University essentials checklist: what students need for halls

Sending a teenager to university is exciting, expensive and, if you're driving them there, an impressive game of car boot Tetris. It's tempting to buy everything in sight. Start with the dull but important bits instead: check what the accommodation provides, confirm the bed size and find out which electrical items are allowed.

This university essentials checklist is also a practical uni packing list. It combines advice from Mumsnet users with hands-on testing by Mumsnet editors. We've focused on the things students are likely to use, from washable bedding and basic kitchen kit to laundry gear, study supplies and the documents nobody wants to discover are still sitting on the kitchen table three hours from home.

As ever, we wanted to see what was worth recommending before putting it on the list, so Senior Content Editor Rebecca had eight products sent from the Argos university essentials range to try. She looked at everything with the realities of a student room in mind.

What essentials do you need for university?

Most first-year students need bedding that fits, towels and toiletries, a few kitchen basics, laundry supplies, a laptop and chargers, basic stationery, important documents and a first-aid box. 

Check the accommodation inventory before buying appliances or bulky items. Mumsnet user Rotunda found they bought more than they needed. AlwaysFreezing found it useful to tackle the list room by room: “It helped me to think of his bedroom/bathroom in one go and kitchen in another.” 

Halls vary, and duplicates are a fine way to spend money on four kettles nobody has room for.

University essentials at a glance

Before you buy: three checks to avoid expensive mistakes

• Ask what the accommodation already provides. Kettles, microwaves, toasters, desk lamps and bins are often included.

• Confirm the bed size. A standard single is common, but some halls use three-quarter or small-double beds.

• Read the electrical and fire-safety rules. Air fryers, rice cookers, candles, incense and plug-in heaters can be prohibited in some accommodation.

Check what halls provide before buying bedding, kitchen appliances or bulky storage

The full university packing checklist: what to take to uni

Bedroom essentials

Uni homeware needs to be practical, washable and easy to store. Start with the bed size and what's already in the room. Most halls provide a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and some storage. 

The aim is to make the room comfortable without filling every surface before term has begun. Mumsnet user HazeyjaneIII adds: “Nice lamps (uni room lights are blindingly bright).”

• Duvet: a washable mid-weight option such as the 10.5 tog Habitat duvet.

• Duvet cover and pillowcase: the reversible Habitat Stockholm Stripe set includes one pillowcase.

• Pillows and pillow protectors. The washable Habitat Supersoft two-pack is one affordable option, although soft pillows won't suit every sleeping position.

• Mattress protector, such as the washable Habitat waterproof single protector. Add a topper only if the supplied mattress needs one and storage allows.

• Fitted sheets, ideally two so one can be in the wash. The Habitat Washed Plain White single sheet is made from cotton and fits mattresses up to 28cm deep.

• Blanket or throw for extra warmth.

• Desk lamp, if one is not supplied. Remember the E14 bulb for the Argos Home lamp.

• Hangers, laundry basket and a few removable hooks if accommodation rules allow.

• Small bin and bin liners.

• Doorstop, provided fire-door rules allow it. It can make a new room feel less cut off during the first few days.

• Under-bed storage only after measuring the gap.

Kitchen essentials

Shared self-catered kitchens are rarely generously equipped. A student kitchen starter pack can save time, but check what it contains, what's provided and what flatmates plan to bring. Buy a few identifiable items, not a matching kitchen’s worth of anonymous white crockery. 

Mumsnet user Elderflower2016 takes a firmer line on extra appliances: “Don’t bother with an air fryer. [The] kitchen will have an oven and bills included in the halls.”

• One or two mugs, plates, bowls and sets of cutlery.

• One saucepan and one frying pan suitable for the actual hob.

• A sharp utility knife, bread knife and chopping board.

• Wooden spoon or turner, peeler, tin opener and kitchen scissors.

• Colander or sieve.

• Food-storage tubs and reusable freezer bags.

• Tea towel, washing-up liquid, sponge and bin bags.

• Baking tray big enough for a pizza.

• Travel mug and reusable water bottle.

• Air fryer only where accommodation rules allow it. The Cookworks 5L model is substantial enough for shared meals but not a tiny-room appliance.

Top tip: The 20-piece Home Essentials starter set covers pans, cutlery and several tools, but you still need to add crockery to your list - and check for an induction hob first!

Bathroom essentials

An en-suite needs less ferrying back and forth. A shared bathroom makes a wash bag, shower caddy and a decent dressing gown and slippers much more useful.

• Two bath towels and one hand towel. The Habitat Neutral Stripe bath towel is a current Argos option, but remember that one towel is not a set.

• Wash bag or shower caddy. Argos stocks hanging, suction and freestanding shower caddies, so check what the bathroom layout will accommodate.

• Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Flip-flops for communal showers.

• Dressing gown or long hoodie.

• Toilet roll for arrival day.

• Menstrual products, contraception and any personal care essentials.

• Small cleaning cloth and bathroom spray for an en-suite.

Rebecca unpacked eight Argos university picks covering bedroom, kitchen, laundry and study essentials

Laundry and cleaning essentials

If your teen has decided against lugging their dirty laundry back home every month, it’s a good idea for them to stock up on some essentials so they’re well prepared to enter their accommodation’s laundry room. 

• Laundry detergent and a stain remover.

• Laundry basket or sturdy bag that is easy to carry.

• Clothes airer and pegs. The Argos Home three-tier airer offers 14m of drying space but still needs a ventilated room.

• Small sewing kit and safety pins.

• Lint roller.

• Cleaning spray, cloths, sponges, washing-up liquid and bin bags.

• Handheld vacuum only if one is not supplied or shared.

• Steam iron and tabletop ironing board (though only if your DC will use them). The Bush iron and Argos Home board make a compact pair.

Study and tech essentials

Your DC’s course requirements come first in this category. Some students need specialist software or a powerful laptop, while others can use library computers for much of the week.

• Laptop or tablet that meets the course specification.

• Phone and chargers for every device.

• Headphones or earbuds.

• Extension lead with surge protection, if permitted. The Masterplug four-socket model has a 1m cable and surge indicator. Avoid daisy-chaining leads.

• USB memory stick or portable drive, plus cloud backup.

• Stationery - including notebooks, pens, highlighters and sticky notes.

• Backpack that fits the laptop and is comfortable when full.

• Desk lamp if the room lighting is poor. Argos’ own home lamp is a good shout. 

• Printer only after checking on-campus printing costs and availability (though, quite handy to have in your own bedroom) in case of emergencies. 

There's no need to overpack when moving into halls - there's always time to go shopping once moved in

Health, safety and important documents

• Photo ID, passport and driving licence if relevant.

• University acceptance, accommodation and student finance information.

• Bank details, insurance documents and emergency contacts.

• Prescribed medicines in their labelled packaging, plus a repeat-prescription plan.

• Basic first-aid supplies: plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief they can safely take and any familiar allergy or cold remedies.

• Glasses, contact lenses and spare supplies.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Small torch.

• Copies of important documents stored securely.

Other useful things

• Everyday clothes, smart clothes for interviews or placements and weatherproof shoes.

• Coat, umbrella, dressing gown and slippers.

• Bags for life for move-in day, food shopping and laundry.

• Favourite photos or a few familiar objects. Comfort matters; thirty decorative cushions do not.

• Playing cards or a compact game.

• Bike lock and lights if taking a bike.

• Small toolkit or at least a screwdriver and roll of strong tape, if permitted.

What to bring to university and what to leave at home

• Pack for the first few weeks, not a year-long siege. Shops and deliveries still exist after Freshers’ Week and you can always collect more essentials from Argos. As Mumsnet user Tcateh suggests: “Order stuff from Argos to be collected at the uni end. Al ot of the shops might be a bit bare.”

• Use sturdy reusable shopping bags for awkward items. They’re easy for helpers to carry and fold away afterwards. 

• Label kitchen equipment. Distinctive colours are easier to reclaim when a mug wanders into another cupboard.

• Coordinate bulky shared items with flatmates once contact details are available. It’s also worth saving the bulk of the shopping until DC has moved in, so they can compare what everyone has and what’s still missing.

• Keep one clearly marked arrival bag with bedding, toiletries, chargers, medication, tea or coffee and toilet roll.

• Photograph valuable items and record serial numbers before moving in.

• Measure storage before buying boxes. The mean well, but empty boxes can become the largest possessions in the room.

Bulky items can be ordered for collection or delivery once a student knows what their room and kitchen are missing

How much should a student pack for university?

There’s no need to overdo it - pack what fits the transport and the room without blocking the floor, desk or wardrobe. 

For most students, that means enough clothes for a couple of weeks, two sets of bedding, a modest kitchen kit and the technology their course needs. Anything uncertain can wait until they have seen the room and met their flatmates. 

Mumsnet user Stirmish describes the same approach: “He's packing the bare minimum so one large bag with essentials and another bag with clothes. He'll buy anything else he needs when he gets there.”

If they're travelling by train or plane, prioritise documents, medication, clothes and tech. Buy bulky, low-cost items near the university or arrange delivery instead. Mumsnet user Badbadbunny points out: “They can get deliveries from [...] Argos [...]  if they can't buy what they need in the town/city.” 

In another thread, Badbadbunny adds: “Also maybe heavier stuff they won't be able to carry back from Argos themselves, i.e. clothes airer, plastic storage shelving system, duvet, etc.”

What should students not take to university?

Don't pack anything banned by the accommodation. Common restrictions include candles, incense, portable heaters and some personal cooking appliances. Some halls also ban extension leads that don't meet their safety rules.

Leave behind duplicate appliances, a year’s supply of toiletries, every course book on the reading list and bulky furniture bought without measurements. Valuable jewellery and sentimental items are also safer at home unless there is secure storage (like this personal safe, perhaps). 

What changes when packing for university abroad?

Check airline baggage rules, local plug types, voltage and restrictions on food and medicine. Keep passports, visas, travel insurance, university paperwork and prescriptions in hand luggage, with secure digital copies. 

Buy bulky bedding and kitchen equipment after arrival unless the accommodation confirms it isn't provided.

University essentials: frequently asked questions

What do I need for university in the first year?

A first-year university packing list should cover bedding, towels, toiletries, basic kitchen kit, laundry supplies, course-ready technology, medication, key documents and clothes suited to the weather. That's the useful core of a uni essentials list. 

Check the room, course and accommodation rules before buying anything bulky or electrical.

Should students buy kitchen appliances before moving into halls?

Not until they've checked what's supplied and what's allowed. Kettles, toasters and microwaves are often provided. Air fryers and other countertop appliances can be restricted for fire-safety reasons.

How many plates and pans does one student need?

Start with one or two place settings, one saucepan and one frying pan. Keen cooks can add a second saucepan. Large matching sets create clutter and make it easier for kit to get mixed up in a shared kitchen.

Is a 10.5 tog duvet suitable for university halls?

A 10.5 tog duvet is a common all-round weight for UK bedrooms. Check whether the room runs hot or cold and confirm the bed size before buying. A washable duvet is useful where storage and laundry facilities are limited.

Is a clothes airer worth taking to university?

Yes, if there's room and the accommodation allows drying in bedrooms. Tumble dryers cost money and delicate clothes still need air drying. Use ventilation and avoid covering radiators, which can worsen condensation and breach safety rules.

Is an iron worth taking to university?

Only if they'll wear clothes that need pressing or have placements, interviews or formal events. A light iron and tabletop board take up less space than full-size versions. For some students, a clothes steamer or hanging garments up promptly is more realistic.

When should students start buying university essentials?

Start a university shopping list once accommodation is confirmed, then wait for the inventory and bed size before buying bulky items. Spread purchases over several weeks, keep receipts and leave non-essential items until after move-in.

Is a laptop essential for university?

Most students need regular access to a computer, but that doesn't always mean buying the most powerful laptop available. Check the course specification first, especially if specialist software is required, and find out what computers the university provides.

Is there an Argos student discount?

There's no blanket Argos student discount across every product. At the time of writing, students can get £50 off selected laptops through Student Beans. Offers and terms change, so check the Argos university essentials page before buying.

About the author

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and copywriter. At Mumsnet, she creates content providing useful parenting advice, information and top products to make life easier – as a mother of two children herself, Gemma knows how important it is to get the right advice.

After working on women’s weekly magazines for nine years, Gemma turned to freelance writing to fit around family life, writing for a range of online and print publications, charities and small businesses. She loves writing about subjects that will be helpful to the reader – and herself! - including recommending top products or sharing advice on Mumsnet that help parents in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s purchasing someone online or searching for advice, Gemma knows how important it is to thoroughly research every product and topic so that we’re always sharing the best advice and products.