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Moving away for university? Before you dive into Welcome Week, you have one big task ahead of you... packing. It can feel like you need to bring everything (spoiler alert, you don’t), and it is hard to know where to even begin, let alone get it done. Here is a simple, stress-free guide to help you pack smart, not heavy.
Bedroom:
- Bedding – sheets, duvet, pillows, pillowcases (make sure you check sizing for your accommodation, and if in doubt, size up!)
- Mattress protector
- Blanket
- Clothes hangers – try space saving ones
- Extension lead
- Decorations – photos (use free prints), fairy lights (battery operated), some plants to brighten the space
- Pins for your noticeboards
- Stationery
- Clothes – pack seasonally (and remember, Exeter can be quite rainy!)
- Bags – a small one for a night out and a big one for a day on campus
- Electrics – laptop, chargers, batteries
- An extension lead
- Small mirror (try one with built in lights)
- Storage boxes
- Wardrobe organiser
- Over door hooks
- Bedside lamp
- A study planner / diary
Bathroom:
- Towels – bath towels, hand towel, flannel
- Laundry bin
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toothbrush holder
- Skincare and makeup
- Bathmat
- Hand soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- A robe and sliders (especially if you are sharing a bathroom)
- Sanitary Products
- Grooming products – razors, hair dryer, tweezers etc
- Deodorant
- Toilet roll
- A wash bag for toiletries – I recommend a suction caddy for your shower
Kitchen:
- Saucepan, frying pan, wok
- Bowls and plates
- Oven tray
- Mug
- Glasses
- Cutlery
- Chopping knife
- Sieve
- Colander
- Cooking utensils – wooden spoon, spatula, kitchen scissors, pizza wheel
- Tupperware / food storage
- Measuring jug
- Tea towels
- Oven glove
- Bottle opener
- Tin opener
- Cheese grater
- Vegetable Peeler
- Sandwich bags
- A chopping board
- Foil
- Cling film
- Food storage clips
- Cupboard essentials – think tea bags, pasta, tinned food to get you through the first few days
Cleaning
- Washing up liquid
- Washing up sponges (I recommend dishmatic)
- Antibacterial wipes
- Laundry detergents
- Toilet cleaner
- Latex gloves
- Bin bags
- All-purpose cleaning spray
- Microfibre cloths
- Lint roller
Others:
- A doorstop – keeping your door open is a great way to meet your new flatmates
- A pack of cards
- Important documents – passport, driver's license, birth certificate, NHS number, national insurance number
- Umbrella
- Small portable speaker – not an essential, but can be great when socialising with your flatmates
- Retainers
- First aid kit – cold and flu tablets, plasters, paracetamol
- Personal Medication
- Contraception
- Earplugs
- Hot water bottle
- Bank cards – remember to set up a student bank account
- A weekend bag – great for when you visit home or your friends
What not to bring:
- Printers – there are some on campus
- Candles (opt for battery operated ones instead, or a diffuser)
- Kitchen duplicates – trust me, you only need one or two frying pans etc
- Ironing board / iron
- Large kitchen appliances and gadgets – you really don’t need a waffle maker or blender
- Tons of stationary
- Portable heaters
- A TV – just use your laptop
We know that whilst being undeniably exciting, starting university is also nerve-wracking. Something to help ease the nerves is being prepared, a task we here at the Guild are here to help you face. Make sure you keep up to date with our socials and website, as we have plenty of content to make you feel as ready as possible for coming to Exeter! And if you forget anything, don't worry! You'll be able to get everything you need whilst you are here.
If you’re arriving to Exeter from outside the UK, you can also use companies like UniKitOut so that most things you need will be ready for you when you arrive.