Back Moving away from home to university takes some planning – as well as everything you will need to study, you also need to think about everything you will need for daily life.
Background
Make sure you don’t leave packing for UWE to the last minute so that you give yourself enough time to get everything you might need (and eliminate everything you won’t).
This might be your first time away from home so think about the practical aspects of looking after yourself. As well as buying new items, there might be things you want to bring from home, such as a favourite pillow, in order to feel at home in your new surroundings.
Focus on the first term, rather than the whole of the first year, to make the task manageable.
At UWE we have a comprehensive guide related to packing for University and UWE accommodation.
How could this affect me?
Packing for university can be a bit of a daunting task, particularly if you’re leaving home for the first time. The trick is to not to bring too much and to remember that if you forget something, you can always replace it here or get it sent to you afterwards.
There are lots of shops nearby, no matter what campus you are living on. We also have a Sustainability hub on Frenchay Campus which has a swap shop. Why not see if they have what you need before buying it new?
You’ll find a list of what’s in your room and communal areas on the page for your accommodation, but the following will provide an overview of things to take into consideration.
Take the hassle out of buying and transporting your bedding and kitchen items by pre-ordering from UniKitOut. Choose from a range of essential items which can be delivered directly to your accommodation ready for when you move in. Please note that there will be a deadline to order, make sure you check the link in good time.
Head to UniKitOut, select your items, select your accommodation (you will need to have this confirmed before you can order), advise when you are intending to arrive and then confirm and pay. Your order will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive, leaving you to concentrate on settling in and meeting your fellow housemates. There is a 10% discount with the code UWE10 at the checkout.
Alternatively, there are local retail outlets from where you can buy your items. These are within a short drive from both our Frenchay and Glenside campuses or a 10-minute walk from Frenchay and 20-minute walk from Glenside. There are many shops in the city centre if you have opted to live there. Please remember that most shops close at 16:00 or 17:00 on Sundays.
Practical tips
You’ll need to bring some clothes and personal belongings, of course. You might like to bring a few choice items like photos as well, to make your room feel more like home.
It’s also a good idea to bring:
- your bank account details and cash card
- ID such as your passport or driving licence
- your National Insurance Number if you want to look for a part-time job
- towels
- coat hangers
- crockery – a couple of plates, bowls, mugs and glasses
- cutlery
- tea towels
- toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel etc (international students: please read advice from the UK government about restricted items)
- basic food provisions until you do your first shop (international students: see the UK government guidance about bringing food into the UK).
Questions to think about
What to buy as a group
If you’re going to be sharing with other students, it can be good value – and be good fun – to club together and shop for ‘house’ items as a group. That’s things like:
- pots and pans – a couple of frying pan and saucepans in different sizes
- non-stick baking trays, colander and chopping boards
- cleaning products – washing up liquid, scrubbing brushes, cleaning cloths, kitchen paper, pads, gloves, surface cleaners and bin liners
- toilet rolls – large packs are cheaper
- cooking utensils – a tin opener, corkscrew, sieve, vegetable peeler, spatulas and kitchen knives
- foil, cling film and plastic food storage containers
- an iron and a toaster – you won’t need to buy a kettle as there’ll be one in your kitchen
Additional information
What not to bring with you
There are some items that you will be asked not to bring to keep everyone safe. If you use something for example a diffuser to help clam and relax you then please speak with accommodation direct. There is a risk that diffusers will set off the fire alarms. Please refer to your terms and conditions and refer to list below
- airsoft guns
- candles, electric/oil diffusers or incense burners
- chip pans
- extra furniture
- fan heaters
- fireworks
- illegal substances
- paddling pools
- replica weapons
Moving into UWE accommodation
You can find much more information at UWE by visiting the links blow:
For more practical information and guidelines on what to bring with you when you come to the University, follow the links below:
Bristol Autism Support. What you need to know
the student room: What to take to university checklist
UWE preparing-and-arrival – registration – international-students