What to Bring to Uni: Accommodation Checklist

11 August 2023

There’s so much to remember when preparing for the university year, especially if you're moving into uni halls. Whether it’s your first year or you’re on the path to graduation, it's easy to forget the essentials.

That's why B&M have put together a checklist of university essentials. You'll find everything you need to survive your student accommodation right here. From dorm room furniture to university stationery, we've considered it all. All you need to do is start reading and get ticking!

Bedroom

One of the best parts about moving away from home is that you can decorate the space to your liking. Whether you're looking for something cheap and affordable or you want to splash out a little, B&M can help!

Your bedroom should be a cosy and secure place where you feel comfortable and relaxed, just like royalty. You spend most of your life in your bedroom (albeit sleeping), so it should reflect how you feel. Consider lighting, colours, comfort, storage, decorative pieces and even plants.

As a minimum, in your student bedroom, you will need:

2 x Duvet Covers
2 x Fitted Sheets
4 x Pillow Cases
Single or Double Duvet
Extra-comfy Pillows
Mattress Protector
Full-Length Mirror
Alarm Clock (to make sure you don't miss those early morning lectures)
Bedside Lamp
Laundry Basket
Storage Boxes
Picture Frames
Headphones (for music or gaming)
Compact Desk and Chair (for studying, of course)

Bathroom

The next port of call on our room checklist is the bathroom. Your student bathroom should be fully stocked with everything you need to look and feel your best.

You will likely be sharing your bathroom with other students, be that one flatmate or a hall full of people. So, it's best to keep organised to make your life easier. Extra storage and a shower basket can be helpful in these situations; it also gives a cleaner appearance and feel!

If you have a roommate and share a bathroom, discussing splitting the cost of certain items is important. These items may include a shower mat, soap dispenser, cleaning supplies, etc. Open conversations about sharing expenses help create a fair and comfortable living environment.

Some of the most common bathroom must-haves include:

Close Up Mirror
Rubbish Bin
Towels
Hairdryer
Toilet Brush
Shower Mat
Shower Basket
Shower Drain Hair Catcher (trust us, this will be a saviour)
Soap Dispenser
Toilet Roll Holder and toilet rolls
Shampoo and Conditioner
Soap
Razors
Toothbrush
Skincare

Remember, these are just bathroom must-haves! Depending on your style and budget, you can always add items like hair styling tools, a toothbrush holder, candles and more. If you share a bathroom with many people, it is a good idea to keep your shower and styling products in a storage caddy and keep this in your room. No one wants to clean around six people's worth of products around the shower!

Living Room

University accommodation with a communal living area is a blank slate with loads of potential, so why not create a space that really reflects your style? Conquer the year with furnishings that will make you feel at home and impress your roommates.

As a basis, you will need:

Coffee Table
Inflatable Chairs (because they're cool and comfortable)
Extension leads
Rug
Iron and Ironing Board

The living room serves multiple purposes. It is not just for furniture but also for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, it is a space where you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Some dorm accessories include:

Kitchen

Cooking in university halls requires some creativity, as you often have limited space and appliances. That said, it is possible to master quick and easy home-cooked meals with the right tools. Avoid worrying about dining hall hours and their limited food selection by keeping some food and appliances on hand. Just ensure you have read the halls of residence rules on kitchen appliances!

If you have a kitchenette or a shared kitchen, buying everything mentioned below is a good idea. If you need clarification on your hall's layout or what's included, call your university to check.

Containing some of the most vital elements on our university student essentials list, consider purchasing:

Toaster
Kettle
Tea Towels
Mugs
Glasses
Dinner Set
Saucepans
Frying Pans
Cooking Utensils
Oven Gloves
Microwave
Air Fryer
Rubbish Bin

Stationery for University

Of course, you won’t spend all year stuck in your room. So, you might be asking what stationery to take to university. Whether on your way to lectures or attending a practical, a couple of university essentials for on-campus should include:

Notebook
Highlighters
Pens
Pencil Case

Additional Considerations

If you need more clarification, call your dorm and ask questions. It's a good idea to seek clarification when needed. Here are some questions to raise: