Moving away to university is a big step, and it's important to be prepared with all the essentials to make your new living situation comfortable and functional. Here's a list of items you might want to consider bringing with you: 

 

Bedroom Essentials: 
 

• Bedding (fitted sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers) 

• Duvet (I'd recommend a 10.5 tog, a nice all year-round duvet) 

• Pillows 

• Mattress protector (some mattresses appear as stiff as a board!) 

• Blankets 

• Clothes hangers 

• Laundry basket/bag 

• Desk lamp 

• Alarm clock or smartphone alarm 

• Study desk and chair (if not provided) 

• Extension cords and power strips with surge protection 

Kitchen and Dining Essentials:  
 

Most kitchen items like a microwave, fridge and kettle are already provided. Items in this list do not have to be expensive, pretty or top of the range. Chances are that some items will get lost, shared or broken. 
 

• Plates, bowls, and cutlery 

• Mugs 

• Drinking glasses and a water bottle 

• Pots and pans 

• Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs, etc.) 

• Tin opener 

• Cutting board and knives 

• Mixing bowls 

• Dish soap and cleaning supplies like a kitchen spray, sponges and dish cloths 

• Tea towel  

• Snack foods and basic groceries 

• Shopping bags (saves you purchasing bags for life) 

Before your parents depart after dropping you off at your new living space, ask them to take you to the nearest supermarket so you can find your bearings while also picking up some basic groceries. This way you won’t have to carry it all back to your new home, and maybe mum and dad could help towards that first big shop. 

Bathroom Essentials:  
 

• Towels (bath and hand towels) 

• Shower caddy or toiletry organiser (ideal to keep all your belongings together and tidy, especially if it’s a shared bathroom) 

• Shower shoes or flip-flops (optional) 

• Toilet paper 

• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.) 

• Bathroom cleaning items (bleach, toilet brush, bathroom cleaner) 

Clothing and Personal Items:  
 

• Clothing for various weather conditions 

• Shoes suitable for walking and different activities 

• Underwear and socks 

• Raincoat or umbrella 

• Pyjamas 

• Formal or professional attire (for interviews, presentations, etc.) 

• Backpack or tote bag 

• Hair styling electronics (hair dryer, straighteners etc.) 

• Standing mirror (optional) 

Study and Technology Items:  
 

• Laptop or computer 

• Chargers for electronics 

• External hard drive or cloud storage for backups 

• Stationery (notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters) 

• Desk organisers 

• Headphones or earbuds 

• Surge protectors 

Cleaning and Organisation: 
 

• Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, wipes, etc.) 

• Broom or vacuum cleaner (if not provided) 

• Storage boxes or containers 

• Iron and mini-ironing board 

• Clothes maid  

• Laundry bag 

• Command hooks or removable adhesive for hanging items 

Miscellaneous:   
 

• First aid kit and any necessary medications 

• Tool kit (screwdriver, hammer, etc.) 

• Personal documents (ID, driver's license, medical records, etc.) 

• Photos or decor to make your space feel like home 

• Bike (if you plan to use one for transportation) 

• Entertainment items (books, games, etc.) 

Some list huh?  

Remember that university housing varies, so it's a good idea to check with your university or housing provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding what you can bring. It's also a good opportunity to connect with your future roommates to discuss who might be bringing certain items to avoid unnecessary duplicates. 

Not sure where to start? We have drawstring sacks suitable for use as a laundry bag, as well as storage of seasonal clothes. We also have tea towels, pencil cases and cushion covers available to brighten up your living space. Lastly of course we have a range of styles and sizes of tote bags available to keep handy for shopping trips, or to use as you head off to lectures.