If you are moving into accommodation, you have probably already started thinking about what to bring with you. Deciding what to pack can be tricky, but here are our top suggestions to help you get started.
What is already included?
If you are going to be living in University-owned accommodation you can find out what will be provided in your accommodation by checking the inventories. If you are living in partner or private accommodation, check with your provider or landlord to find out what's included and what you need to bring.
Essentials
- Information about and directions to your accommodation - you do not want to turn up at the location or get lost on the way! Check with your accommodation provider to find out when you should arrive.
- Passport and visa - if you are travelling from abroad, then these are essential! Make sure these are in a safe place in your hand luggage. You should also make copies of these and pack them separately, in case anything happens to them. You should also bring any documentation you have from the University or about your visa.
- Money - If you are an international student, make sure you have some British currency for your initial costs, but avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Bedding and towels - if you are in University-owned accommodation you can buy a bedding pack from your accommodation site, or you can of course bring your own. There are a range of local shops nearby which sell homeware items, for example at Selly Oak Shopping Park.
- Documents and personal details - have things like your bank details, driving licence (if you have one), passport and any University documents to hand in case you need them. Make sure to keep these in a safe place.
- Medications and medical information - if you take any medications, remember to bring these with you. Try to bring enough to last you until you will be able to register with a doctor here. If you have any medical conditions or disabilities you may find it helpful to bring information about these with you (GP or Consultants letters, copies of prescriptions etc.), particularly if you are an international student. If you wear glasses, a copy of your latest prescription might be a good idea too.
Students living in University-owned accommodation have insurance included in their rent through Endsleigh. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered by the policy so that you can decide if it is sufficient for your needs. Find out more about your insurance cover.
What else to bring
- Tea, coffee and your favourite mug and snacks - sharing a drink and a biscuit is a fast way to make friends! Familiar foods can be reassuring when you have just arrived.
- Phone - keep in touch with friends (new and old) and family, as well as getting those all important photos! Don't forget your charger, and a plug adaptor if you need one.
- Something to make your room feel homely - whether it is photos, posters, your favourite blanket or something else, little bits and pieces can help you feel at home.
- Toiletries and a first aid kit - it is not unusual to catch a cold in your first few weeks at university (the famous 'freshers flu') so basic medicines and cold remedies, as well as things like plasters, can come in handy.
- A bag or rucksack to carry books and stationery on campus - and a sports bag if you plan on going to the gym.
- Music, films and books - you will want some time to relax. Headphones might be a good idea to avoid annoying your flatmates with loud music!
- Plug adaptors - if you are bringing electrical appliances from abroad make sure you have plug adaptors to fit the British three-pin sockets. If you have an electric shaver or toothbrush you might need an adaptor for a normal plug socket. Check with your accommodation.
- Warm clothes, a coat and an umbrella - the Great British weather can get wet and windy very quickly. Snow is also possible during the winter months.
- A water bottle - save money and plastic waste by taking water with you, rather than buying it out and about. Many buildings on campus have water fountains to fill up for free and tap water in the UK is safe to drink. If you are self-catering, you might also find a lunchbox useful for taking lunch with you.
- Your laptop - if you plan to use one, and don't forget to bring any chargers or cables. There is wifi access across campus and in all University-owned accommodation. Remember you can download Microsoft Office 365 for free on up to five devices.
- Scissors and sellotape - it is surprising how often you will end up using these!
- Spare pens - these always seem to disappear, so lots of cheap spare pens are a must.
- USB memory stick or access to a cloud service - to back up important assignments and transfer work from home to campus.
- Printer - whilst some students might find having their own printer useful, you will be able to use printers on campus.
- Large amounts of food - there are plenty of shops in the local area to stock up on food after the first few days. It is best to see how much storage space you will have before buying lots of food in bulk.
- Your car - there is limited parking available both at student accommodation and on campus, and you will need a permit.
- Pets - these are not allowed unfortunately, so leave the hamster at home!
- Large amounts of cash - bring enough for your initial costs, but avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you are an international student, you may want to bring travellers' cheques to cover you until you are able to open a bank account.
- Bulky suitcases - these can be difficult to store, you might find a soft-sided holdall easier to put under your bed.
- Too much! - remember that space in your accommodation will be limited, so do not bring everything you own. There are plenty of shops in the local area and the city centre to pick up anything you need or anything you have forgotten, and your flatmates will be bringing things too. It is also likely you will go home in the holidays or throughout the year to pick up things like summer clothes when you need them.
Getting items when you arrive
Regardless of how far you are travelling, you may not want to carry lots of items with you. Birmingham has lots of shops, with many in walking distance of campus, and it is easy to shop online and arrange deliveries Below are some things you might want to think about waiting to buy until you have arrived.
- Kitchen items and small appliances - check your inventory to see if these are provided for you. You might want to wait and get these with your flatmates, so you do not all bring the same things. Lots of shops in the local area sell homeware, as well as online retailers.
- Washing powder and a laundry bag - remember space in your room will be limited, so you might not want a large laundry basket. You can use our Accommodation App to check if a machine is available or if your laundry has finished.
- Blankets - your accommodation may be warmer or colder than you are used to at home, so layers are key.
- Coat hangers - these are easy to forget.
- Alarm clock - if you usually use your phone, it might be useful to have a back-up.
- 16-25 Railcard - the University has its own train station and many students use trains to get into the city centre, or to travel home, so this can be a great way to save money if you are eligible. Full-time students over the age of 25 are also eligible.
- TV Licence - if you want to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC iPlayer programmes, you will need to be covered by a TV Licence. This includes watching TV on your phone, tablet, computer or games console. Make sure you understand the rules around TV Licences and whether or not you will need one.
- Paper, folders and notebooks - you'll need to provide your own stationery, so decide what works best for you. Stationery is available from shops on campus and in the local area.
- A study lamp - as the nights get darker you might like having a lamp for your desk.
Bedding pack
If you are in University owned accommodation, you can purchase a bedding pack from your accommodation site. The packs include two pillows, a duvet, and a duvet cover. Please contact your site reception at The Vale, Pritchatts Park, or Selly Oak before you arrive if you would like to purchase one.
Looking for more?
If you are looking for more detailed suggestions of what to bring, The Student Room have produced a comprehensive packing list for students.