It may be tempting to pack the entirety of your possessions and haul them to Southampton for the beginning of term, but in reality, you don’t need to. So pack the essentials and have a comfy journey to Southampton. It’s also worth checking your Hall regulations to ensure that what you pack is okay to bring.
Bedroom
Two duvet sets, a sheet and pillow cases are essentials, and a聽blanket聽is definitely recommended. Mattress protectors are provided in Halls.
Bring posters and pictures of your friends and family, because the more homely you make your room the quicker you’ll settle in- but remember to pack white tac so that it doesn’t mark the walls.
Having a hook (stick on please!)聽on the back of your door for your keys is also a great idea, because no one wants to be the housemate who is always getting locked out.
Then you’re just left with things like clothes, which you will probably want to bring most of, and towels.聽A聽washing bag is handy for hauling your clothes to and from the laundry room too.
Electricals and stationery
So that you can actually do work once term begins, you’ll need the essentials: laptop, laptop charger, paper, pens, pencils, folders. Even if your pens are only used to decorate t-shirts for nights out to begin with, they’re worth having. If you forget anything it’s not the end of the world, on has all the stationery you could ever need.
Please be aware that any electrical聽or electronic items聽that you bring with you must conform to BSI (British Standards Institution) safety standards.
Toiletries
Toiletries are probably the least vital category, as they are easily accessible everywhere. But you don’t really want to be shelling out when you get聽here because you’ve forgotten your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and deodorant. Throw in some cold and flu medicine and paracetamol, and you’re good to go.
Kitchen
Crockery-wise, double up on bowls, plates, mugs and glasses. You’ll need a non-stick frying pan, because you’ll quickly learn that you can cook almost anything in a frying pan at university.聽聽A couple of saucepans are required for your pasta and rice needs, and cutlery. A chopping board, grater and vegetable peeler are useful too.
In terms of electrical items, it’s best to wait and see what’s in your kitchen when you arrive as some are already kitted out with toasters and kettles. If not, it’s a good first joint flat purchase to have.
Important documents
You’ll need to bring your聽confirmation email聽for the University, as well as your halls confirmation email. Don’t forget your ID (either your passport or driving license) because Freshers’ won’t be much fun if you can’t go out. It’s useful to have a record of your 聽doctors information so it’s easier to sign up when you get here, and a note of your National Insurance number in case you fancy getting a part-time job.
Whilst a lot of the things you will need are covered in this post, there is a more extensive list over on the 聽that really does detail everything you could possibly require for moving to聽university in September.
You’ll probably forget something along the way, but that’s all part of the fun. isn’t too far away to come to the rescue, anyway.
Student lifestyle posts which reflect the interests of our students are written by Student Communications Assistants and do not reflect the research, guidance or opinions of the University of the Southampton. If you have feedback or want to suggest ideas for this section, please submit an email.