University Checklist—145 Essentials for Uni

For a stress-free first year, it’s important to understand what you should take to uni and what to leave behind. That is why we have prepared this comprehensive university checklist which covers all the items students at Australian universities could need.

Check out the whole list of uni essentials and tick the items that apply to you. You can purchase the items in advance or when you arrive at the uni if you want to pack light.

Important Documents

Below are the important documents you will need, especially during the o week. Keep them together in a secure file or your wallet (ID/passport, bank card, etc.). It’s also a good idea to keep both paper and digital copies. Any other documents required by your university can vary based on the school and its registration procedures, but in general, you’ll need:

Technology

Having the right student toolset will improve your university life—from taking notes during lectures to seeking assignment help. Ensure that you pack what you will use to avoid unnecessary luggage. For instance, while you can bring a printer, you can use the ones available in your university department and library.

If you are afraid of losing your pricey electrical items, confirm if the student accommodation is covered by external contents insurance or get your insurance. Below are the technology items you should take to university:

Kitchen Utensils

Most halls and shared private accommodation provide essential kitchen items like a kettle and microwave. Confirm what is available by reaching out to the campus accommodation office. You should also check out the list of banned items in the accommodation contract and cross out your university checklist accordingly.

If you have roommates, you can communicate early to decide what everyone should bring. It will help you avoid having the same appliances in a small space and save money.

Generally, here are the kitchen items you will need to take to uni:

Bedroom Items

Most student halls provide the essential bedroom furniture—bed, bedside table, chair, desk, and wardrobe. Ensure that you confirm the mattress size before packing or purchasing your beddings. University halls typically have a standard single bed.

For your bedroom, here is what you need to tick off in your uni checklist:

Bathroom Products

Whether you have an en-suite room or communal bathrooms, here are the items you should take to university:

Clothing

Students in uni often wear casual outfits. Your style will dictate what to pack, but you should also check out the average temperatures for the location of your university to ensure you carry appropriate clothing.

If your course involves laboratory sessions, you will need covered shoes and lab coats.

Ensure you have clothing items in the following categories :

Study Essentials

With study essentials like stationery items, don’t go for expensive items. When your school sends you the recommended reading lists, learn how to get yourself cheap textbooks as soon as possible.

Your study method—taking notes on paper or laptop—will significantly impact the things you need for university classes, for instance:

Healthcare

You are likely to catch the freshers flu during your first few weeks at the university. That is one of the reasons why you should never be short on a basic first aid kit. Besides packing up the relevant healthcare items, register with the university GP when you arrive. It will save you time that you would otherwise spend filling out forms when you are ill.

Here are the healthcare items you can take to university:

Entertainment

Entertainment items are a must-have in your university checklist. They will keep you sane and entertained, especially when you don’t have money for other activities at the university. Besides your laptop, you can add the following items to your what to take to uni list:

Outdoor

What might you get involved in after lectures? Skiing, swimming, or sailing? You will need to bring personal items that align with the activities you want to participate in. You can research the outdoor life for the school you are attending before you leave home to get a good idea of what to bring, for instance:

Things You Won’t Need

If you move to the university halls or places with strict rules, there will be limitations for what to bring to uni. Besides the obvious items like fire hazards—fireworks, naked flames, hookah pipes, candles, electric blankets, rice cookers—the university issues a list of banned items. Also, most essential furniture will be available, and you won’t need to purchase more.

Here are some of the things you don’t have to take to uni :

• Car—It can be a struggle to get parking space at the university, and you’ll find public transport to be more accessible
• Large kitchen equipment—Most essential electrical items like a heater, fridge, or freezer are included in the student rooms.
• Pets—Normally, student accommodation do not allow pets, such as cats, dogs, and birds
• Large suitcases—They occupy a lot of space. It’s easier to store your items in boxes.
• Printer—You can use the printing services available at the university
• Fairy lights—You can skip them for the first term and focus on more useful items for your new room, like a desk lamp

For international students, it’s crucial to know what items you can and cannot bring to Australia, according to the Australian Border Force. Fortunately, there are enough retail outlets and second-hand stores where you can purchase items at a reasonable price when you get to campus.