Absolutely Everything to Pack for Uni

Moving away from your hometown can be daunting. However, packing for university and moving into Bailrigg Student Living needn't be stressful. One of the things that makes it easier is writing a list of everything you think you'll want or need. But if you’ve only ever packed for a holiday, school trip or residential camp before, knowing what to bring to a new city can feel overwhelming. Never fear! We’re here to help with our comprehensive university packing list (plus a few suggestions that are unique to living here in Lancaster).

What to Pack for University

Non-negotiables for your bedroom:

• Duvet, pillow, pillowcases, bedding covers, a mattress protector and sheets
  (These won’t be provided for you no matter where you live. Our top tip is if you have the space, bring them with you, or if you are travelling by bus or train you can pick up what you need when you get here. There is a large Sainsbury’s on Cable Street and a Wilko on Penny Street, both of which are a short bus ride away.)

• A laptop, chargers and a laptop bag
  (We recommend that you don’t attempt to do all of your work on a tablet. If you can’t stretch to a new laptop right now or you need to repair an old laptop, Lancaster University has an IT Support Fund with grants available to help.)

• Stationery and course books

• ID, important documents and a physical payment card

• Clothing, shoes and coat hangers
  (Don’t forget to pack winter items. It may be warm now, but after November it gets very chilly!)

• Any medication you might need

• A clothes airer and laundry basket

Non-negotiables for your bathroom:

(All of the below can be purchased in the Spar on campus, or at Wilko or Sainsbury’s. We wouldn’t panic too much about packing these items, because ultimately, you will be doing an initial food shop when you get to Bailrigg Student Living and can easily pick up these things right here in Lancaster.)

• Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hand soap

• Toilet cleaner, bleach, toilet brush

• Towels and hand towels

• Toilet rolls

Non-negotiables for your kitchen:

You’ll have a kettle, microwave and toaster provided by us here at Bailrigg Student Living. However, if you’d like an air fryer, blender or other big kitchen appliance we recommend waiting to see if your flatmates want one too. You can share the cost that way.

• A few mugs and glasses
  (We would recommend getting some lower-priced items that you can easily replace in case they get broken.)

• If you get one item for the hob, we recommend that you get a wok
  (Woks can pretty much “do it all”. However, we also recommend getting a couple of saucepans and possibly a frying pan if you love to cook.)

• At least two chopping boards and a knife block

• A couple of baking trays

• Cutlery

• Plates and bowls
  (At least two cereal bowls, two dinner plates and two small plates should be enough.)

• Bin bags, sandwich bags, foil and cling film
  (Don’t worry about packing these items. You can get them all during your first food shop.)

• A utensils pack (i.e. wooden spoons and a spatula)

• Tea towels

• Tupperware

Optional Extras:

• A rug

• A throw and scatter cushions for your bed

• Decorations (posters and pictures)

• Personal items

• A wash bag

• Slippers

• Corkscrew

• Pizza cutter

• A bike (if you have one — Lancaster has a lot of cycling routes)

• Your hiking boots (one of the best parts of living in Lancaster is the surrounding countryside)

• A picnic blanket (you’ll thank us when you’re not sitting on grass in Williamson Park)

The First Shop Basics:

• Washing-up sponges

• Washing-up liquid

• Teabags

• Coffee

• Milk

• Bread

• Cereal

• Pasta

• Baked beans

(These items will get you through the first 24 hours before you decide exactly what you want to buy and eat. Many flatmates have a cooking rota and it might be that you share in the food shopping and cooking, so we recommend that you don’t over-shop on your first day.)

Happy packing!