{"id":223,"date":"2025-09-02T11:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T10:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=223"},"modified":"2025-09-02T17:08:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T16:08:41","slug":"what-to-pack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/what-to-pack\/","title":{"rendered":"What to pack?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting university is exciting, but packing for it? That can feel like a challenge. To make things easier, we\u2019ve pulled together some simple tips and an example packing list to help you get organised. From must-have essentials to the little touches that make your room feel like home, here\u2019s everything you\u2019ll want to think about before move-in day.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t overpack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Packing for university can feel overwhelming, and it\u2019s tempting to bring everything you own, but every student will tell you the same thing: don\u2019t overpack!<\/strong> Bringing too much just makes moving in harder and more stressful. A little planning really helps. Your room isn\u2019t huge, and you\u2019ll collect more stuff as the year goes on, so just start with the basics and buy extra bits later if you need them<\/strong>. Also, keep in mind that some of our student rooms are up a few flights of stairs with no lift, so whatever you pack, you\u2019ll have to carry it up yourself.<\/p>\n

Make a packing list<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the best tips is to make a packing list<\/strong><\/a> before you start. Students often realise too late that they\u2019ve left behind essentials and end up buying things they already had at home. A list keeps you organised, and it also helps to pack items by category<\/strong> – for example, putting all your kitchen bits together, bedding in one box, and bathroom things in another. It makes unpacking so much quicker.<\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

Check what\u2019s already in your room<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s also worth checking what\u2019s already included in your room. There\u2019s no point bringing duplicates<\/strong> of things provided in your accommodation, so have a quick look online for what\u2019s in your Canterbury<\/strong><\/a> or Medway<\/strong><\/a> room. That way you won\u2019t waste valuable space.<\/p>\n

Prioritise essentials you can\u2019t easily buy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to essentials, focus on things you use every day and can\u2019t easily replace<\/strong>, like chargers, favourite toiletries, or personal items. Don\u2019t worry if you forget something small, like toothpaste – you can always buy it once you arrive. Just make sure you don\u2019t forget important documents<\/strong>, such as your passport, driving licence, student papers, and bank cards or details.<\/p>\n

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Know your bed size<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This one catches a lot of new students out. Not all accommodation has the same bed size<\/strong> – some are single, some are small double, and some are even extra-long! Check the size online<\/strong><\/a> before buying bedding, so you don\u2019t waste money. (Tip: for extra-long beds, a king-size flat sheet usually works.)<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t pack too much kitchen stuff<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kitchen equipment is another area where people tend to go overboard. You don\u2019t need a full set of everything<\/strong> – just bring enough to get started. Many students chip in with flatmates for shared items, and if you\u2019re in catered accommodation with a meal plan you\u2019ll only need the basics like crockery and cutlery. For self-catered, stick to one set of crockery and cutlery for yourself, some food storage tubs, a couple of pans, and a chopping board.<\/p>\n

\"Family<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make your room homely<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Of course, packing isn\u2019t just about the practical stuff. It\u2019s also about making your room feel like home. Fairy lights, plants, photos, cushions, and blankets can make a huge difference, especially if you\u2019re feeling homesick. Little touches that remind you of home<\/strong> – like ornaments or photos stuck up with white tack – can make your space much more comforting.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t stress if you forget something<\/strong><\/h2>\n

And remember, you\u2019re not moving to the middle of nowhere! If you forget something, the chances are one of your flatmates will have it, or you\u2019ll be able to buy it on campus or in a nearby supermarket. There\u2019s no need to stress about bringing every single item you own<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Check the prohibited items list<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Finally, there are a few things you definitely shouldn\u2019t<\/strong> pack – like candles, mini-fridges, cube adaptors, or pets. They\u2019re banned for safety reasons or because they can cause damage. Always check the prohibited list<\/strong><\/a> before packing so you don\u2019t waste space bringing something you won\u2019t be able to use.<\/p>\n

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Example Packing List<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Still not sure where to start? Take a look at our example packing list below. It covers the essentials as well as the little extras that can make uni life easier. Use it as a guide and add or change things to suit your own needs.<\/p>\n

Bedroom<\/strong><\/h3>\n