Congratulations on nailing your A levels! You just landed at this blog because you have successfully secured a spot at the University of Manchester. With each passing day, it gets more exciting to move out of your home and start your next chapter. Yet, you may probably be wondering what to pack for university. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what to bring to university, from essential documents and clothing to comfort food, bedroom necessities, and more.
Important Documents
First and foremost, don’t leave home without your essential documents. These include your
- Passport
- Visa documentation
- University acceptance letter
- Accommodation contract
- Insurance documents
- Bank cards and some cash
- Prescription copies and any other necessary paperwork.
Keep them in a secure and easily accessible place to avoid any last-minute panic.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Understanding the climate of your university city is crucial for packing the right clothing. If you’re heading to Manchester, where the weather in September averages around 10-15 degrees Celsius and tends to be rainy, be sure to pack a reliable raincoat or waterproof jacket. Additionally, pack a variety of clothing options suitable for both warm and cool weather. Below is the list you can pack for university.
- T-shirts and tops
- Jeans
- Dresses/ skirts
- Jumpers
- Sweatshirts and pants
- Raincoats and winter coats
- Underwear
- Pyjamas
- Business formal or smart outfit
- Shoes, trainers and socks
- Fancy outfits for all the welcome parties
Bedroom, Bathroom and Kitchen Essentials
Your bedroom will be your personal oasis, so ensure you bring along items that make it cosy and conducive to studying. Before you start packing your entire bedroom, check with your landlord to understand what furnishings are already provided. Usually, bed, bedside table, desk, chair, wardrobe, mirror, and a bin are provided but still, it’s worth checking, especially the bed size to buy the correct size of bed sheets. In addition, living in university accommodation often means having access to communal kitchens and bathrooms. While it’s wise to confirm what utensils are provided by your accommodation, consider bringing along a few below-mentioned essentials.
However, if you’re an international student, you don’t need to bring bedroom, bathroom and kitchen essentials since you can easily buy them in the UK. I will also mention some places where you can buy these items at the end of the blog.
Common items to consider bringing include
- Bedsheets, duvet, pillows and their covers
- Laundry basket
- Hangers and storage boxes
- Some accessories to decorate your room such as desk lamp, photos from home
- Microwave-safe bowl and plates
- Set of cutlery
- A small pot and pan
- Some utensils
- Bath towels
- Hair dryer
- Some cosmetics and skincare products.
Bring your comfort food!
The initial weeks of university life can be a bit overwhelming, and having familiar snacks from home can be a comforting touch. While you’ll have access to local groceries, having a stash of your favourite instant foods or snacks can provide a sense of familiarity during this transitional period. In my personal experience, I brought some traditional noodles, some curry paste and my favourite snacks to university.
Other essentials
Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need, along with a basic first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to have over-the-counter remedies for common ailments like headaches, colds, or allergies. Familiarise yourself with the nearest pharmacies and healthcare facilities so you’re prepared should you need any medical assistance.
Also don’t forget to bring your laptop, phone, chargers, and any other electronic devices for communication, study, and entertainment. A power strip can also be a useful addition, ensuring you have enough outlets for all your gadgets.
Special Tips for International Students
I know you are coming to university in another country. But that doesn’t mean you need to bring everything from home.
Being an international student myself, I understand the packing limitations you might face. Typically, airlines allow around 30-35 kg of baggage for economy travellers. However, you can take advantage of student clubs or free membership benefits to enjoy extra luggage allowance. For instance, before I came to the UK, I applied for free student club membership at Qatar Airways and got an additional 10 kg of baggage allowance, along with some discounts. So check out the different airlines for the benefits and take advantage of them.
Most importantly, don’t pack things that you can buy in the UK. For the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen essentials, you can buy them easily at Dunelm, Wilko, Amazon, Argos and Primark. When you arrive in Manchester, take a trip to Arndale which is at the city centre to buy all these essentials. Personally I prefer Dunelm for beddings, Wilko for kitchen items and Amazon and Argos for other items. Primark is a great place to buy cute room accessories and decorations. Also don’t forget to use student discounts, and free membership and sign up UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discount coupons.
In summary, moving out from your home and starting a university life can be really exciting. But remember to have a balance between bringing what you need and avoiding overpacking so that you can bring all your essential belongings and will be well-prepared to dive into the exciting journey of university life. So, go ahead and pack your bags – your next adventure awaits!