by Louis,  from the UK, studying Geography, 1st year

When I first started at uni, I was really pleased with my packing list. I thought I had everything in order, squeezed comfortably into my three suitcases… 

That feeling lasted about a day, when I started seeing other people’s rooms and realising the whole host of things I’d forgotten. As the days passed, the list of things I hadn’t packed grew and grew, and big Sainsbury’s trips at Cameron Toll became regular.

So, to save you the hassle, here’s a list of the things you’re most likely to forget. 

 Room Must-Haves

• Washing basket – otherwise your dirty clothes will pile up. Good collapsible washing up baskets will fit easily into your suitcase. 

• Electrical adapters – if you’re a foreign student, it’s definitely worth investing in a handful of these.  

• Extension leads – most rooms are well kitted-out with plug points, but it’s always helpful to have an extension cable lying around. 

• Towel – so easy to forget, and such a nightmare too. Bring a couple. 

• Mattress protector – adding comfort and hygiene, a mattress protector is a must-have. Make sure you check what size your bed is first! 

• Bedding – in some accommodations, bedding packs can be ordered from where you sign your contract. Either way, make sure you have this sorted to avoid an awkward first night on a bare mattress! 

• ID – some of my friends forgot to bring their ID (drivers license, passport etc) to uni, and regretted it big time. Most 18+ venues will require it, and you’ll also need it to apply for things like your Young Scot card (for free bus travel). 

Nice Touches

• Air freshener – a bottle of Febreeze goes so so far in a dusty uni room. 

• Posters – rooms can seem pretty bare when you enter, so you’ll want to feel at home as soon as possible. Remember pinboard pins! 

• Cushions – not a necessity, but it’s nice to add a little extra warmth to your room. Ikea and the big Sainsbury’s both have a good selection. 

• Door stop – meeting people in your flat/on your corridor can be a lot easier if you can prop your door open in the first few days. Also, it’ll help get some air in! 

• Reusable water bottle – or coffee cup, if like me caffeine is a must. Stay hydrated AND save the planet…  

• Alarm clock – you could use your phone, but I need an alarm with a bit more oomph.  

• Rucksack or tote bag – you’ll need your carrier of choice to get your stuff from room to library to lecture to café… 

Buy When You’re Here

• Washing up pods – it’s good to get these early to make your life easy. One big bag will likely last you all year, so it’s a solid investment. 

• Painkillers – and medicine in general. Freshers week can be fairly intense, and “Freshers flu” can be pretty grim. Strepsils are also a must-have in the early days. 

• Stationery – some nice notepads, pens, highlighters…  

(Please note – this is probably not a comprehensive list, I’ve inevitably forgotten some things… hope it helps anyway!) 

17 things you’ll forget to pack for University / Student Stories by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0