The term university essentials can mean different things to different people. After all, the things that a person travelling to a new country will be a little different to a person who is moving to a different neighbourhood. However, there are a few things that remain constant across all the different types of students; both international and domestic. Today, we will be discussing the things that you should do and shouldn’t do when packing for uni!
Documents
Do’s
- Get yourself a proper folder in which to organise your documents
- Carry the originals and copies of all the important documents
- Make sure to include all the travel, insurance, medical, enrolment and accommodation documents when making a list of uni essentials
- Keep spare passport-size photographs
Don’ts
- Don’t skip out on the physical copies even if you have the digital copies on your phone
- Don’t worry about carrying extra documents, it is always better to be over-prepared
- Don’t put things to the last minute
Medicines
Do’s
- Make a detailed list, call your doctor, if possible when preparing
- Make sure to keep the doctor’s note handy when carrying prescription medicine
- Do check the expiry date of the medicines before packing
Don’ts
Don’t skimp out on small things like band-aids, gauge, small scissors, etc.
Don’t pack medicines that can open and spill, carry sealed ones only
Clothes
Do’s
- Do pack enough undergarments to last you for at least two weeks, in case you do not get to do your washing
- Thermal underwear is a uni essential if you are travelling to a cold country
- Do pack a pair of gloves, a hat that covers your ears and warm socks if you will be landing during the wintertime
- Do carry enough clothes to last you for two weeks in case you don’t go to the laundry
Don’ts
- Don’t pack everything you own; you will probably undergo a change in personal dressing style once at uni
- Don’t buy too many new clothes just for your uni, you probably will be doing a lot of shopping once you are at uni
Kitchen Essentials
Do’s
- Do carry cutlery and basic crockery for at least two people, in case you end up inviting someone over before you have had the chance to go shopping
- Do keep at least one pan in which you can make one-pot dishes with ease
- Packing ladles, sieves, spatulas, sharp knives, peelers and tin openers can go a long way
Don’ts
- While a pot is considered a university essential, carrying five different types of cooking utensils is not advisable. Chances are, that your student accommodation will provide you with a few of them already
- Don’t pack multiple cups, plates, spoons, etc; keep one replacement of these in case you break them but not loads. It is always advisable to buy more once you are at your destination
The above is a compact list of university essentials and what to keep in mind when packing. The right travel bags and things to put in those bags can make your transition into uni life much smoother!