Some students spend weeks packing their belongings in preparation for arriving at university; others might throw everything together the night before you leave home. Regardless of how you choose to pack, deciding what to bring isn't always as easy as it might sound, so here are a few tips on what you should and shouldn't bring.

Folder of essential information

There will be various pieces of paperwork that you will want to have in a safe and easily accessible place. We recommend that you keep a folder of essential information, such as your passport-sized photographs for moving into residences, your Certificate of Enrolment, your Health Centre registration form, your record of immunisations, etc.

Clothes

If you are living on campus then you will have a good sized wardrobe in your bedroom to store your clothes. Remember to bring clothes hangers. Also remember to bring plenty of warm clothing. The autumn term might start out bright and sunny, but it can soon turn colder as the winter draws in and the nights get darker earlier. You might also want to bring washing-powder and a laundry bag with you for taking your clothes to the laundrette.

Bed Linen and Towels

Usually, if you are going to be living on campus then bed sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow-cases are provided for you in your room. However, many students prefer to bring their own bed linen and a duvet with them. Duvets are not provided in some student rooms. You must also bring your own bath towels. If you are living off-campus bedding will not be provided.

Books

You may have already received instructions from your department to buy course books. You might like to purchase these beforehand and bring them with you. However, University Bookshops keep a good stock of core course books, so you may like to wait until you arrive to purchase them there.

Computer or laptop

Most study bedrooms on a university campus will be linked to the University network so students bringing network ready computers and laptops onto campus can easily go online from the comfort of their own rooms. Remember to bring a network cable to get connected, or you can buy one locally if you forget. Your might also consider investing in a security cable attachment for your laptop or computer if they will be left in your room, and mark your computer with your home post code for added security.

Television

A television in your room can take up a lot of space. Some bedrooms also do not have aerials piped into the room. If you are bringing a television you might also need to bring a booster aerial. Don't forget that you will also need to buy a TV licence - every study bedroom is considered to be a separate address so a licence will only cover the use of a television in your room, not for everybody in your corridor or hall.

Kitchen appliances

Most campus kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, freezers, cookers, microwaves, kettles and toasters.

Plates, cutlery, kitchen utensils

Often, you will need to bring your own plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils (pots and pans, etc). Don't forget to bring tea-towels, dishcloths and washing-up liquid.

Food

Many people arrive at University with their first food shop already with them. Be cautious, however, about how much food you bring (particularly perishable goods). Space in refrigerators, freezers and kitchen cupboards does need to be shared and is therefore restricted. Besides, you may not have time in your first weeks to do any cooking anyway!

Medication

If you take regular medication, make sure that you bring a decent supply with you to cover you while you get registered with the University Health Centre.

Bicycles

Remember to bring a secure lock with you to keep your bike safely locked. You should also mark your bicycle with your home post code for added security.

Transporting all this stuff

Once your packed you will need to transport everything to your university and that is where we can help. Advertise your requirements for free on Transport4students and our nationwide network of couriers will contact you and agree when they can do help you.

By utilising our network of logistics professionals that are travelling the required route anyway, you can get a dedicated van from door to door at around 75% off.