The essential student kit list

Read our list of essentials for first-time students.

There are lots of essentials the first-time student will need to take to university – so here are some handy shopping and packing lists to help you remember all of those odd bits and bobs. Bear in mind, not everything needs to be brand new, nor will your son or daughter need a full set of everything, just enough to get them started.

Domestic items

Cutlery, plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, kitchen knife, cooking utensils, bottle opener/corkscrew, can opener, frying pan, saucepan, baking tray, mini sewing kit, tea towels, mini tool kit, first aid kit, matches, cling film, tin foil, padlock, batteries, hairdryer

Bedroom bits

Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets, duvet set), cushions, blanket, hangers, alarm clock, laundry bag, towels (hand and bath size), torch, hot water bottle, mattress protector, extension leads, white tack, drawing pins, headphones, doorstop

Study tools

Textbooks, notepads, pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky tabs, memory stick/external hard drive, lever arch folders, stapler, sticky tape, scissors, hole punch, post-its

Personal documents

Passport photos, passport or driving license, NHS number, National Insurance number, CV and references, discount travel cards, address book, diary or calendar, bank account details, doctor and dentist details, university registration documents, UCAS/university acceptance letter, exam certificates, chequebook

Store cupboard stalwarts

Salt and pepper, dried pasta, rice, dried noodles, tea, coffee, sugar, long-life milk, condiments (ketchup/mayo/mustard/jam/honey), chopped tomatoes, oil, dried herbs/spices, vinegar, baked beans, tinned tuna, tinned soup, biscuits, stock cubes, pasta sauce, cereal

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