Preparing to start university can be daunting. And if you’re moving out for the first time there’s also a lot to get.

So where do you begin?

Start by creating a list of your most needed basics and categorise into different areas, e.g. bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and study.

Below I’ve made a list to help you begin:

Bathroom:

• Towels (2 sets)
• Soaps and Hair Care

Bedroom:

• Duvet
• Pillows
• Mattress Cover
• Duvet, bed and pillow covers (2 sets)
• Portable Laundry Basket

Kitchen:

• 2 each of plates, bowls, cups, mugs
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Baking trays
• Mixing Bowl
• Chopping Board
• Knives
• Peeler
• Spatula/ Spoon
• Cutlery
• Measuring spoons
• Tupperware
• Water Bottle

Study:

• Pens/ Pencils
• Notebooks
• Scissors (often forgotten until you need them!)

Useful Extras:

• A shower caddy (helpful for carrying bottles to and from the bathroom)
• A dinner tray (saves precarious balancing if you choose to eat in your room)
• Blankets
• A lamp
• Bin (this may be provided so check the accommodation list)
• Extension Lead
• Slippers/ House shoes
• Pins (most university accommodations come with a pin-board)

TOP TIPS!

Start with what you already own and can be taken with you.

You might have family who have spare things for you to take like pots and pans or towels. I brought extra baking trays and pots that my grandparents no longer needed.

Make sure you know which accommodation type you will be moving into before acquiring some items.

Depending on where you move you may need single or double bedding, or have an induction hob in the kitchen that needs specific pots and pans to cook with.

The earlier you buy things the cheaper they’ll be!

Shops tend to put prices up as their new styles come out so look in the Spring and Summer sales for the best deals!

Bring cutlery, cups and dish-ware that you can recognise as yours.

I brought plates with a pattern and coloured cutlery, but you could mark the bottoms in sharpie. Having identifying marks helps you keep hold of what is yours throughout the year, especially when most university sets provided by shops come with plain white.

Don’t overpack!

I am very guilty of this, but remember you will acquire lots of new things throughout your time at university. So while home comforts are a must, leave some space to decorate with what you’ll get during the year.

For information on the accommodation Bournemouth University offers see here.

Clubs and Societies:

University is not just about where you live, or what you study, it’s also about the people you meet and friends you make during your time there. Have a look into the Clubs and Societies on offer through our Student Union here.

You’ll have the chance to speak to people in person at the Freshers Fair when you arrive (a must go event for freebies too) but I found it helpful to know what was available beforehand.

Find out more

Preparing to move into student accommodation