Going to university is an exciting time but it can also be a little scary. It is most likely the first time you are living away from home and this can cause feelings of homesickness and it will also lead you to facing a few challenges. You will need to learn to cook, to clean and to take care of yourself and a home. You will also need to pack up your stuff and move it to your university halls or house. We can’t help you with the cooking but we can give you some tips for packing for university. 

Within this article we are going to tell you about our 6 essential tips and tricks for packing for university. 

Introduction to Packing for University

As we have already mentioned, going to university is a time of great excitement but also many new challenges. Before you even get to university, you have to pack up the things that you will need whilst at university. Here we are going to talk about the ways in which you can make packing for university easy. 

Comprehensive Packing List

To begin, you will want to create a packing list and you need to really think about this. If you are living in university halls or living in a shared house, you will not have a great deal of space to call your own so you will want to pack essential items – laptop, cookware, towels, clothes, toothbrush etc. Chances are you will be moving from your parents house, where you will be going back for holidays, so you know that your other items are safe. 

Make a detailed checklist of your essential items to ensure that nothing is forgotten. Check your university website for advice on what is essential as many university websites have helpful lists like this one from University of Portsmouth. 

Understanding Accommodation Space

When you find out where you are living, make sure to get to the measurement and a photograph of the layout. If you can, visit it before moving in. This will allow you to think about ways to make the space work. 

It could be something as simple as adding some shelving or buying some plastic containers for under the bed storage. Even the smallest space can be made to feel homely whilst also being a great place to do your uni work. 

If it comes unfurnished, knowing the size and shape of the room will help you with buying furniture. 

Multi-Functional and Space-Saving Items

As we have already mentioned, you will want to make the most of all your space, including under the bed and also the door. You could add hooks for coats or use an over the door shoe store. 

Multifunctional furniture will also come in handy. Many mirrors have storage within them which is perfect for hanging jewellery or your makeup.  

Seasonal Packing and Planning

Most likely you will be heading home for Christmas and in the summer so you can pack your clothes and other items based on the season and then swap them out when you head home. Of course, if you are in the UK, make sure to hold onto some jumpers even in the middle of Spring because it can still be cold but on a larger basis, seasonal packing could be a great way to save you space. 

Accessible Documents and Essentials

You will want to take important documents with you when you move. This will include university paperwork but also your passport, drivers licence and other forms of identification. Don’t pack this away. Keep it will you at all times so it doesn’t get misplaced in the move. 

You will also want to keep some other items within you to make the initial days at university nice. This will include things like a change of clothes, underwear, socks, toiletries, teabags, coffee and some food and snacks. 

Utilising Self-Storage Facilities

If it becomes a lot of hassle to keep karting your seasonal belongings back and forth to your parents, then you could consider self storage. Self storage will also keep your belongings safe during the long summer holidays so you don’t have to sell all your precious uni furniture. 

When it comes to choosing a self storage facility, you will need to think about your budget, the size of the unit, where it should be located and the security features that are within the unit and the facility as a whole. 

With our units, all our teams will help you to find the unit that is right for you and is the most cost effective. Each of our units is fitted with an intruder alarm, smoke and fire detectors and we have 24/7 CCTV surveillance around every one of our facilities. 

University Packing Tips & Tricks

When it comes to packing for university, it is really important that you know the size and shape of your room and whether it is furnished. This will allow you to plan the layout of your room. It is also very important to write up a detailed checklist of all your essential items. You may want to consider packing in a seasonal way and buying multifunctional furniture. These will both help you to save space. 

If you find that you are still in need of more space, self storage will be a great solution. If you would like to know more about our self storage, please click here to find your local store.