11 do’s and dont’s: The ultimate guide for your Uni of York packing list

It’s that time of year again, where your FYP is full of advice for Freshers’ Week and people telling you what you do and don’t need to bring. There can be so much advice out there, it can be overwhelming and often confusing. So we have broken it down for you and provided a list of some of the things you do and don’t need for uni (including some things you may have forgotten).

As well as the basics like clothes, shoes, your laptop or tablet, toiletries, kitchen items, etc, this ultimate Uni of York packing list will ensure you are all prepped for Freshers’ Week.

1. You do need a clothes horse

This is one of the items I regret not having at uni from the start. Circuit Laundry washing machines and dryers can be expensive, so using a clothes horse to make sure your clothes are dry can save you a lot of money. They’re also super useful in second and third year housing too, if you don’t have a dryer.

2. You don’t need a door stop

This is an item that I often see recommended as an essential, but it’s no big deal if you don’t bring one. Often the doors in Uni of York accommodation are heavy fire doors, so you are not meant to keep them open. My tip, if you do want to prop your bedroom door open on move-in day, use one of the many boxes you will have from packing.

3. You ABSOLUTELY do need extension cables

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This is a must, practically every student would agree. The plug sockets can often be in random places in your new room, and sometimes they might be limited. Having an extension lead will ensure you can charge your phone, laptop and headphones at the same time right before you scramble to your early morning lecture.

4. You don’t need lots of stationary

The majority of students do their uni work on their laptop or tablet, so lots of folders, notebooks and stationary aren’t really necessary. Remember, your uni city is full of shops that will supply any stationary in case you find you need some.

5. You do need clothes hangers

This one is so easy to forget when you are packing your clothes. If you are like me and pack every item of clothing you have ever owned, you will need to remember plenty of hangers. This will give you the option to make the most of your wardrobe space, particularly if you don’t have many drawers or cupboards in your room.

6. You do need footwear for your accommodation

If you’re sharing a kitchen, and even a bathroom, you don’t want your bare feet touching the questionable food that your flatmates have somehow dropped all over the floor. Sliders will become your best friend. This one’s based on experience.

7. You do need Tupperware

I found that bringing Tupperware helped save me a lot of money in the long run. I could meal prep rather than buy food on campus everyday, saving my crying bank account some money. Those daily paninis from the library cafe do add up.

8. You definitely don’t need every kitchen utensil to ever exist

There are certain essentials that you will need for your uni kitchen – chopping board, plates, cutlery, a few pots and pans, etc. But it is worth bearing in mind that you usually only have a cupboard or two each, so anything extra that you bring you will need to store (probably under your bed). Don’t be the flatmate that takes up half of the kitchen space with utensils you will never need.

9. You do need photos for your room

Photos are essential for decorating your plain room. Having photos of your family and friends also really helps with homesickness. A little tip- the Freeprints app allows you to get several photos for free each month, meaning you can add more and freshen up your pin-board during the year too!

10. You don’t need a printer

Most students use their laptop or tablet for all of their uni work anyway, and rarely need to print anything. However, if you do need to print something, it is easy to do so from the library and there are other printers around campus too.

11. You do need a hat, scarf and gloves

Another Uni of York winter essential – a warm hat, scarf and gloves. Winter in York is no joke! Having that extra warmth can be the difference between you being struck down by the flu, or managing to avoid it.