If your child is among that number, you’ll be hoping to set them up for an excellent start. You won’t be able to control much of what they get up to from Fresher’s Week onwards, so let’s focus on the thing you can control: their packing.
Most freshers are excited to get to university, to meet new people, to study their chosen subject, to soak up a new town. Some will never have been away from home for any length of time before. Few care what they bring with them.
This is where we come in. We’ve trawled the web to find the nicest, most reasonably priced and most practical versions of all the items students need to start their new life. From coat hangers to cookbooks, we’ve got you covered.
Let the learning commence!
Bedding
H&M’s Waffle Muslin Bedding Set, £39.99
This duvet cover and pillowcase combo is clean, fresh and, thanks to its waffle design, can cope easily without being ironed. Freshers have better things to think about than ironing, after all. Buy several.
Pillows
The White Company’s Hypoallergenic Pillow, £40
A couple of these pillows, which are White Company bestsellers, will turn eight hours of shuteye from a dream into a reality. Buy it.
Blanket/Throw
Weaver Green Diamond Navy Blanket, £65
A cosy blanket instantly makes you feel at home and this one has great eco credentials too: it's made from 300 recycled plastic bottles. Plus it's machine washable and stain resistant. Buy it.
Bath Towel
M&S Super Soft Pure Cotton Towel Bath Sheet, £18
We want our students to achieve a healthy mix of work and play, right? Benjamin Disraeli’s view was that: ‘A university should be a place of light, of liberty and of learning.’ These bath towels from M&S will give them a touch of luxury away from home. They provide excellent absorbency while drying quickly for everyday convenience. Buy it.
Teapot
Falcon Enamelware’s Teapot And Mugs, £55
Tea is a staple for most at university. This teapot and pair of mugs is stylish, useful and, crucially, unbreakable. Enamelware like this was first created in the Black Country area Birmingham in the 1920s and is remarkable for its enduring strength. Buy it.
Knives And Forks
Wayfair’s Cutlery Set, £26.99
Colourful, distinctive and robust, this 16-piece collection of knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons is just the ticket for communal living. Buy it.
Glassware
John Lewis Duralex Picardie Tumblers, Set of 4, £10
These stylish glasses can be used for water, wine or cocktails. Back in 1945, the French heritage company Duralex invented the glass tempering process that makes these tumblers famously indestructible. Buy it.
Lamp
John Lewis Brandon Desk Lamp, £20
If you brighten up the desk with this colourful lamp, you might just encourage some careful study. Buy it.
Rug
Dunelm Milo Scallop Wool Runner, £69
The more colourful textiles there are in a halls-of-residence bedroom or student flat, the better. This striped runner will instantly banish any institutional gloom. Buy it.
Cleaning Products
Tincture Surface Starter Kit, Subscribe £39
How much housework a new student plans to do in their digs is anyone guess but this chic set of environmentally friendly bathroom cleaning products will be as motivational as anything. Buy it.
Pocket Knife
Swiss Army Pocket Knife, £44.99
The Swiss Army Knife’s corkscrew feature is sure to be well used but you’d be amazed by how often its tweezers, can opener, scissors and toothpick also come in handy when a student is far from home. Buy it.
Coat Hangers
Brabantia Coat Hangers, set of three, £9.50
It sounds dreary but you’d be surprised by how many people forget to pack coat hangers. These ones are so attractive, they’d inspire even the most slovenly student to hang up their clothes. Buy it.
Water Bottle
Not Another Bill’s Ocean Bottle, £35
This award-winning bottle keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Even better, because it comes from the kind people at Not Another Bill, it can be easily personalised and therefore harder to lose. Buy it.
Backpack
Herschel’s Classic Backpack, £60
With its water-bottle pocket, laptop section and perky striped lining, this backpack is, to us, flawless. Buy it.
Cookbook
Dear Grace: Recipes from your mother, for the next chapter in life, by Claire Thomson, £24
We have in the past championed Sally Clarke's book, First Put On Your Apron, which was written with her son in mind, when he left for university. In our mind there is a new book on the block, Claire Thomson's Dear Grace, written for her daughter, not only sharing recipes that Claire's children have grown up with, but also heartfelt advice. These are simple, accessible recipes for cooking nutritious food on a budget. India Knight loves this book and recommends it even if your children have long flown the nest. Buy it,
First Aid Kit
St John Ambulance Universal Plus First Aid Kit Grab Bag, £18
A small basic first-aid kit is useful, with items such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief and any personal medication. It's one of those things that's better to have before you need it. The St John Ambulance First Aid Kit offers comprehensive emergency care containing essential medical supplies, with plasters, dressings, bandages, saline wipes and more. Buy it.
Portable Charger
Belkin 15W 20000mAh Portable Power Bank with USB-C Cable, £27.99
Perfect when you're on the move, this compact charger delivers up to 78 hours of extra battery life for your iPhone. It's built for busy workdays when you're dashing between lectures, catching up with fellow students for coffee and studying in the library. Three ports include two USB-A and one USB-C to power your phone, tablet and earbuds simultaneously. Buy it.
For Cheering Up
Holly & Co 'Open When…’ University Going Away Envelopes (Set Of 10), From £22
These 'Open When' envelopes are for when the going gets tough and the first week away from home has might have lots it lustre. Cheer your kids up with this set of envelopes which you can fill with bons mots or little treats: the perfect antidote when they're missing home or feeling homesick. Buy it.
FAQs: What To Pack For University
What should I pack for university?
University essentials include bedding, pillows, towels, a blanket or throw, coat hangers, basic kitchenware, cleaning products, a desk lamp, a water bottle and a backpack. It’s also worth packing a few home comforts and practical items that will make student life easier.
How much bedding should I take to university?
Take at least two sets of bedding so you have a clean set while the other is being washed. Check the size of your university bed before buying, as halls can use different mattress sizes.
What kitchen essentials should I take to university?
A basic set of cutlery, mugs, glasses and a few useful cooking utensils should cover most students' needs. A teapot can also be a useful addition for tea drinkers. Check what your university accommodation already provides before buying too much.
Do I need to take towels to university?
Yes. Pack at least two bath towels so you always have a clean one available. Quick-drying cotton towels are particularly practical for student accommodation, where drying space can be limited.
What should I pack to make my university room feel more like home?
A cosy blanket or throw, colourful bedding, a small rug and a few personal touches can make a basic halls room feel much more welcoming. The Guide's packing list specifically recommends adding colourful textiles to soften the institutional feel of student accommodation.
What cleaning products should I take to university?
Bring a few basic cleaning products suitable for your accommodation, particularly bathroom and kitchen cleaners, cloths and sponges. An environmentally friendly starter set can be a convenient way to cover the essentials without overpacking.
Do I need a desk lamp for university?
A good desk lamp is a useful addition, particularly if your room's main lighting isn't ideal for studying. Choose a compact lamp that provides enough light for reading and working without taking up too much desk space.
What should I carry my laptop and university essentials in?
A practical backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment and space for a water bottle is ideal. Choose something comfortable and sturdy enough for carrying books, a laptop and everyday essentials between accommodation and lectures.
Should I take a water bottle to university?
. A reusable water bottle is useful for lectures, studying and days out, and helps avoid repeatedly buying bottled water. A durable insulated bottle can also keep drinks cold or hot for longer.
What are the easily forgotten things to pack for university?
Some of the less obvious essentials include coat hangers, spare bedding, a water bottle, cleaning products and basic kitchenware. These aren't necessarily exciting purchases, but they can make a big difference once you arrive.
What documents should I take to university?
Passport or driving licence, university offer/registration details, accommodation information, bank details and any other important paperwork. Most can be stored digitally, but having key documents accessible is sensible.
What electrical items should I pack for university?
Phone and laptop chargers, extension lead, headphones and perhaps a portable charger. It's worth checking university rules before taking items such as kettles, heaters or cooking appliances into bedrooms.
What toiletries should I take to university?
Don't forget everyday toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and any personal grooming essentials. A washbag or shower caddy can be particularly useful in shared accommodation.
What clothes should I take to university?
Pack clothes for lectures, evenings out, exercise and different weather conditions, but avoid taking your entire wardrobe. A waterproof coat, comfortable everyday shoes and a few smart outfits are particularly useful.
Do I need to take laundry supplies to university?
Yes. Laundry detergent or capsules and a laundry bag or basket are useful essentials. Check whether your accommodation has washing facilities and whether payment is required.
What should I not take to university?
Avoid overpacking bulky items, unnecessary kitchen equipment and things that your accommodation already provides. Check your university's accommodation rules before bringing electrical appliances, candles or other potentially restricted items.
What should I buy before going to university and what can I buy when I arrive?
You certainly don't need to buy everything in advance and the size of your car will probably dictate how much you can pack. Bulky or easily forgotten essentials such as cleaning products, toiletries and some kitchen supplies can be bought locally once the student has arrived.
