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Your ultimate university packing list: what to bring to BSU

Tuesday, 1 September, 2026

Starting at university is exciting, but working out what you should bring with you can feel overwhelming. To ease any last-minute stress, we’ve put together a handy packing list to help you get ready for student life and get BSU feeling like your home away from home.  

Remember, you don’t need to bring your entire bedroom with you. There are plenty of shops in Bath where you can pick up anything you’ve forgotten.

Bedroom essentials 

Your room will already come with the basics, including a bed, desk, chairs, mirrors, and towel rails. But there are a few things you’ll want to bring to make your space comfortable and your own.  

• Duvet and pillows 
• Sheets, pillowcases and a duvet cover (a mattress topper is also great for making your bed extra cosy) 
• An extra set of bedding – future you will thank you on laundry day 
• Cosy blankets 
• Coat hangers 
• Laundry basket  
• Storage boxes or organisers 
• Drawing pins for your noticeboard 
• A desk lamp for softer lighting when you’re studying 

Your room is your own little oasis to do what you want with - don’t be afraid to add some personality. Bring photos of friends and family, your favourite prints and posters or other small mementos that make you feel at home.  

Command strips are perfect for sticking things up without leaving a mark. 

Kitchen equipment

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ accommodation is self-catered, so you’ll be doing your own cooking. Don’t worry about creating a five-star kitchen from day one, start with the essentials and see what you actually use. We’d also recommend choosing crockery and cutlery that you can easily recognise. Bright colours or a fun pattern can make it much easier to spot your things in a shared kitchen.  

• Plates and bowls
• Mugs and glasses
• Cutlery set and extras for guests
• Pots and pans
• Chopping board
• Wooden spoon and other cooking utensils
• Baking tray
• Colander and sieve
• Vegetable peeler
• Cheese grater
• Tin and bottle opener
• Sponges, cloths and kitchen towel
• Ovenproof and microwaveable dishes
• Tupperware for food prep and leftovers
• Tea towels 

Bathroom 

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ offers ensuite and shared bathrooms. Regardless of whether you’re sharing or not, make sure you have your everyday essentials ready.

• Towels 
• Toiletries 
• Toilet rolls 
• Bathroom cleaning products 
• Shower caddy, particularly if you're sharing  
• Shower mat 
• A toilet brush 

Desk area

• A laptop stand – great for creating a good desk setup 
• A desk organiser  
• Extension leads  
• Headphones 
• Notebooks  
• USB stick or other storage 

Extras 

• Tote/reusable shopping bags 
• Reusable water bottle
• A first aid box
• Umbrella - British weather can be unpredictable, so packing for a bit of everything is a good idea
• Slippers - essential for wandering around your halls
• Laundry detergent - BSU accommodation has laundry facilities, but you’ll need to bring your own detergent and conditioner 

Your course may also have specific equipment requirements on what to bring, so check the information you’ve received.

Top tip: Moving away from home for the first time can feel like a big change, so don’t underestimate the little things and the comfort they can bring.  

For more information on moving to university, follow our social media accounts on and or visit our dedicated webpage.