You’ve confirmed your place and you’re frantically trying to sort your life into boxes, play Tetris to fit everything in the car and you’ve probably had about three arguments with your loved ones. Sound scary? 

Moving to university is exciting, but packing can quickly become overwhelming. Do you really need three sets of fairy lights? Will you actually use that toastie maker? And how many hoodies is too many? 

To make things easier, we've put together the ultimate university packing list with everything you'll need (and a few things you probably don't). 

Bedroom Essentials 

Whether you're living in halls or a shared house, your bedroom is going to become your home away from home. 

Pack: 

• Duvet and pillows  

• Bedding (at least two sets)  

• Mattress protector  

• Blankets  

• Towels (bath and hand)  

• Laundry basket or bag  

• Clothes hangers  

• Storage boxes or under-bed organisers  

• Extension lead  

• Phone charger  

• Desk lamp (if needed)  

• Alarm clock (or your phone!)  

• Decorations, photos or plants to make your room feel like home  

Top tip: Check whether your accommodation provides bedding before you buy anything. 

Kitchen Essentials 

If you're self-catered, you'll need the basics to cook and eat. 

You'll want: 

• Plates  

• Bowls  

• Mugs and glasses  

• Cutlery  

• Sharp knife  

• Chopping board  

• Saucepan  

• Frying pan  

• Wooden spoon and spatula  

• Colander  

• Tin opener  

• Measuring jug  

• Food storage containers  

• Water bottle  

• Tea towel  

• Washing-up liquid and sponge  

• Bin bags  

Don't forget a few cupboard staples for your first week: 

• Pasta  

• Rice  

• Cereal  

• Tea and coffee  

• Cooking oil  

• Salt and pepper  

• Snacks (because Welcome Week is busy!)  

Bathroom Essentials 

Depending on your accommodation, you may have an ensuite or shared bathroom. 

Pack: 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste  

• Shampoo and conditioner  

• Shower gel  

• Hairbrush  

• Deodorant  

• Skincare products  

• Toilet roll (you'll thank yourself later)  

• Flip-flops if using communal showers  

• Medication  

• First aid kit  

• Painkillers  

• Plasters  

Clothes 

You definitely don't need your entire wardrobe. 

Bring: 

• Everyday clothes  

• Warm jumpers  

• Waterproof coat (especially if you're studying in Cornwall!)  

• Trainers  

• Smart outfit for interviews or events  

• Fancy dress items (trust us...)  

• Pyjamas  

• Gym kit  

• Underwear and socks  

• Slippers  

Remember you'll probably head home during holidays, so you can always swap seasonal clothes later. 

Study Supplies 

Starting uni means being prepared for lectures and assignments. 

Don't forget: 

• Laptop  

• Laptop charger  

• Notebook  

• Pens and highlighters  

• Headphones  

• USB stick or external hard drive  

• Backpack  

• Reusable water bottle  

Cleaning Supplies 

Shared kitchens stay much happier when everyone cleans up after themselves. 

Pack: 

• Multi-purpose spray  

• Cloths  

• Kitchen roll  

• Laundry detergent  

• Fabric conditioner  

Important Documents 

Keep these somewhere safe. 

Bring: 

• Passport or driving licence  

• Bank details  

• Student finance information  

• Accommodation details  

• University enrolment information  

• National Insurance number  

• NHS details  

Things You Probably Don't Need 

Save yourself some space. 

You can probably leave behind: 

• Every kitchen gadget you own  

• A printer (campus facilities usually have plenty)  

• Loads of textbooks (wait until your course starts)  

• Expensive jewellery  

• Too many clothes  

• Duplicate kitchen equipment if you're sharing with flatmates  

Don't Forget the Little Things 

Sometimes it's the small items you'll miss the most. 

Consider packing: 

• Favourite mug  

• Photos of friends and family  

• Playing cards or board games  

• Hot water bottle  

• Umbrella  

• Reusable shopping bags  

• Portable phone charger  

• Earplugs (especially during Welcome Week...)  

Final Packing Tips 

You don't need to have everything on day one. Shops nearby and online deliveries exist for a reason, so don't stress if you forget something. 

The most important thing you're bringing to university is yourself. You'll make new friends, discover new interests, and create memories that last long after you've unpacked. 

Take a deep breath, double-check you've packed your charger, and get ready for a new start in Cornwall!