Everything you need to take with you to university

A Comprehensive Packing List

At Bed Student Rentals, we are the leading independent Student letting agency in Chester. With a strong understanding of what undergraduates and postgraduates need from their home from home in the city, we provide quality accommodation in popular student areas like the Upper and Lower Canal Basin, Hoole and the Garden Quarter. Browse our properties to find your ideal student room in Chester.

Starting university is an exciting new chapter, and moving into your student rental in Chester whether it’s a shared house or a flat is a big part of that experience. As the big move approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement and nerves. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate university packing guide to ensure nothing gets left behind. At Bed, we know how important it is for your student rental in Chester to feel like home from day one. So, here is our list of Everything you need to take with you to university….let’s get you packed and prepared!

Important Documents

Before you even think about packing socks or saucepans, get your documents in order. These are the items that can be a real headache if forgotten – think identification, university paperwork, and anything finance or healthcare related. Keep everything together in a folder so it’s accessible during your move and throughout the year. Having both physical and digital copies can really save the day when things get stressful.

• University acceptance letter and ID
• Passport or driver’s licence
• Student finance documents
• Accommodation contract (from Bed or other providers)
• NHS/medical info and prescriptions
• Bank account details and debit/credit cards
• Insurance documents (including contents insurance)
• National Insurance number

Top Tip: Scan copies of everything and save them digitally, just in case!

Electrical Items

Technology plays a huge role in student life from staying on top of assignments to staying in touch with friends and family. Whether you’re binging a series, attending virtual lectures, or just charging your phone, you’ll want the right electronics on hand. Pack smart and bring only what you’ll actually use, and check what’s already provided at your accommodation to avoid doubling up.

• Laptop or tablet with charger
• Phone and charger
• Extension lead (surge protected)
• Headphones
• Desk lamp
• Printer (optional – there are uni printers, but it’s convenient!)
• USB drives or external hard drive
• Alarm clock (if you prefer not to use your phone)

Clothing

Make sure you pack enough clothes to cover at least a week’s worth of wear so you’re not constantly doing laundry with emphasis on extra socks and underwear. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes to wear when you’re on or off campus and apparel for different weather (for example shorts, hats, scarves and gloves) so you’re prepared for any season. Nightwear is worth considering for the colder months of the university year. 

At university you may need to attend events, so bringing formal wear is also worth considering. Finally, if you’re sharing a bathroom, a robe and slippers can be helpful for travelling to and from your room. Some of the things that should definitely be on your list include: 

• Everyday wear
• Formal outfit (for presentations or events)
• Gym clothes
• Sleepwear and dressing gown
• Slippers and flip-flops (for shared bathrooms)
• Coat/jacket, waterproofs
• Comfortable shoes/trainers
• Laundry bag or basket

Academic Items

While it’s easy to get caught up in decorating your room or sorting kitchen supplies, don’t forget the real reason you’re heading to university to study! Bringing the right academic supplies will help you hit the ground running. Having everything from notebooks to USBs at your fingertips means you can focus on settling in, rather than making last-minute dashes to the campus shop.

• Notebooks and folders
• Pens, pencils, highlighters
• Post-it notes and index cards
• Academic planner or calendar
• Textbooks and reading materials
• Backpack or tote bag for lectures
• Laptop stand or mouse (optional, but helpful)

Kitchen Items

When you’re living in a shared flat or house, having your own kitchen essentials can make a world of difference. You don’t need to bring everything but having the basics will help you avoid relying on takeaways. Whether you’re cooking pasta at midnight or prepping meals for the week, a well-equipped kitchen setup makes student life cheaper, healthier, and more independent. A good tip is to colour-code your kitchenware to avoid mix-ups in shared spaces. 

• Plates, bowls, and mugs (2 of each)
• Cutlery set
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Baking tray
• Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, peeler)
• Chopping board
• Measuring jug
• Glasses/cups
• Tupperware for leftovers
• Tea towels and dishcloths
• Tin opener, bottle opener
• Kettle or coffee maker (if not provided)

Bedroom and Bathroom Items

Your bedroom is your haven,  a space to study, sleep, and unwind  so making it feel cosy is key. From bedding to bathroom bits, bringing your own items can transform a plain room into a place that feels truly yours. Don’t forget practical touches like mattress protectors or towels. You’ll be thankful for them from the very first night.

• Duvet and pillows
• Bedsheets, pillowcases, duvet covers
• Mattress protector
• Blanket or throw
• Towels (2–3 sets)
• Bathroom caddy (for shared bathrooms)
• Shower mat and bath mat (check if needed)
• Laundry detergent and softener
• Clothes hangers

Toiletries and Medical Items

When the fresher’s flu hits (and it likely will), you’ll want to be prepared. Stock up on your usual toiletries and bring a basic medical kit with essentials like paracetamol, plasters, and cold remedies. Having everything on hand avoids the stress of finding a pharmacy when you’re under the weather. It also means one less thing to think about during that busy first week. 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
• Deodorant
• Skincare products
• Hairbrush or comb
• Razor and shaving foam
• Nail clippers and tweezers
• Any prescription medication
• Plasters, painkillers, cold & flu remedies
• First aid kit

Essential Non-Essential Items

There are the must-haves… and then there are the things that just make life nicer. These aren’t essential for survival, but they do help create a more comfortable and personalised living space. From fairy lights to your favourite board games, these extras can lift your mood, make socialising easier, and help you feel more at home in your student accommodation.

• Desk organiser or stationery holder
• Rug or small carpet
• Wall decorations or posters
• Fairy lights or LED lights
• Speaker
• Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
• Houseplant or small succulent
• Board games or cards
• Bike and lock (if you’ll cycle)

Miscellaneous Items

These are the bits and pieces that don’t fit neatly into other categories but will come in very handy once you’ve moved in. Think practical tools, rainy day items, and those little things you won’t think of until you wish you had them. A doorstop, umbrella, or extra batteries might not seem like priority items now – but you’ll thank yourself later for packing them.

• Umbrella (it will rain in Chester)
• Sewing kit
• Torch or emergency light
• Batteries
• command strips (for decorating without damaging walls)
• Notebook for budgeting or a budgeting app

Final Tips: Make a Checklist!

With so much to remember, we recommend creating a checklist (or printing this blog!) and ticking things off as you pack. Don’t forget to check what your accommodation already includes – especially when you’re renting with Bed, where many essentials may already be provided. It saves space, time, and money.

Ready to Move?

University life is full of new experiences  and having all your essentials from the start helps you focus on enjoying the journey. Whether you’re moving into a student house or a modern flat, the team here at Bed offers quality, comfortable student rentals right here in Chester. With the right accommodation and the right gear, you’re all set for a great year ahead!

At Bed Student Rentals, we are the leading independent Student letting agency in Chester. With a strong understanding of what undergraduates and postgraduates need from their home from home in the city, we provide quality accommodation in popular student areas like the Upper and Lower Canal Basin, Hoole and the Garden Quarter. Browse our properties to find your ideal student room in Chester.