Moving In: Essential Packing List for Student Accommodation
Pack your documents first, then bedding, basic kitchen items, toiletries and tech, and leave the rest until you have seen the room. Most providers publish a list of what is already supplied, so check that before you buy duplicates.
This checklist is practical advice for first-year and international students moving into halls or private student housing. It is not based on any single provider’s inventory, so treat it as a starting point and compare it with your own contract and welcome pack. The fire-safety points come from the London Fire Brigade’s September 2026 advice for freshers, checked on 30 October 2026.
Documents and essentials (pack these in your hand luggage)
- Passport or other photo ID
- University offer or enrolment confirmation, and any registration emails
- Your accommodation contract and move-in instructions, including check-in time and key collection details
- If you are an international student, your visa documents and any proof your university has asked you to bring
- Bank cards and some cash for the first few days
- Emergency contacts and any health information you may need, such as regular medication
- Insurance details for your belongings, if you have cover
Keep digital copies of everything in your email or cloud storage, in case an original goes missing.
Bedroom
- Duvet, pillows, a mattress protector, and at least two sets of bedding (confirm the bed size first)
- Hangers, a laundry bag and a few storage boxes
- A desk lamp, if the room lighting is poor and none is supplied
- A throw or cushion covers to make the room feel more like yours
Kitchen basics
Many providers supply a kitchen but not what goes in it. Ask your housemates what they are bringing, so you do not end up with five toasters.
- One saucepan, one frying pan and a wooden spoon or spatula
- A knife, chopping board, tin opener and vegetable peeler
- Plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery for two
- Food containers and a reusable water bottle
- Washing-up liquid, a sponge and tea towels
Never leave cooking unattended. The London Fire Brigade says cooking accounts for a third of call-outs to student accommodation in London.
Bathroom and health
- Two towels, toiletries and a shower caddy if the bathroom is shared
- Flip-flops for communal showers, if you want them
- Toilet roll for the first few days, since some providers do not stock it
- A basic first-aid kit and any regular medication
Study supplies and tech
- Laptop and charger, phone and charger, and a spare cable
- Notebooks, pens and a planner for deadlines
- Headphones, which help in shared flats
- A backup drive or cloud storage for coursework
- A UK plug adaptor if your devices use a different plug type
The brigade advises using the correct charger from a reputable seller, and not charging batteries while you sleep.
Decorations, with a quick rule check
Posters, photos and plants make a room feel familiar, but many providers restrict adhesives, nails and anything that could damage walls, so check your handbook before you put anything up. Most student buildings also ban candles, so use LED flameless ones if you want the atmosphere.
What to leave at home until you know you need it
- Large furniture, since most rooms are furnished
- Bulky appliances, because your provider may ban or restrict them
- Lots of food and cleaning supplies, as you can buy these after you arrive
- Winter clothes, if you can collect them on a visit home
FAQs about packing for student accommodation
What do I really need on day one?
Your documents, bedding, towel, toiletries, phone and laptop chargers, and any medication. You can buy the rest once you have seen the room.
Does student accommodation come with bedding?
It varies by provider. Some offer bedding packs for an extra cost, so check your contract or welcome email before you pack.
Can I bring my own appliances?
Check your provider’s rules first. Some restrict items such as heaters, air fryers or extra cooking appliances, and electrical safety rules differ between buildings.
Sources
Checked 30 October 2026.
