Packing for university can be a daunting process and it can definitely be difficult to know where to start. So, feel free to refer to this as a (non-comprehensive) packing list to get you started at Lancaster. To make sure you don’t end up buying things that are already provided, this guide references what is already in your accommodation and what I would recommend you take with you. Happy shopping!
Kitchen
The kitchens at Lancaster University are shared between you and your flatmates and are kitted out with all the appliances you will need.
Included:
- Storage space – cupboards and fridge/freezer space, shared evenly between flatmates,
- Oven and hobs,
- Microwave,
- Kettle,
- Toaster,
- Vacuum cleaner,
- Iron / ironing board,
What to pack:
- Tupperware,
- 2 dinner plates, 2 bowls, 2 small plates,
- 2 glasses, 2 mugs,
- 2 sets of cutlery – knives, forks, teaspoons, tablespoons,
- Get distinguishable cutlery!! Colourful or patterned handles are my biggest recommendation, if you bring silver cutlery it WILL go missing
- Tea towel,
- Frying pan, saucepan, baking tray,
- Chopping board,
- Colander / sieve (for all that pasta you will inevitably consume),
- Grater, peeler,
- Sharp knives,
- Tin opener,
- Sandwich bags, foil, cling film,
- Fairy liquid and sponges
Bedroom
Your room will be your sanctuary. You want it to reflect you and your style, but also have it clean and decluttered enough to be able to get work done – especially given online learning has become such a huge part of our university life right now!
Included:
- Bed (with under bed storage in superior en-suite and townhouse),
- Wardrobe,
- Desk,
- Chair,
- Drawers,
- Bookshelf,
- Notice board,
- Bin,
- Blinds or curtains,
- Sink & mirror (in standard accommodation),
- Shower, sink and toilet (in en-suite, superior en-suite)
What to pack – room:
- Duvet, pillows, mattress protector,
- 2x duvet covers, 2x sheets, 2x pillowcases,
- I recommend two of each so you can switch over on laundry day
- Clothes airer,
- Those university dryers do nothing to actually dry your clothes
- Decorations,
- This is the fun part! You have the perfect opportunity to revamp your style here, plus an Ikea shopping trip is basically a staple part of the moving-to-university experience
- Having said that, whilst its fun to buy, buy, buy all the cute décor you can find, I wouldn’t recommend going overboard. Especially if some things remain online, you’re likely to be spending a while in your room, and the last thing you want is for it to feel cluttered with random decorations everywhere
- Also take some decorations from home! Even if you’re going for a total revamp, it’s always nice and comforting to know you have a few items from your bedroom back home
- Top Tip: DO NOT pack candles
- As someone who loves scented candles this wasn’t easy, but they do set off the alarms and are generally not permitted in student accommodation.
- Switch them up for some nice reed diffusers instead
- Photos,
- Goes hand-in-hand with décor
- Go for as many or as little as you’d like – again, helps make you feel more at home
- Important documents, passport, ID (you’ll need this for bars, pubs, clubs etc.), purse & cards,
- Clothes hangers,
- Laundry basket,
- Laundry washing liquids (I find the all-in-one pods are the easiest to use on campus)
What to pack – electrical:
- Speaker,
- Essential for pre-drinks!
- Laptop, phone, chargers,
- Your laptop will be your live saver at uni – make sure you remember it!
- Extension leads,
- Hairdryer / straighteners / curlers,
- Headphones
What to pack – bathroom:
- Bathroom mat,
- Hand soap,
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush holder,
- Air freshener,
- 2x towels, 2x hand towels, 2x flannels,
- Medicines,
- Paracetamol and cold & flu tablets are a must to keep fresher’s flu at bay
- Any other medication you need
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, makeup remover, deodorant, razors, sanitary products,
- Cleaning products
Once you arrive in Lancaster, you may find other bits to pick up, but between campus and Lancaster town centre, you have easy access to get any last-minute things you might have forgotten. Good luck with packing, and we’ll be back with another Fresher’s Guide soon!
