What to Take to Uni (and What to Leave Behind)
Starting university soon? Then you’re probably asking the big question: What should you actually pack? Our ultimate uni checklist has you covered.
Whether you're heading into halls or student housing, this practical guide breaks down exactly what to take to uni (and what you can leave behind), from everyday essentials to items students often forget.
âś… The Essentials
These are the items you absolutely don’t want to arrive without:
- ID & important documents (passport, student finance info, offer letter, NHS number)
- Student bank account details
- Mobile phone & charger
- Laptop/tablet + charger (NMITE students get a laptop provided – bonus!)
- Toiletries & towels
- Basic first aid kit
- Medications or prescriptions
- Reusable water bottle and travel mug
🛏️ Bedroom Basics
Your accommodation may already come with some essentials, so check what’s provided. But in general, pack:
- Bedding (sheets, duvet, pillows – and maybe a mattress protector)
- Laundry basket or bag
- Coat hangers
- Desk lamp
- Extension lead
- Storage boxes (for under-bed or wardrobe space)
🍝 Kitchen Kit
If you’re in shared halls, try not to overpack. Start simple:
- Plates, bowls, cutlery
- One frying pan, one saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Mug, glass, water bottle
- Tupperware containers
- Tea towels
- Basic utensils (wooden spoon, spatula, peeler)
- Tin opener + bottle opener
Pro tip: Team up with flatmates once you arrive so you don’t all bring the same stuff.
🧽 Cleaning Supplies
You will need them – even if it’s just to pass room inspections…
- Washing-up liquid & sponge
- Multipurpose spray
- Toilet cleaner/brush
- Bin bags
- Laundry detergent
- Clothes airer (especially if dryers cost extra)
đź‘• Clothing
Focus on practicality over fashion (but bring what makes you feel like you):
- Everyday clothes
- Going-out clothes
- Sportswear/gym kit
- Seasonal clothes (coat, scarf, umbrella)
- Comfort clothes (hoodie, joggers, slippers)
- Fancy dress (you’ll thank us later)
🧠Often Forgotten Items
These are the little extras that make a big difference:
- Doorstop (great for meeting people in freshers’ week)
- Photos or decorations to make your room feel like home
- Earplugs / eye mask
- Notebooks, pens, and folders
- USB drive / external hard drive
- Blue tack / Command strips (if allowed)
- A few tools (screwdriver, scissors, tape)
🎓 Coming to NMITE?
If you’re joining us here at NMITE, good news: we do things differently – and simpler. Here’s what that means for your packing list:
- Laptop? Covered. All NMITE students are provided with a laptop – no need to bring your own unless you prefer.
- No textbooks needed. Our hands-on, project-based learning means fewer heavy books and more real-world tools.
- Support on arrival. Our STEPS programme gives you the confidence to settle in, connect with support teams, and hit the ground running.
- Accommodation available for first years. En-suite, modern, and right in the heart of Hereford.
Final Tip: Pack Light, Think Smart
You don’t need to bring your entire room with you – just the things that help you feel comfortable, capable, and ready to take on uni life.
And remember – if you forget something, it’s not the end of the world. Shops exist. Flatmates are generous. And most importantly, you’ve got this 👏
Still got questions about what to bring? Our team is happy to help.
đź“ž 01432 804500
đź“©admissions@nmite.ac.uk
đź”— Or check out our student support and accommodation pages
