What you need for your life at Uni checklist:

Important documents

Passport and/or driver's license (ID)
University admission acceptance letter
Course acceptance letter
Accommodation terms, information and contract
Passport photos for societies and other admin. A set of 4 should do it
Bank account details (check our best student bank accounts guide for this year)
Bank debit card
Chequebook – can come in handy more than you would think
Insurance documents (see cheap student contents insurance)
Student loan documents (and any other bursaries or scholarship funding)
Student discount cards (eg. 16-25 railcard)
Others worth considering: National Insurance card (or at least the number if you don't have a card), exam certificates, NHS number.

Electrical checklist

Laptop or computer – (see Amazon bestsellers or Apple Education Store)
Ethernet cable – may be needed for Internet in some university halls (get one cheap on Amazon)
Mobile phone – obviously. If you're after a new one, check out our deals comparison.
Headphones – to listen to music in peace (find a set here)
USB TV Stick – to stream apps like iPlayer, Netflix & Amazon on your TV. We recommend Amazon Fire but some prefer Chromecast
Power extension cable (opt for one of these with surge protection)
Printer with ink – needed for coursework or lecture slides.
Small TV – plenty under £80 at Amazon. You'll also need a TV license if you plan on watching TV in your room
Games console – multiplayers are great for bonding, especially Nintendo Wiis!
Device chargers
USB memory stick (see current best sellers)
Others worth considering: camera, speakers.

Stationery

Pens (and pencils)
Highlighters
A4 writing pad
Folder with dividers
Calculator
Books – that might be required for your course. Search and order early on Amazon in case they sell out in the rush. Otherwise Blackwell Books offer good prices on student books
A diary – great for writing notes in… such as what to take to university (among other things)
Other: Dictaphone, course specific materials.

Kitchen checklist

When planning what to take to uni, be aware that a lot of kitchen items will go unused because they're either utterly useless or there are multiples of the same thing. Don't take anything too expensive and don't take too much. Most people are happy to share pots and pans etc.

Student recipe book – become the Jamie Oliver of your student home! Nosh for Students is cheap and well recommended
Wok – this is the number one cooking tool. Can be used to fry, boil, scramble etc… and of course makes a mean stir fry
Sauce pan – just one for now
Small cutlery set
1 sharp knife
Scissors – yes it's ok to cut the fat off bacon with them
Kitchen tongs – seriously, they are like a third heat-proof hand (not sure what they are, see here)
1 glass & 1 mug – for all of your drinking needs (most people don't like sharing these, you may get these as freebies in freshers week)
1 plate & 1 bowl – better than eating out of a pan. Opt for plates with tall edges to get the best of both!
Flat baking tray – you know, to stop fries going through the gaps
Swiss army knife – a basic one with a bottle opener and corkscrew will sort out most of your needs (have a gander)
Tupperware – great for storing food
Coffee maker (or just go instant).

What you probably don't immediately need: food or spices, kettle (supplied), toaster (supplied), rice steamer, toastie-maker, pizza cutter, colander, grater, peeler, garlic crusher, wooden spoons/ladles etc, masher, measuring jug, whisk, chopping board.

See our list of 24 amazing kitchen gadgets too!

Bedroom checklist

Credit: University of Exeter

Bed sheets – including a bed cover, duvet cover and pillow covers
Duvet & pillows – get a tog that is warm enough for the winter and get a double if possible (you will most likely have a double bed in 2nd year)
Mattress protector – you never know who has been in the bed before you…
Sleeping bag and pillow – if you plan on having guests
Alarm clock – because you'd hate to miss a lecture
Coat hangers
Laundry basket – or just an empty box
Photos of friends & family – also helps make things a bit more homely (get free prints here)
Door stop – makes things much more sociable!
Ear plugs – seriously, you will need them
Clothes – including one smart(ish) outfit. See below.

Bathroom checklist

Credit: Michael Coghlan – Flickr As with much of this list, students have different needs when it comes to personal hygiene and bathroom bits. So make sure you have all of your home comforts as well as these essentials:

Towels – one big, one small
Paracetamol – Freshers' week might be brutal
Personal medication and supplies (eg. contact lens solution)
Febreeze – keep your room and bathroom smelling fresh
Washbag – including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel, make-up?
Plasters – or small first aid kit
Single toilet roll – just in case…

Clothing

Most students are always buying new clothes and that'll no doubt continue throughout university but there are a few essentials that you will need to take to university:

Casual clothes – what you're comfortable wearing, but not too many!
Underwear and socks – one week's worth is a good start
Smart outfit – for freshers' balls as well as any interviews etc.
Trainers
Going out shoes
Waterproofs
Sports kit/swimwear
Fancy dress – worth taking at least one outfit with you! (see our 22 costume ideas under £15).
Vacuum storage bags to store your out-of-season clobber. You won't believe how handy these thing are when you have a single room!

Want to learn from 50 highly successful students (including STS founder)? Click here to grab a copy of “Uni Lifehacks”!

Miscellaneous items

Pack of cards – be ready for drinking games and socialising
Crate of beer/bottle of Vodka – great for inviting new mates into your room
Insurance – you'll want to be covered (see our guide to student insurance)
Small wind-up torch (power cuts happen)
A pre-paid card – great for budgetting and spending abroad. The best ones are here
Condoms – although you'll be given plenty for free
Your own essentials – such as reading glasses, hair straighteners etc
Bike – if you can take one it'll save you money and keep you fit (try Hargroves Cycles)
Our Essential Student Guide to Money – it's free and will help you save a lot of money!