Packing for Uni 101: What to bring (and what not to!)

If you are joining UCL as a new student and starting September on campus, then you'll want to give this a once over!  

Home and international students should check out our Checklists pages outlining what you should do at different times!

Below is a list of bare essentials to get you started:

1. Important documents – bring a few copies of these in case your originals go missing!

• Passport and/or driving license

• UCL acceptance letter – useful for opening a bank account, obtaining student discount cards etc., if you haven’t already

• Insurance documents (travel, contents etc.)

• Student finance documents (loans, bursaries etc.) – to check when the next instalment is coming in...

• Bank details and cards

• NHS number - to register with a GP

2. Electricals – essential for university life 

• Mobile phone and charger – standard

• Laptop and charger – standard

• Headphones – for uninterrupted musical bliss

• Power extension cable (with surge protection) – for all your charging needs

3. Kitchen essentials – those in catered accommodation: cutlery, a mug and a plate will do just fine!

• A basic cutlery set

• One glass and one mug, one plate and one bowl

• A quality sharp knife, kitchen scissors and tongs

• A wok – a versatile tool, along with one sauce pan

• A baking tray

• A bottle-opener/corkscrew – Swiss army knives work well

What not to bring:

• Kettle, toaster, microwave, iron, fridge, BBQ's - These are provided in UCL Halls!

4. Bedroom

• Some coat hangers
• A laundry basket – nowadays you can get a clever one that doubles as a portable bag
• Bed linen is not provided in UCL accommodation – most students will get theirs quite cheaply from Primark at the end of Tottenham court Road which is close to campus and most halls

International students who are arriving late: You can also purchase a linen pack from UCL accommodation, which contains a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, sheet, hand towel, and bath towel, for £25.00 – submit a Linen request from here

What to leave at home (not permitted by UCL accommodation): 

• Your pets :( Guide dogs/assistance dogs are totally welcome though, of course!

• Portable heaters, candles, incense stickes and oil lamps – UCL Halls are extremely strict about not allowing any portable heaters/cooking equipment/irons, fridges, fragrance burners and shisha pipes (except for medical conditions) in your room.

• Glue, drawing pins, and adhesive tape and check your halls regulations about using Blu tack (to be on the safe side – don’t use on painted walls!)

• Any of the following – which are all provided in halls: carpet, curtains, wardrobe, desk/table, desk chair, bed (including mattress), mattress cover, wastepaper bin and light shade/cover.

• Fairy lights, dart boards, ball games, humidifiers, weapons, fireworks and Nitrous Oxide are just a few other miscillaneous things not to be brought into your UCL accommodation.

4. Bathroom – again, you can pick up most things when you arrive. To be safe, make sure you pack:

• One big towel and one small (unless you have requested a linen pack)

• Toiletries – with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel, make-up, the usual, in a washbag

• One toilet roll to get you started

5. Clothing and accessories: the usual, but don’t go crazy – you’ll probably have limited space:

• Some casual outfits – layers work well in our very temperamental climate

• A smart outfit or two for going out

• Underwear and socks – about a week’s worth

• A hooded raincoat – a must-have in the UK

• A winter coat and hat, gloves and scarf – winter can be freezing here!

• A travel-sized umbrella

• Shoes – trainers, going out shoes, everyday casual shoes

• Gym gear and/or swimwear if you fancy keeping fit!

6. Personal 

• Any medication and supplies (e.g. plasters, painkillers, prescription medication)

• Contraception – it doesn’t harm you to have your own backup

• A couple of mementos from home – photos of family and friends to make you feel at home in your new room

Going to university is such a big move, hopefully this list will help you to avoid packing stress getting in the way of the excitement! 

Suriyah Rashid, UCL alumna, BA Language and Culture