What to pack and what to leave behind when moving to uni – according to Notts students

With new students moving to university this September, packing lists will be the first thing to consider. If you are heading to UoN or NTU, you might be wondering what to pack and what to leave behind.

Apart from your favourite going-out tops or a set of pans, some items might be more worth taking than others. I asked some uni veterans and our team of editors for their picks so you can feel prepared to move.

Bring: Tupperware

Tupperware is ideal for meal prep and saving leftovers. After a long day or when you can’t be bothered to cook having something ready to go can save time and effort.

Bring: Noise cancelling headphones

These may be an investment but they can be ideal for shutting out noise while studying.

“I cant live without them especially when studying in the library or when things can be overwhelming” – Aisha, Features Editor.

Earplugs are an equally good option to prepare for any noisy neighbours in your student accommodation.

Bring: A screwdriver

A screwdriver comes surprisingly in handy when you need to tighten a pan lid or one of your flatmates needs to fix something on their bike.

Bring: An academic diary

A diary can help you stay organised and keep dates in one place as well as noting things digitally.

“I am a nerd but I find it so much easier to have important dates both in my phone and on physical paper! It means you’ll always defo have dates written somewhere!” – Ella, co-EiC.

Most Read

Celebrities are calling out Ariana Grande’s team for ‘absolutely appalling’ petal music video

The internet never forgets: The biggest male celeb nude leaks ever, and how they responded

Love Island’s over, so here’s every 2026 couple’s relationship status and who’s already split

Bring: A door stop

This is one of the more common pieces of advice. Propping your door open is not only helpful when you’re moving things in and out, but you can chat with your flatmates more easily and get to know each other.

Bring: Stain remover

A bottle of The Pink Stuff or something similar goes a long way when drinks are inevitably spilled on your carpet. A good stain remover can save you stress and your deposit.

Don’t bring: Expensive dishes

It is best to avoid bringing expensive plates, mugs, or bowls because there is a high chance they will get broken. Some cheap, good quality dishes are just fine.

Don’t bring: Candles and incense

In most student accommodations they’re banned and even if you try to light them you risk setting off the fire alarm. Your best option is to get a plug in wax burner or something similar. 

Don’t bring: Loads of room decor

You might want to bring some decorations and photos to make your room feel more homely, but it can equally take up space and end up being wasted.

“The only decor I did was a rug because the floor was this ugly carpet, it made it feel more girly and cute! But I’m pretty sure I binned it on the last day” – Ella, co-EiC.

For more of the latest news, guides, gossip and memes, follow The Nottingham Tab on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.