Checklist: What might have I forgotten?

It can feel like there’s a lot to organise and remember before starting university so we’ve created a quick checklist to help you get started with your planning.

• Make sure you apply for your accommodation, student finance and any bursaries or scholarships in good time and by the deadline provided.
• Set up a student bank account.
• Put a little bit of money aside for Freshers Week even if you’ll be receiving government funding (in the form of a maintenance loan). If you’re an International student you should also bring some cash with you, to see you through to opening your British bank account.
• Decide the best way for you to manage your budget (check out our step on Managing Money).
• Apply for a railcard and/or bus pass for commuting, trips back home or visiting friends at other universities.
• Check out what student discounts are available, and apply for a student discount card.
• Practice a few quick and easy recipes to add to your repertoire: think eggs on toast, spaghetti bolognese, or an easy stir fry!
• Learn more about Freshers’ Week events by joining social media groups linked to the University, your department, and Students’ Union.
• Plan out your Freshers’ Week – make a list of the events that you must attend from a University and academic perspective as well as the social events you really don’t want to miss. Now’s the time to plan any fancy dress outfits you might want!
• Download University and local transport apps.

Pack up your accommodation essentials which should include:

• Bed linen and towels.
• Kitchen items, enough cutlery, pots and pans to get you through the first week – you don’t need to pack up the kitchen sink!)
• Toilet roll, enough to get you through the first day or two until you do your first supermarket shop.
• Clothes (suitable for the variable autumn weather) and clothes hangers.
• Footwear including a set of flip flops (particularly handy if you’ll be sharing a bathroom with your flatmates).
• Toiletries and personal items.
• Any medicine or medical items you will need.
• A laundry bag.
• Electricals such as hair dryers and phone chargers.
• An extension lead and socket adaptors (especially important for international students).
• A few home comforts to add a personal touch to your room (think photos of family and friends or your favourite throw or mug).
• Photo ID (ideally two forms).
• A list of key contact details – should you accidentally lose your phone.
• A pen and notebook.

Further tips

We mentioned in the ‘What should I buy’ step earlier that there are a lot of items that you can pick up locally once you arrive including stationary and books. If you think you’re packing too much, ask a close friend (rather than a worried relative) to go through your packing with you and help you decide what’s essential and what isn’t.

Think about how you are going to get everything to university. Ask friends or family to help you, if possible.

Plan your journey and make sure to arrive early if you want to stop off and pick anything up in town or at the local supermarket.

Finally, make the most of your last few weeks, catch up with friends and family and celebrate the new chapter of your life that’s about to begin!