Before you pack: check what halls provides
Most university halls include a bed frame, mattress, desk, chair, wardrobe, and sometimes a bedside table. Many provide a kitchen with oven, hob, and fridge (shared). Check your university accommodation page before buying or packing duplicates.
Contact your hall directly if the website isn't clear. Facebook groups for incoming students are also useful — current students will tell you exactly what's provided.
The essential packing list
Bedding (1 large box/bag): Duvet (13.5 tog for winter), 2 pillows, fitted sheet, duvet cover, pillowcase, mattress protector.
Kitchen (1 medium box): Kettle, 2 mugs, 2 plates, 2 bowls, cutlery set, saucepan, frying pan, wooden spoon, tin opener, chopping board, washing up liquid, sponge, tea towels.
Bathroom (1 bag): Towels (x2 bath, x1 hand), toiletries, shower caddy, flip-flops for shared showers, laundry bag.
Tech (1 small box): Laptop + charger, phone charger, extension lead (essential — most rooms have 2 sockets), ethernet cable, headphones, USB drive.
Stationery: Notebooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, lever arch files. Check if your course has specific requirements.
Documents (keep on your person): Student ID/confirmation letter, passport/driving licence, tenancy agreement, bank details, NHS number, insurance documents.
What to leave at home
• A printer (use the uni library)
• More than 2 weeks of clothes
• Excessive kitchen equipment (you'll barely cook in first year)
• Candles or fairy lights with open flames (banned in most halls)
• Valuable items you'd be devastated to lose
• An iron (most people never iron at uni)
How to track what you've packed
Use GotItBoxed to photograph items as you pack them. Create a box for each category (Bedding, Kitchen, Tech, etc.) and snap photos as items go in.
When you arrive at halls and can't find your extension lead, search the app instead of unpacking everything. At the end of the year, you'll know exactly what you brought — nothing gets left behind in the rush to move out.
The free plan covers 5 boxes with 25 items each — more than enough for a halls room.
Packing day tips
• Start a week early — pack non-essentials (books, stationery, decorations) first. Leave clothes and bedding for last.
• Use bags for soft items — duvets, pillows, and clothes are better in large bags (IKEA bags are perfect) than boxes.
• Label everything — even if it's just "Box 1: Kitchen" in marker pen. Better yet, use QR labels so you can scan on arrival.
• Pack an essentials bag — phone charger, kettle, tea, snacks, toilet roll, basic toiletries. This is the first thing you open.
• Take photos of your room before unpacking — useful for the deposit inspection at the end of the year.
Try GotItBoxed — It's Free
5 boxes, 25 items each, QR labels, full search. No credit card needed.
Start Free →Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need for halls?
Most students need 3-5 boxes plus a few bags for soft items. Don't over-pack — halls rooms are small and you can always get things from home later.
Should I buy everything before arriving?
No. Wait until you see what halls provides and what flatmates are bringing. ASDA, Wilko, and Argos near campus will have everything you need.
How do I track what I left at home vs. at uni?
Use GotItBoxed and tag boxes with locations. Items at uni go in "Halls" boxes. Items left at home go in "Home" boxes. You can filter by location anytime.