My University Packing List:

Context

So having lived in London, where space is tight, and having moved around for my various internships, the packing list I had asked for from a senior has had some changes to suit me. 

Methodology

I recommend taking this list and trialing it at home to make changes beforehand to suit yourself! Or build this from scratch by doing all the things at home and writing down every tool or item you use over a sampling period of time.

List

Starting with the most general

Bedding

• Bedsheets x2

• Mattress Topper x1 (check Uni doesn't give you one)

• Pillows x2

• Duvet x1

• Pillow Cover x2 (or x4 to hot-swap whilst doing laundry) 

• Duvet Cover x2

Toiletries

• Hand soap

• Shower gel

• Shampoo

• Toilet roll

• Hand towels

• Toothbrush pack

• Toothpaste

• Moisturizer

• Shaving

Kitchen

• Big Wok, or other main cooking pot -- non-stick or HSS+seasoned.

• 1 small pot

• 1 large pot for rice etc.

  • all with matching lids to make life easy.

• Cutlery

  • Knives x2 (+)

  • Forks x2 (+)

  • Table-spoons x2 (+)

  • Teaspoons (x2) (+)

  • Chopsticks x3, get steel (Korean) ones.

  • Wooden spoon

  • Metal serving spoon or ladle

  • Kitchen scissors (must!)

  • Can-opener

• Dinner Plates x2

• Breakfast Bowl x1

• Big bowl x1

• Mugs x2

• Drinking glasses x2

• Rice cooker (or a multi-cooker: InstaPot 7-in-1 recommended)

• A set of matching containers for lunch/leftovers

• Thermos for hot-drinks on cold days!

Clothes

• Undergarments x9 (7 + 2 spare)

• Pajamas/Night clothes

• Trousers x2 (+)

• Jeans x2 (+)

• Shorts in summer

• Shirts x5 (+)

  • Or T-Shirts if you prefer.

• Sports clothing (# varies depending on type/frequency)

• Towel

• A good fleece (recommend: Mountain Warehouse)

• Jumpers x3

• Waterproof Jacket (recommend 2-in-1 type that has a removable insulation layer)

Studying

• Lined paper for notes - recommend a Refill Pad + Folder system (though I could never be bothered separating into folders and left notes on a pad) TODO: maybe I'll make a page about my note-taking/studying methodology.

• Writing instruments

  • choose ink types and colours as per your interest.

• Tech

  • Laptops -- see your University + course requirements on specific models.

  • For digital notes:

    • Highly recommend bringing an iPad+Apple Pencil to annotate notes+slides during lectures

    • Alternatively, purchase a 2-in-1 laptop.

  • Headphones for listening to music or focussing in loud spaces.

  • Mouse: recommend Logitech MX Master 3, or cheaper ones from the Logitech MX series.

  • Phone:

    • get a phone with sufficient storage: you'll want to document your experiences!

    • if and when you run out, consider using some sort of archival system

  • Simcard contract:

    • I recommend paying a bit extra for additional data to get you through a day (or two) to save the difficulty of being stuck without data when you may need it and WiFi is not available.

• Books + resources

  • my course seniors emailed some recommended resources for the course, which were really good so I barely referred to textbooks. Naturally, different universities and courses may vary, but do ask around if such a resource exists.