{"id":4673,"date":"2023-08-23T16:09:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T15:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/?p=4673"},"modified":"2026-09-09T10:06:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T09:06:50","slug":"what-to-pack-for-university-a-comprehensive-packing-guide-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/2023\/08\/23\/what-to-pack-for-university-a-comprehensive-packing-guide-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack for University: A Comprehensive Packing Guide for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243;][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2023\/08\/Picture1-1.png&#8221; \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Written by<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/yamin-thet-373305254\"><b>Yamin<\/b><\/a><b>, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SALC Student Experience Intern<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reading time &#8211; 3 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Congratulations on successfully securing 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&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><b>Important Documents<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First and foremost, don&#8217;t leave home without your essential documents. These include your\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Passport\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visa documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University acceptance letter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accommodation contract<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Insurance documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bank cards and some cash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prescription copies and any other necessary paperwork.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2023\/08\/Picture2-1.png&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Keep them in a secure and easily accessible place to avoid any last-minute panic.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><b>Weather-Appropriate Clothing<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Understanding the climate of your university city is crucial for packing the right clothing. If you&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">T-shirts and tops<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jeans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dresses\/ skirts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jumpers\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sweatshirts and pants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Raincoats and winter coats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Underwear<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pyjamas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Business formal or smart outfit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shoes, trainers and socks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fancy outfits for all the welcome parties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2023\/08\/Picture3-1.png&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><b>Bedroom, Bathroom and Kitchen Essentials<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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&#8217;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&#8217;s wise to confirm what utensils are provided by your accommodation, consider bringing along a few below-mentioned essentials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2023\/08\/Picture4-1.png&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, if you\u2019re an international student, you don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Common items to consider bringing include<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bedsheets, duvet, pillows and their covers\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Laundry basket<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hangers and storage boxes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some accessories to decorate your room such as desk lamp, photos from home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Microwave-safe bowl and plates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Set of cutlery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A small pot and pan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some utensils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bath towels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hair dryer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some cosmetics and skincare products.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><b>Bring your comfort food!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The initial weeks of university life can be a bit overwhelming, and having familiar snacks from home can be a comforting touch. While you&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Other essentials\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don&#8217;t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need, along with a basic first aid kit. It&#8217;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&#8217;re prepared should you need any medical assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also don\u2019t forget to bring your laptop, phone, chargers, and any other electronic devices for communication, study, and entertainment. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=power+strip&amp;crid=38GDNANY5I55X&amp;sprefix=power+strip%2Caps%2C84&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">power strip<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can also be a useful addition, ensuring you have enough outlets for all your gadgets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><b>Special Tips for International Students<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>I know you are coming to university in another country. But that doesn\u2019t mean you need to bring everything from home.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qatarairways.com\/en\/student-club.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">student club<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2023\/08\/Picture5-1.png&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most importantly, don\u2019t 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dunelm.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dunelm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for beddings, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilko.com\/en-uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wilko<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for kitchen items and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Amazon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.argos.co.uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Argos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for other items. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.primark.com\/en-gb\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Primark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a great place to buy cute room accessories and decorations. Also don\u2019t forget to use student discounts, and free membership and sign up <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myunidays.com\/GB\/en-GB\/account\/log-in\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UNiDAYS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.studentbeans.com\/uk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Student Beans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for discount coupons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 \u2013 your next adventure awaits!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"et_pb_row et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row_empty\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> Written by Yamin, SALC Student Experience Intern Reading time &#8211; 3 minutes &nbsp; <div class=\"et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row_empty\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> Congratulations on successfully securing 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5673,"featured_media":4674,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,10,12],"tags":[21,20,22,58,34,24,56,23,33,57,19,37,25],"class_list":["post-4673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-my-studies","category-student-blogs","category-wellbeing","tag-accommodation","tag-advice","tag-first-year","tag-homesick","tag-international","tag-manchester","tag-moving-out","tag-new-students","tag-student-voice","tag-support","tag-welcome","tag-welcome-week","tag-wellbeing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4673"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5149,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4673\/revisions\/5149"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4674"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/salc-students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}