What to pack before Uni: 5 things you didn’t know you needed!

By Tom

Hi, my name is Tom (he/him), and I am a first-year Sociology student at the University of York. I can tell you that packing for university can be a bittersweet process. One minute you are buzzing about finally escaping your hometown, and the next you are panicking because you’ve somehow packed fourteen hoodies and no duvet. But while you have probably remembered the obvious stuff – bedding, pots, pans, emotional support snacks, and a two-litre bottle of vodka – here are five things you didn’t realise you actually needed.

1. Doorstop

This may seem random until you’re halfway through moving in, your hands are full, sweat is dripping down your forehead, and you have locked yourself out for the third time in the space of an hour (yes, that was me).

A doorstop is a lifesaver on move-in day because it keeps your door open while you lug in 17 bags of your worldly possessions. It also stops you from locking yourself out – which, trust me, happens more often than you would think.

Bringing a doorstop to university also has many social benefits, it helps you make friends without the painful process of knocking on someone’s door and pretending to be confident. An open door makes the conversation feel more natural, it basically says “Hi, I am friendly, please talk to me before I panic and shut myself in here forever.”

2. Clothes Airer

Paying to use the tumble dryers at the university may not seem like you are losing much money, but it can start to add up after a while, especially if you are someone like me who is allergic to outfit repeating. Bringing your own clothes airer can help you to save money before you even realise you are running out of it.

It is a very practical item to possess, especially as many student accommodations have rules about “no drying on radiators” (they are oddly enthusiastic about this).

A clothes airer is handy if again you are like me and tend to get random urges to be productive at 2am, you can leave your washing to dry overnight in your room so that you don’t need to hold your eyes open to convince your brain you are awake while you wait for the dryer to finish the cycle.

It may not be the most glamourous item, but you will thank yourself later (and I hope that you would thank me as well). As a student, saving a few pounds here and there makes an enormous difference, and it means you are not constantly feeding money to a dryer.

3. Card/Board Games

Card and Board games are the ultimate social cheat code. Firstly, they are great icebreakers during freshers’ week and handy for flat bonding nights and pre-drinks. They are an effortless way to socialise without the need for alcohol (although alcohol can be incorporated – no judgment here).

They can turn boring evenings into unexpectedly fun flat gatherings! Small card games such as UNO and cards against humanity (a personal favourite) do not take up a lot of space in your suitcase and will get used a lot!

Games are one of the easiest ways to build friendships early on, which makes settling into university life much less overwhelming. Sometimes all you need for new friendships is a pack of cards and someone willing to start unnecessary drama over an UNO +4.

4. Crease Release Spray

I arrived at university praying someone else would bring an iron. Spoiler: they did not. Luckily, I had brought crease release spray, which swiftly became my best friend. It meant I did not need an iron at all, which is perfect for student accommodation where irons are not typically provided. All I needed to do was spray, smooth, and pretend I am organised.

Even if you do intend on bringing an iron with you, it may still be worth bringing the spray as it can help save you time if you’re rushing to a lecture or night out and notice your top looks like it’s been crumpled in a bag since the late 19^th century. It is also great for freshening clothes AND your room if the student finance isn’t quite stretching to air freshener. (I am a victim of this).

Anything that saves time when you’re trying to get out the door for a 9am lecture is automatically a student essential.

5. Fancy Dress

Disclaimer: this is not a joke.

I would argue that this is the most important thing on the list, it is truly a university essential. It is highly likely that during freshers’ week there will be themed nights and events such as British icons or festival attire.

Bringing fancy dress helps to save money, reduce stress, and means you are never the boring one who turns up to a theme night in jeans and a shrug. (I learnt this the hard and expensive way)

I would recommend that you bring:

• Something sparkly
• Something ridiculous, and
• Something you will not mind being photographed in at 2am

Not only will this be beneficial during freshers’ week, but societies and sports teams tend to do weekly themed social events throughout the year. Fancy dress can also come in handy for Halloween or a random Tuesday night when your flat decides to host a themed party “for fun.”

It is cheaper, easier and saves you from panic-buying a £15 plastic wig.

Conclusion

Starting university is chaotic enough without realising you have forgotten the little things that actually make life easier. These five underrated items may not be the most exciting things in your suitcase (minus the fancy dress of course), but they help you settle in faster, save money, and avoid a few awkward or stressful moments along the way.

University is full of surprises, but at least with a doorstop, fancy dress, and a trusty bottle of crease release spray, you will feel a bit more prepared for whatever comes your way. Pack smart, stay open to new experiences, and enjoy the start of an unforgettable chapter.