Lifestyle

Your ultimate university checklist

Knowing where to start can be tricky. That's where we come in.
By Lucy Smith
University Checklist Your AllInclusive Packing Guide

If you're Googling ‘university checklist’ chances are you're around a month away from the big day when you finally get to spread your wings and fly the parents' nest. They'll probably take you to the local supermarket once you arrive to stock you up on essentials like washing up liquid and, well, food so you don't waste away but, in terms of packing, it's always a little tricky knowing where to start. 

You're not quite at the stage where crazy adult things like contents insurance are on the horizon just yet, but somewhat dull purchases like saucepans and mattress protectors will be on the agenda so, buckle up, it's time to get prepared. Here at GLAMOUR, we've pulled together everything we needed at uni and everything you absolutely don't - read: don't be the one to bring a mini fridge… So, whether you're stumped for bedroom decor ideas or simply don't know what to fill your single kitchen cupboard with, keep reading, we've got you sorted. 

The GLAMOUR ultimate university checklist:

Kitchenware

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  • Frying pan
  • Saucepans x 3
  • Utensils - fish slice, slotted spoon, masher, ladle, spaghetti ladle
  • Wooden spoons x 2
  • Baking tray
  • Kitchen scissors
  • Sharp knives x 3
  • Chopping boards x 2
  • Colander
  • Dinner plates x 2
  • Side plates x 2
  • Cereal bowls x 2
  • Cutlery - 2 x knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons
  • Bottle opener
  • Can opener
  • Glasses x 2
  • Mugs x 2
  • Tupperware boxes x 3
  • Cheese grater
  • Tea towels
  • Optional: Cutlery drawer/pot
  • Optional: A recipe book! We recommend Jamie Oliver 5 ingredients or Veg.
  • Optional: One or two wine glasses
  • Optional: Sugar, coffee and tea pots
  • Optional: Biscuit tin
  • Optional: Whisk
  • Optional: Spatula
  • Optional: Pasta bowls x 2
  • Optional: Casserole dish
  • Optional: Cocktail shaker
Functional bedroom and bathroom buys

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  • Duvet - even if you have a single bed, we recommend buying a double duvet to see you through all three years (in second and third year you’ll likely have a double bed)
  • Pillows x 2
  • Fitted sheet
  • Bedding set
  • Mattress protector
  • Fluffy dressing gown
  • Bath towel
  • Hair towel
  • Flannels x 9 (one for each day + 2 for laundry days)
  • Hand towel
  • Bath mat - for accommodation with shared bathrooms, check with your housemates whether someone else is bringing one
  • Toothbrush pot
  • Hangers
  • Optional: Shower rack
  • Optional: Soap dish
  • Optional: Mattress topper - student beds are rarely comfortable…
  • Optional: Throw blanket
  • Optional: 2 x scatter cushions
  • Optional: Fan heater - check FB groups and the Student Room threads to see if your halls run hot or cold
  • Optional: Rug
Bedroom/desk decor, stationary and organisation

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  • Plastic boxes for under the bed storage
  • Fairy lights (shop our top pick here)
  • Photo print outs to pin up
  • Magazine file
  • 3 x office file folders (shop our top pick here)
  • Pen pot
  • 2 x A4 notepads
  • Small pencil case + 2 x biros, 2 x pencils + coloured pens (maths/engineering/architecture students may need rulers, set squares etc.)
  • Study cards
  • Backpack/tote bag
  • Keyring for your flat keys (top tip: go big, chances are you’ll misplace them)
  • Laptop stand
  • Wireless speaker - check in your halls group chat to see if anyone else is bringing one
  • Clock
  • Desk/bedside lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Plant and pot - opt for something that’s easy to maintain like a succulent or cactus
  • Mirror (if there isn’t already one in your room)
  • Door hooks - try command wall-safe hooks or over the door ones
  • Lampshade - check if your room has spotlights or a bare bulb, often they’re not shaded which can make the room look quite clinical
  • Pinboard, if there isn’t one already (shop our top pick here)
  • Command strips, bluetack and/or drawing pins
  • Handful of canvas bags for the food shop (IKEA bags are a lifesaver)
  • Books - as many as you think you’ll get through in a year!
  • Pack of cards and a board game if you have room
  • Don’t forget: Phone charger, laptop charger (and laptop!), wallet and ID
  • GLAMOUR tip - bring a box of brownies or chocolates (e.g. Celebrations); you can bring them into the kitchen and everyone will likely want one so you can break the ice
  • Laundry bag/basket (shop our top pick here)
  • Stapler
  • Optional: Coffee table books
  • Optional: Make-up and skincare organiser
  • Optional: Academic planner
  • Optional: Wall hanging/poster
  • Optional: Photo frames
  • Optional: Extra storage - we recommend a little drawer unit
  • Optional: Diffuser or scented candle
  • Optional: Tea lights
  • Optional: Vase and artificial flowers or some fresh blooms
Clothes and fashion

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Toiletries/first aid kit

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Face

Body

Hair

Hands and feet

First aid kit

  • Two packs of painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen etc.)
  • Plasters and blister plasters
  • Any daily medication you take or need (the contraceptive pill, mental health medication, EpiPen etc.)
  • Hayfever tablets
  • Condoms
  • Lube
  • Hydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte) for to stave off the worst of the hangover
  • Berocca/vitamin C tabs
  • Optional: Buscopan for tummy aches and bloating

Misc

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For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.

Scroll for our top picks to buy today and turn your uni room into the cosiest home away from home

Lucy joined the British GLAMOUR team as Commerce Writer in March 2022 to help elevate the brand’s affiliate rankings and increase its bank of shopping content. Writing about a whole myriad of topics - from skincare to desk accessories - Lucy will aid the GLAMOUR reader in their buying decisions ... Read More
Commerce Writer
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