Thursday 13-08-2026 - 08:00

The moment has come for you to start your university journey, for many of you that means your packing up your belongings and preparing to move to Bristol 👜

Whether you’re moving into halls, private accommodation, or settling into a new house, packing can be stressful. There’s a lot to think about, and it can be difficult to know what you actually need. 

To help you get started, we asked our Full Time Officers what they found most useful when they came to uni. This checklist is a guide, not a must-have-everything list. Everyone’s university experience is different, so take what’s useful and leave what’s not. 

Happy packing, and we’ll see you in Bristol! 💙

Your New Room 

When you first see your new room, it may look a little lifeless and dull. But don’t worry decorating your room is the fun part! 

Using these easy recommendations from our Officers, you’ll make it your own, and it’ll feel like home in no time! 

What to bring: 

• Bedding – you’ll need a duvet and duvet covers, pillows and bedsheets! Our advice would be to bring two sets of bedding (sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases) so that you can wash one and use one
• Mattress Topper – for some extra comfort, this sits under your sheets above your mattress and can provide extra comfort against bed springs. We think this underestimated item can help add that finishing touch to your new bed! 
• Decorations – whether it be posters, pictures, fairy lights, art, cushions, or lighting – bring whatever you like to decorate your new space! Home comforts will help personalise your room and make the move even more comfortable, helping you settle in
• Hangers – you won't want a bundle of clothes to ruin the hard work you've put into decorating your new room! Remember to bring some hangers so you can tidy them away
• Doorstop – something that you may not expect to find on this list but is a great recommendation when it comes to meeting your new flatmates! 
• A multiplug extension lead - depending on how you set up your new room, you may need plug sockets in a new spot
• First aid kit and basic medicine – this one’s self-explanatory and while we hope you won’t need it, it's better to be safe than sorry!
• Laundry basket – when you're living in halls you won't necessarily have a washing machine right next to your room, so a laundry basket will make the journey from the washing machines back to your room way easier.

Kitchen Bits

 Are you in a self-catered accommodation? Think about investing in the following kitchen bits so that you can keep cooking stress-free, whilst not having to limit yourself in the kitchen: 

• Crockery – two plates, two bowls, and a mug or two
• Cutlery and Utensils – bring around two sets of knives, forks, and spoons. You’ll find some will go walkabout as the year goes on, and you may need backup. It is also useful to bring some utensils such as a sharp knife, a grater and spatulas, but your flatmates might also bring these, so purchase when you arrive
• Tupperware – handy for storing leftovers from bulk cooking which will save you a lot of money! 🍝 
• General Equipment – Frying pan, saucepan, and baking tray. You’ll find you’ll rarely need more kitchen equipment than these and your new flatmates may have the extra bits! 
• A tea towel or two
• Glasses – a few glasses should be more than enough. It’s nice to have a wine glass, but they don’t tend to survive so make sure to bring a tumbler as well! 
• Some washing up stuff – a sponge and washing up liquid 🧼 
• Spices! You might want to check if you’ll struggle finding your favourite spices and if they aren’t available pack them from home https://globalbristol.goodbarber.app/ 

So, where can you buy these bedroom and kitchen essentials? 

There are many shops spread around Bristol where you will be able to locate must-have kitchen and bedroom items. Here are some of our recommendations: 

• Charity Shops! Our favourites are – British Heart Foundation (50-58, The Horsefair, Broadmead) and St Peters Hospice Clifton Superstore (Berkeley Place, Jacob’s Well Rd, Clifton) 
• Tesco Extra (Eastgate Road, Eastville, BS5 6XU) 
• IKEA Bristol (Eastgate Road, Eastville, BS5 6 XX) 
• Asda (Eastgate Retail Park, BS5 6XX) 
• Poundland (The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3JU) 
• B&M Home Store (Channons Hill Retail Park, Bristol BS16 2EA) 
• Sainsbury’s (Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NN) 
• Dunelm (Bath Road, Tramway Retail Park, Bristol BS4 3DS) 

In the last academic year, we held our Donate Your Plate campaign – which involved students donating plates and other kitchen essentials that they no longer needed. During Welcome, we’ll be holding Take A Plate event, so you can pop by and take something some of these kitchen items home – for ✨ free✨ 

Study Essentials 📚

A few key things to help you stay organised and find your study routine:

• Laptop – you’ll probably use this for lectures, assignments, research and, of course, downtime
• Chargers – laptop, phone and anything else you rely on. You don’t want to be caught without them!
• Notebooks and stationery – bring the basics, but don’t overdo it. You’ll quickly work out what works best for you
• Folders or storage – useful for keeping notes and important documents organised, whether they’re physical or digital
• Backpack – handy for carrying your laptop, charger, water bottle and anything else you need around Bristol
• Calendar/planner – whether it’s an app, your phone calendar or a physical diary, find a way to keep track of deadlines, lectures and plans.

Clothes 

You might find this the hardest part... what to wear at uni? 

Our tip is to remember that when you’re waking up for a 9am lecture, you’ll want to comfy! So, as well as your favourite going out pieces, remember: 

• Trainers – practical for all occasions. 
• A raincoat or umbrella – this is Britain, it will rain. 
• Pyjamas and maybe some slippers - you’ll want to be comfy when you’re snuggled up on a night-in. 
• Sportswear – your first term is a time for trying new things, bring your sports gear and try some of the great sports clubs available at Bristol.

So, where can you buy these clothing essentials? 

If you're looking for clothes, Bristol has got them! From vintage and charity shops to high-street chains - there is so much variety in this city. Here are some of our recommendations: 

• Cabot Circus – an excellent shopping destination in the centre of Bristol, with over 120 high-street and designer brands! (Glass House, Bristol BS1 3BX) 
• Vinted and Depop – buy second-hand items from sellers all over the UK at a fraction of the cost brand new! Feel good knowing you’re keeping clothes out of landfill and therefore doing your part for the environment 🌎
• TOTUM and other student saving services – remember to check out what is on offer, you’ll be surprised at how many great discounts are available for students
• Check out Park Street, Whiteladies Road, and Gloucester Road for a huge array of charity and vintage shops 

Charity shops ♻️

Charity shops are a great place to find unique, high-quality items at a fraction of the price of buying new. Choosing second-hand can help you save money, find things with more character, and give clothes, furniture and other items a longer life — helping to reduce waste and the environmental impact of producing new products.

Welcome Tickets 

OK, we're cheating a little – you don't need to pack these – you can get them online! But they're an essential part of making your first week at uni the best it can be! View the full Welcome 2026 Programme to choose your events. You can also use our helpful How to Buy Tickets guide 🎫