Ultimate Checklist for Surviving Your First Year of University
Going to university is an exciting milestone, and it comes with a lot of new responsibilities. Whether you are studying at a local university or travelling to the UK for your degree, you need to be well-prepared before you go. Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to take with you to university.
Documents
The first thing you need to pack is all the necessary documents you will need for university. These documents include your acceptance letter, university documents, accommodation documents, passport/ID card, passport photos, Medicare card, driver’s licence, insurance documents, and bank details. Make sure you keep all your documents together and find a safe place to keep them, as you will need them throughout your stay. Here’s a checklist:
- Acceptance letter and all university documents
- Accommodation documents
- Passport/ID card
- Passport photos
- Medicare card
- Driver’s licence
- Insurance documents
- Bank details
Contact your university to determine what documents you need to bring from your first day to prepare better. Make sure you keep all your documents together and find a safe place to keep them to make them easily accessible.
Stationery items
As a university student, you will need to take notes, write assignments, and read textbooks. You will need stationery to complete these tasks. The essential items to pack are pencils, pens, course readers and textbooks, A4 lined notepad(s), and highlighters. You can purchase most of these items once you arrive at university.
- Pencils
- Pens
- Course readers and textbooks
- A4 lined notepad(s)
- Highlighters
Most stationery can be purchased once you arrive at the university, but the listed items are a must-have.
Electrical Items
In today’s world, it is impossible to study without the use of technology. You will need to pack essential electronic items such as a mobile phone, laptop or tablet, desk lamp, chargers, power extension cable, USB flash drive, and headphones. A laptop and headphones would come in handy for your studies, and a mobile phone will be your primary means of communication.
- Mobile phone
- Laptop or tablet
- Desk lamp
- Chargers
- Power extension cable
- USB flash drive
- Headphones
Bring only what is necessary so that you can stay focused. A laptop and headphones would come in handy for your studies.
Bedroom Items
As a university student, you will spend a considerable amount of time in your dorm. Creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere is a must. The university should provide a bed and other basic bedroom furniture like a desk and chair. A fresh bedding set is always necessary, so ensure you have more than one pair available. You may also need a laundry basket, coat hangers, earplugs, and a clothes horse. You can use a clothes horse to dry your clothes if the university does not have a dryer.
- Duvet cover
- Bedsheets
- Pillows
- Laundry basket
- Coat hangers
- Earplugs
- Clothes horse
Healthcare and bathroom items
As a student, your health and hygiene should be a priority. You should pack essential healthcare and bathroom items such as medicine, towels, slippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet rolls, nail clippers, and a hairbrush or comb. Bring whatever you need and use it in your daily life. You can buy bathroom products like shampoo and soap when you are settled in your room. The same goes for cleaning products. You might not even need them right away.
- Medicine
- Towels
- Slippers
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet rolls
- Nail clippers
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shampoo and soap
Clothes
When packing your clothes, you must consider what you will need for the season and whether or not you can go home and change your clothes. You should pack clothes for when you’re home, pyjamas, formal wear for parties and celebrations, underwear, socks, and shoes. You should also consider packing a raincoat, an umbrella, and winter wear if you are studying in a cold region.
- Clothes for when you’re home
- Pyjamas
- Formal wear for parties and celebrations
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes
Kitchen Items You Need to Take to Uni
You may want to cook in your dorm room or prepare your own meals, so you should pack essential kitchen items. These include crockery – microwavable, pots and pans, glasses and mugs, cutlery, a sharp knife, a chopping board, food containers, and small appliances like a toaster, sandwich maker, or coffee machine. Don’t forget to consider hiring a man and van versus carrying everything over yourself.
Be sure to bring enough cutlery and crockery. If you’re not much of a cook, you don’t need to get anything to cook at all. And if you ever decide to cook and need cooking equipment, maybe your roommate will lend you theirs. Here’s a short checklist:
- Crockery – microwavable
- Pots and pans
- Glasses and mugs
- Cutlery, a sharp knife, and a chopping board
- Food containers
- Small appliances – toaster, sandwich maker, coffee machine
Financial Items
You will also need to pack financial items such as your credit card, debit card, and cash. These items are essential for purchasing food, stationery, textbooks, and other items you will need during your stay. Make sure you have enough cash or available funds in your bank account to pay for the things you need.
Social Items
Going to university is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and make friends. You should pack social items that will help you socialise and have fun, such as board games, cards, a frisbee, or a football. These items will come in handy when you want to take a break from your studies or spend time with your new friends.
Technology and Entertainment
Apart from the electronic items you will need for your studies, you should also pack entertainment items. These items include a camera, earphones, a gaming console, or a streaming device. You can use these items to capture your memories or entertain yourself during your free time.
Transportation
If you plan to use public transportation to get around, you should pack transportation items such as an Opal card, a Myki card, or a Go card, depending on the region where you are studying. These cards will allow you to use public transportation easily and conveniently.
Takeaways
University can be one of the most amazing times of your life. Moving away from home can be stressful, but every new experience is scary at first. Make sure to prepare the items on the list, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with packing and moving. With this checklist, you’re ready to start your first year of university with confidence!
