Starting university is a significant milestone. After all, it is a brand new chapter after nearly two decades of formal schooling, so the seemingly endless prep and nerves are to be expected. If you or your loved one are going to university this autumn and are feeling overwhelmed, we’ve put together a few things to keep in mind.

Read on to find out what you’ll need for your first year.

1. Moving your stuff

If you’re moving to student accommodation, you’ll be packing your entire life’s worth of belongings into a few bags. As space will be limited, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you really need to bring. Vacuum-seal clothes and furnishings where possible to maximise luggage space, and keep smaller pouches handy for delicate items like jewellery and perfume. If you’re flying to another city or country for university, don’t forget to weigh your luggage so you can purchase any extra baggage allowance well in advance.
 

Jumbo storage bags: pink & brown; orange & pink; green & pink; blue and red - £.5.95 each

Petrol blue travel scales with tape measure - £6.95

Anushka quilted washing bag - £14.95

Anushka quilted makeup bag- £9.95

2. Storage & organisation

If you’re living in student accommodation, making the most of your space can be challenging. Most studios have only one wardrobe, and many affordable residential options involve sharing a room. The aforementioned jumbo bags can double as storage, particularly for bulky items like bedding, or as laundry bags. Storage baskets in various sizes are also useful for organising daily essentials like toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. Shallow baskets can be used as cupboard dividers.

Multicoloured round jute storage baskets (set of 4) - £29.95

Multicoloured woven jute decorative baskets (set of 4) - £14.95

Even if you’re not moving to university accommodation, decluttering your bedroom or workspace at home ahead of the new term can make you feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

3. Desk set-up & stationery

Study prep can feel much more daunting at the beginning of a new term. An underrated way to beat the nerves (and the urge to procrastinate!) is having a desk set-up that’s tidy and truly reflects you. Some studies have even found an association between colourful stationery and better learning. So, stock up on kawaii staples, stickers for your laptop, and other knick-knacks for your desk.

Cat ballpoint pen- £2.95

Tiger ballpoint pen- £2.95

Hot dog tape dispenser with roll of tape - £6.95

Animal sticky notes - £2.95

Quirky cats 3D stickers - £2.95

4. Uni room decor, within the rules

If you think accommodation rules around drilling and adhesives are stopping you from having a cute room, think again. There’s a whole world of affordable home decor that can elevate your space without making permanent changes.

Love USB rechargeable light bulb lamp - £14.95

Rainbow cushion with pom poms - £24.95

Glass & brass metal frame (8*8cm) - £7.95

Brandy snap candle - £5.95

Even better, pick decor that’s functional too.
 

Set of 2 medium storage tins (Allspice & Nutmeg) - £8.95

Enamel soft pink flat flower trinket dish (9 cm) - £4.95

If you really want to hang up your favourite posters or pictures, Command Strips are a great option. They can hold surprisingly heavy frames and, when removed properly, come off without leaving any marks in the wall

5. Your own tableware & kitchen essentials

This is particularly pertinent if you’re moving into student accommodation, where you’re likely going to be cooking for yourself in a shared kitchen or tiny studio kitchenette. Keep your kitchen utensils and tools to a minimum, and look for multifunctional items. For instance, an oven dish can double up as a plate, while one-pot recipes can help cut down on the number of pans you need. Bonus points if they’re cute!

Cherry stoneware mug - £9.95

Blue enamel pie dishes (set of 3) - £39.95

Wind-up chicken kitchen timer - £9.95

Red utility apron - £24.95

6. Food & drinks on the go

Eating on time can be surprisingly difficult when you’re suddenly responsible for it all yourself, especially during those first few weeks of university. Between lectures, studying and socialising, it’s easy for meals to slip down the list of priorities. Handy lunchware can make it easier to meal prep and stay topped up throughout the day.

Wild Flowers stainless steel food flask - £19.95

Black rubber-coated travel cup - £9.95

7. Bags & accessories

A good backpack is a university staple, particularly for carrying your laptop. You can also add a little personality with some fun keychains, whether you clip them onto your bag or keep them on your keys.

Yellow compact backpack - £19.95

Teddy bear keyring charm - £3.95

8. Planning your goals

Starting university is a lovely opportunity to think about what you’d like the next few years to look like and the bigger goals you’d like to work towards. You could keep a journal for your plans or get creative with a vision board. Colour-coding, stickers and stamps can make the whole process feel more personal and fun.

A5 notebooks (set of 2) - £3.95

Turquoise ballpoint pen - £1.95

While this checklist isn’t exhaustive, we hope it serves as a helpful starting point as you gear up for this exciting new chapter. If you’re looking for further inspiration or simply want to treat a soon-to-be university student in your life, browse our range of university gifts and essentials.