Things you actually don’t need to bring to Durham

Packing for uni is weird. From ruthlessly discarding pairs of socks to make space for clothes you haven’t worn since 2022, we must not forget less can be more. So here’s a guide to things many first years shouldn’t bother with. Hopefully this can help avoid lugging things, which feel absolutely essential right now that you come to regret by the end of Michaelmas. Of course. if it’s something you’re 100 per cent certain about, go ahead – this is for things you may be on the fence about.

Let’s start with something you’re probably aware of:

Electrical appliances

Kettles, toasters, air diffusers. Leave them. Whether your college is self-catered or not you, will be provided with the essentials. Bringing your own not only takes up space, but violates safety regulations. Anything extra you sneak in will be found faster than you can say “health” and “safety breach.”

Although I can appreciate wanting to make your own space in halls as much as the next person, you have to make sure to follow your colleges rules whilst also considering space constraints. You don’t need to bring plug in air fresheners or diffusers (and whilst candles aren’t electrical, this also applies to them). As is the case in most university halls, these are not allowed so it’s really not worth bringing them with you as you risk having them taken.

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You’ll also be short on plug sockets and it’s probably wiser to save one for your laptop charger rather than an air freshener that smells like cupcakes! A good alternative would be reed diffusers or battery operated appliances as they smell nice, don’t risk fire alarms, and are low maintenance. Electric blankets? Also a no go. I’m sure you’ve all been warned about chilly Durham winters are but to avoid bringing unusuable items. Alternatives, such as a hot water bottle and a ridiculous amount of blankets served me well!

Drying racks, ironing boards, etc

Unless you have tons of delicate items or need to iron your formal wear every week, a large drying rack is bulky and often unnecessary.

Circuit laundry’s dryers may not be perfect, however they do suffice. A drying rack is likely to clutter your room and takes up precious space. Instead, for drying, over-radiator racks or small foldable ones are better portions if you feel you need one. The same goes for ironing boards too. As ironing won’t be an everyday affair. Most people can make do with the communal ironing boards in laundry rooms when the occasions roll around.

Excess paperwork

Yes bring your important documents (passport, visa/BRP and ID) with you, but you don’t need to bring unnecessary copies of everything unless explicitly told otherwise. Also avoid dragging A-level notes all the way to Durham “just in case.” You’ll never look at them again and they’ll just glare at you whilst you’re tackling three summative due in one week.

Your entire wardrobe

Spoiler alert! Wardrobes in college are rarely huge. If you bring every single item of clothing you own its highly likely it just won’t fit. Bring the things you know you will need: things to layer, outerwear for rain and warmth, and a few smarter outfits. Rest assured you will end up buying even more during the year. Rotate things when you go home for holidays rather than attempting to cram everything into one tiny cupboard.

Printers

Some of you may be considering bringing a printer. Don’t do it. Digital submissions are the norm and therefore a printer is likely to take up space but rarely get used. For the occasions where something does need to be printed, library printing is available. A personal printer takes up spaces and costs money (for ink and paper). You’re much better off saving your money for the important things, like Wednesday nights. In most cases a printer is not worth bringing and library printing is far more cost and space efficient.

‘Nice-to-haves’

Large rugs, multiple pillows or a hundred framed photos of your dog seems like a good idea until you have to carry it up three flights of stairs. Home dressings are great for comfort but for some things its better to buy once you’ve seen the room. Smaller decorations (a few pictures or small battery operated fairy lights) can make your room feel homely but any big or heavy decorations might be more hassle than its worth.

Large collections of books may also be nice to have but between long reading lists and seminar prep, most reading will be accessed online or in the library. Whilst it may be hard to part with some of your favourite books, it may be wise to limit yourself to a few favourites to start.

Food

Don’t bring large amounts of perishable food. Upon arrival you can stop by the smaller Tesco’s or Sainsbury’s in town or head out to Dragonville for a larger shop. If you’re used to particular snack items from home, bring a small stash with you. Bulk buying before moving in is heavy, takes up space, and may not survive the move.

In short: don’t overpack. Rooms are smaller than you think and you’ll end up buying more stuff anyway. The important things to consider when deciding what to bring are storage, safety, and logistics. What fits in your space at home might not fit in your room in Durham. If you’re unsure, leave it. Durham has shops and there’s always the internet! Plus the less you bring the less you have to take home at the end of the year when your parents are already complaining about having to come and get you.