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Student Life

Going to university - what not to pack

It’s a known fact that every single fresher in the history of the world, turns up to university with tons of stuff they do not need and will never use. Here’s how not to be that fresher…

Lana Richardson
by Lana Richardson
Last Updated:
23 Apr 2024

Even if you’re the most organised and efficient person, with the tiniest suitcase filled only with items you deem ‘essential’, at the end of the year when you’re packing up, you’ll be looking at certain things asking yourself “Why did I bring THIS?”.

Of course, it can’t be helped. Going to university is your first true taste of independence and freedom and it’s probably the first time you’ve lived away from home. You’ll have no idea what you need to take to uni and that fear of leaving something important behind will compel you to pack everything you can think of, just in case.

So to help you keep your luggage as light as possible and avoid wasting precious space in your case, here is a handy list of things you absolutely do not need to bring to university.

Old school books, folders and files


University isn’t like a continuation of school or college. When you get there you’ll realise you’re starting from scratch and most of your old notes will seem irrelevant.

It’s extremely unlikely you’ll need all your old school books or folders, so just leave them at home. If you need something desperately then you can always ask your parents to post it - or it could be a good excuse for a trip home (where you might be able to wangle a withdrawal from the bank of mum and dad while your at it).

An iron


When you start doing your own cleaning and laundry, ironing will soon seem like a complete waste of time and energy. Either you’ll simply stop caring about wrinkled clothes or you’ll find lazier ways to straighten them out – like bringing them into the bathroom whilst showering and letting the steam do the work, or placing them under your mattress at night to flatten under the weight of your body.

All the clothes you own


It’s tempting to bring all of your clothes to uni but the reality is that you won’t wear half of them and they’ll just gather dust in your tiny halls wardrobe until the end of term.

To avoid bringing too many outfits, only pack items you can wear as part of three different outfits. And under no circumstances pack a piece of clothing you haven’t worn in over a year. At university, you’ll spend a lot of time in your room wearing pyjamas, loungewear and comfortable clothes. As long as you have a good selection of these and a couple of presentable outfits, you’ll survive.

All the kitchen supplies in the world


If you’re living in uni halls, you won’t need to pack an iron, or microwave or toaster as these kinds of appliances will be provided for you. It’s also best to leave ‘luxury’ items like toasty makers or rice cookers or a full rack of the fanciest herbs and spices, as if you are sharing a kitchen, there could be a risk of damage or even theft. Bring inexpensive, bare minimum basics such as a couple of plates, a saucepan, frying pan and just a few pieces of cutlery.

A printer


Having your own printer in your room can seem the height of convenience, but when your friends discover that you have one, they will get more use of it than you. If your course requires you to print a lot of pages, then your own device may be worthwhile, otherwise, the university’s own printers will be just as handy and more cost effective too; as you don’t have to fork out for new ink cartridges.

Stationery


When you arrive at university and attend the freshers' fairs and events, you’ll be able to pick up enough free pens, USB sticks and notepads to last you a lifetime.

Your car


Your car might be as vital to your existence as your right arm at home, but you’ll find at university your car is more of a luxury than a necessity. This is especially true if you’re studying in a city where public transport is efficient. Parking can also be inconvenient and expensive at university – not to mention the constant requests for lifts.

Lana Richardson is the blog editor for UniBaggage.com - The No 1 Student Shipping Company.

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