get lost.

How to pack for university: Smart tips for a smooth move

It’s easy to gather together a university packing list. The hard bit is actually bundling your stuff in the car and getting it to your next destination in one piece.

We’ve come up with our best advice on how to make your move as smooth as possible, from organised chaos to packing tips:

• Roll, don't fold. You may be able to squeeze more into your suitcase if you roll your clothes, rather than folding.

• Use vacuum bags. You could save valuable packing space with vacuum bags. Make the most of storage tricks to make life easier.

• Label boxes/bags. No matter how robust your packing system, don’t leave it to chance. Label your boxes so you know what’s in them – without having to empty the whole thing.

• Pack a ‘first night’ bag. You may not fancy unpacking the same evening you arrive. Whether you need a night to decompress or prefer to dive straight into socialising, having your overnight essentials in an easy to reach ‘first night’ bag could be a lifesaver.

• Coordinate with flatmates. With Unite Students, you can connect with your neighbours on our app. This way, you can avoid doubling up on colanders or cheese graters.

• Don't overpack. It’s easier said than done, but try not to go overboard with your packing – it’ll just make things more difficult at the other end.

FAQs

Do Unite Students rooms come with bedding?

No, while we provide your bed and other bedroom furniture, you’ll need to bring your own soft furnishings with you. This includes everything from duvets, duvet covers and sheets to pillows, pillowcases and blankets.

Choose your own colour scheme – from bright and colourful to sleek and minimalistic. The way you decorate your uni room is up to you.

Can I bring my own small appliances like a toaster or kettle?

You don’t need to bring a toaster, kettle or microwave with you to your Unite Students accommodation. Our flats have these basic appliances as standard, so you can save packing space. Make sure to check your specific accommodation to see if there are any restrictions on what you can and can’t take.

Is there laundry available at Unite Students?

Yes, all Unite Students accommodation offers standard amenities, including laundry spaces. You’ll find information about laundry in your welcome guide, including where the facility is located. You’ll receive a link to your welcome pack before you move in.

What kind of internet access is available at Unite Students?

Broadband and Wi-Fi are included in your rent at all of our properties. In fact, most of our properties have Ultrafast Broadband and Wi-Fi, so you can access speedy internet in your room and communal spaces.

Some of our properties have Wi-Fi and Broadband provided by the university site.

Find out more about Broadband and Wi-Fi availability.

What should I do if I forget something?

First – don’t panic! It’s normal for something to have slipped your mind, even with a robust university packing checklist. If it’s something that you can borrow, and you feel comfortable doing so, you could ask your new flatmates for help.

Or, depending on what it is, you may be able to wait until the next time you have family visit, or your next trip home. If you can’t hold on, you may want to plan a trip to the nearest shop.