Back to uni essentials lists, all the important items college university students should take with them on their new adventure. Starting university can be such an exciting time, meeting new people and studying your chosen degree. They say you make
In the UK, most university students start this week also known as freshers week. Most will be moving from home and moving into either campus accommodation or off campus. Regardless of which accommodation you will move into, these back to uni essentials will be useful.
Back to Uni essentials
Most dorms in the UK already provide kitchen essentials like microwave, stoves and fridges. The following is not provided but some can be purchased at the university/college.
- Bedding – duvet set, pillows and covers and fitted sheets.
- Bed comforter – dorms can be quite chilling during the winter months
- Laundry basket and detergent – if you’re lucky your dorm will have laundrette.
- Desk lamp and alarm clock
- Cleaning products and toiletries
- Cushion for your chair
- Plastic storage or shelving units
- Water bottle, utensils, rice cooker and coffee maker
- Clothing and hangers
- Bathroom essentials – things like soap, towels, shower gel
Other Uni Essentials
The list above lists just the basics but there are other equally uni essentials. I definitely needed these when classes started and found great deals online. Some things are best bought later than earlier to grab some good deals.
- Computer – I bought mine via my university who had some deals with the local computer company
- Printer, ink cartridge and paper – even though the uni libraries offered these at a fee, it was cheaper having my own
- Binders and dividers – I love to make my own notes and print slides, binders became essential
- Pens, pencils, markers and highlighters.
- Backpack or laptop bag – I prefer to backpacks as I can carry a lot more
- Flash drive, notebooks, post-it and calculator – must-have items
- Headphones and game boards – I am a strong believer in working hard and playing hard too.
Over the last couple of years, I have been doing my postgrad master’s degree and have loved it. It’s a little different as I don’t live on campus nor do I go to classes regularly. Though these essentials are great, the Back to School Essentials has been handier.
Rachel says
These essentials are great and spot on. Having been to uni myself I would say that a pinboard is a good idea with cards and photos from home to remind you and feel close to those you miss.
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
Love this! Just the right essential list for starting this great chapter in their lives.
Jen says
Great list! I stayed at home and travelled in to uni during my three years there and always feel I missed out not staying in dorms!
Helen Wills says
Useful reminders. I’d add some of your favourite foods to get you off to a decent start before you figure out where the best shopping is to be had 🙂
Nafisah NK says
I left Uni just 3 months ago and I bought most of the items you have listed, this helped me decorate my flat to my taste and made it to feel like home xx
Lindsey bray says
Great post, most of these things get forgotten about. It’s a big step for a teenager so being prepared always helps.
Debbie says
What a fab list and I would have loved a cleaning kit and comforter when at uni!!
Cath - BattleMum says
It’s 23 years since I started uni and 14 years since I graduated with my PhD. Things were a bit different for me as I lived 20 minutes from my uni so could take the bus or walk. So I never experienced dorms or living away from home. So the stationery list would have been more for me!
Emma says
Ah it’s been a looong time since I was at uni. I had no idea what to take with me or what to buy. Except I know I wanted to have a cuppa so took some teabags. I remember getting a few essentials as cheaply as I could but mainly wanted to make my room feel homely!
Laura Dove says
20 years ago this week since I started uni, I can still remember it like yesterday!
Fashion and Style Police says
I love this post. It took me way back to when I was a fresher at uni. I always made sure my room was comfy and cosy so I felt at home.
Talya says
Oh my goodness can you believe it’s been almost twenty years since I was at university…I can’t! This takes me back. I think anything that can make your room feel more personal and cosy is a must.
Kerry Norris says
It’s been ages since I was in uni but looks like you have everything covered on the checklist. A flash drive is essential for backing up work. That’s one mistake I’ll never make again!
Mel says
Brilliant list! When I first moved into dorms over here, I had no idea what to bring. In France, I’d had to rent a flat so I needed everything there. If you like cooking, I’d also bring a few bits and bobs (garlic crusher, favourite pan etc.)
Rachel says
These essentials are great and spot on. Having been to uni myself I would say that a pinboard is a good idea with cards and photos from home to remind you and feel close to those you miss.
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
Love this! Just the right essential list for starting this great chapter in their lives.
Jen says
Great list! I stayed at home and travelled in to uni during my three years there and always feel I missed out not staying in dorms!
Debbie says
What a fab list and I would have loved a cleaning kit and comforter when at uni!!
Fashion and Style Police says
I love this post. It took me way back to when I was a fresher at uni. I always made sure my room was comfy and cosy so I felt at home.
Cath - BattleMum says
It’s 23 years since I started uni and 14 years since I graduated with my PhD. Things were a bit different for me as I lived 20 minutes from my uni so could take the bus or walk. So I never experienced dorms or living away from home. So the stationery list would have been more for me!
Helen Wills says
Useful reminders. I’d add some of your favourite foods to get you off to a decent start before you figure out where the best shopping is to be had 🙂
Lindsey bray says
Great post, most of these things get forgotten about. It’s a big step for a teenager so being prepared always helps.
Laura Dove says
20 years ago this week since I started uni, I can still remember it like yesterday!
Nafisah NK says
I left Uni just 3 months ago and I bought most of the items you have listed, this helped me decorate my flat to my taste and made it to feel like home xx
Kerry Norris says
It’s been ages since I was in uni but looks like you have everything covered on the checklist. A flash drive is essential for backing up work. That’s one mistake I’ll never make again!
Emma says
Ah it’s been a looong time since I was at uni. I had no idea what to take with me or what to buy. Except I know I wanted to have a cuppa so took some teabags. I remember getting a few essentials as cheaply as I could but mainly wanted to make my room feel homely!
Mel says
Brilliant list! When I first moved into dorms over here, I had no idea what to bring. In France, I’d had to rent a flat so I needed everything there. If you like cooking, I’d also bring a few bits and bobs (garlic crusher, favourite pan etc.)
Talya says
Oh my goodness can you believe it’s been almost twenty years since I was at university…I can’t! This takes me back. I think anything that can make your room feel more personal and cosy is a must.