Your Ultimate Student Moving Checklist
Are you preparing to move into your new Leicester student accommodation for the start of the 2025/26 year?
It’s a massively exciting time, especially if it’s your first time heading off to university, but the problem is it can be so tempting to take so much more stuff than you need!
Chances are you will be moving into a smaller space, especially if you’re in shared living accommodation, so a great plan is to plan ahead, travel light and keep it simple.
In this blog, we have put together a ‘first year at university’ checklist to give you a helping hand.
What You Really Need to Pack for Uni
Firstly, remember that there are plenty of fabulous shops in Leicester where you can get pretty much anything you might need, so, should you forget something, such as toiletries, bedding or items of clothing, it’s not necessarily going to be an issue finding a replacement, so don’t panic.
Make checklists of everything and plan well in advance. Consider your accommodation, the size of the property and what is already in it, and then, when making your list of things to take, try to put what you’ll need into categories, such as the following:
- Important documents such as a passport, driving licence, bank cards and any important university paperwork.
- Clothing for colder and warmer weather including underwear, nightwear and swimwear (also remember to pack a smart outfit if you plan on applying for jobs).
- Bedroom items such as bedding, laundry basket, coat hangers and family photos (check with your student accommodation provider, as it’s likely that larger bedroom furniture, such as a desk, chair, wardrobe and bed, will already be provided).
- Kitchen items – eg plates, cutlery, mugs, glasses, saucepans, tin opener, chopping board. If you’re living in shared accommodation, often people will be happy to share things such as toasters or toastie makers – so see who has what and whether they’re prepared to share before you find yourself drowning in a sea of appliances! And don’t bother with any kitchen appliances you won’t use, such as a bread maker, or pasta maker – remember to keep it simple!
- Electricals – such as a mobile phone, laptop, device chargers, portable speakers, hair straighteners and batteries. Check with your accommodation provider to see what is already provided, for example, you may not need a microwave, television or toaster.
- Toiletries and bathroom products – take anything which you would normally use on a daily basis, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, make up, shampoo and shower gel – but remember products can always be bought as and when they’re required.
- Stationery – such as pencil case containing pens and pencils, scissors, ruler and highlighters; also Blu Tack, Post-it notes, ring binders and course text books.
Pack Light, Live Smart – Moving Made Easy
The secret to success when it comes to packing for university is to be realistic about what you really need and try to keep things to a minimum to make packing and transporting things in storage boxes or packing cubes much easier.
When living in a smaller space than you might be used to, it’s always a good idea to try and live minimalistically, so that you don’t end up without any space to actually live in because it’s all filled up with your stuff. Ask yourself, do I really need this, before taking something with you that you are likely not to use.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
In addition to making the mistake of taking too much, there are other common mistakes to avoid when heading off to university, such as the following:
- Don’t leave it too late to find your perfect student property.
- Remember to organise how and where you will pick up your keys, before moving day. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a doorstep with all your stuff.
- Sort out your council tax exemption in advance, so that you don’t end up paying more than you should and check that all of your utility bills have been set up correctly.
- Change your billing address, or contact address for things such as bank statements and mobile phone bills, if you need to.
- Plan in advance, so that you don’t forget the non-essential things such as stationery and kitchen items.
Don’t Leave It Too Late – Check Out Westmanor’s Final Student Properties
If you haven’t yet found your perfect Leicester student property for next year, then there’s still time to get something sorted.
Check our latest availability on the Westmanor Student Living social media pages or by visiting our website. Avoid the mistake of missing out on quality, well-located student accommodation by acting early and book your viewing the minute you see a property that you love.