Decisions... Decisions...
It’s all too easy to bring too much stuff to university, so we hope this guide will help lighten the load. Generally speaking, rooms in Halls are not large and storage space, particularly in shared kitchens, can be sparse. It’s also worth trying to pack only you can feasibly fit into a single car journey.
Necessities – Your No. 1 Priorities
The key to avoiding packing too much is knowing what to expect when you arrive. Email or call ahead of your moving-in date to enquire about what will or won’t be supplied in your room e.g. bedding. The following list assumes that you’ll only find furniture when you arrive.
Bedroom
- Pillow/s and pillow cases
- Duvet or quilt and covers
- Bed sheet/s
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Tip #1
Plan what to wear!
Have a look at the Students Union entertainment line-up or ask your Hall JCR what their planning so you can bring appropriate clothes, for example a school uniform for school disco, costume for fancy dress etc.
Wardrobe
- Day-to-day wear
Prepare for every type of weather: hot, cold and wet.
- Clothes for sports/societies/volunteering
Plan in advance what student groups you might like to get involved with and come prepared e.g. football boots, trainers, wellies etc.
- Going out clothes
Pack something for those nights out or special occasions e.g. formal balls or dinners.
- Clothes hangers
Ask ahead if these are supplied with your wardrobe.
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Tip #2
Bring a soapbox.
If you prefer soap to shower gel bring a container to store it in. There aren’t always soap holders or shelves in the shower cubicles.
Bathroom
- Bathroom towels (dressing gown is optional)
- Toiletries
E.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant etc.
- Flip-flops
Just a cheap pair of flip flops and/or shower mat to use in communal showers will do.
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Tip #3
Naming your belongings.
In shared accommodation your belongings may be borrowed and used with out permission. Labeling your stuff helps avoid misunderstandings. If you have personal belongings that you would prefer no one else use keep these out of sight or in your room.
Kitchen
- Cutlery
A cheap set will do as these can often go missing, teaspoons and forks in particular.
- Crockery
Two of each, cheap/secondhand/or hand-me-downs from parents, are usually sufficient e.g. dinner plates, side plates, bowls, mugs (can use these for both hot and cold drinks)
- Utensils
E.g. Sharp knife, peeler, can opener, spatula, wooden spoon
- Cookware
E.g. Frying pan, saucepan, oven tray, colander, grater, chopping board
- Cleaning
E.g. Pack of sponges, dishwashing liquid, tea towels, laundry detergent/powder/tablets, fabric softner, laundry basket/sack (strong enough to transport heavy wet clothes to and from the laundry room)
- Storage
Plastic containers for keeping leftovers will help you to avoid wasting food and money. Clingfilm, foil and sandwich/freezer bags are also useful for storing food.
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Tip #4
Organise your notes.
Do this from the start and you'll thank yourself come exam time.
Save your back.
Only carry what you need. Have a small ringbinder for current modules and keep a leverarch folder in your room as an archive for past modules.
Studying
- Backpack or similar
- Stationery
Don’t bring too much with you! You can find most of your daily essentials at Campus Central.
- Course books
No need to buy new! Second hand copies can be found in Blackwells Bookshop in the Students' Union as well as charity shops in town or advertised by students on the University's personal ads page (note: university login required). You can save even more money by using Library.
Optionals – Things you can live without
Once you’ve figured out what you need to bring and how much spare space there is in the car, you can decide on what you want to bring. The following are things you can live without at uni - honest!
Entertainment
- Computer/laptop
Very useful for work and entertainment but don't worry if you don't have one! There are computer rooms scattered all over campus not including the Library, where the whole of the first floor (called S@IL) is dedicated to computers for student use.
- Television
Definitely not essential. Most halls have a communal area with a TV and often SKY subscriptions. If you bring a computer/laptop you can view most programmes online through site such as BBC iPlayer, 4 On Demand, ITV player and Demand Five. Mojo’s Bar, in the Union, also screens popular sporting events and makes for a much more social atmosphere than squeezing all your mates into your bedroom. If you do bring a TV check whether you need to pay for a TV license, ignorance is not an excuse!
- Playstation/Xbox/Wii etc
Pros: Good icebreakers if you have multi-player games.
Cons: Detrimental to your studying if you’re prone to distraction.
Alternatively, pack light and head down to Mojo’s Bar in the Union, where there’s a multitude of games on offer including pool, darts and Wii.
- Stereo/radio
Not essential, particularly if you have a laptop or mp3 player. In which case it'd be better to have a pair of modest speakers, but please be considerate of your neighbours!
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Decoration
- Posters
Check with your accommodation about their policy on putting up posters is as these can differ widely from place to place, with some having a blanket ban, others with restriction to designated pin boards. If you’re allowed to put posters up, these can be an easy way of personalising your room and making yourself feel more at home. Don’t have any posters? Don’t worry; there are poster sales on campus in Freshers’ Week and periodically during most terms.
- Photographs
Whether they're in frames or tacked to a wall, these help transform halls into homes and can provide interesting talking points.
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Tip #5
Keep your stuff safe!
Always close your windows and lock your room when you leave, even if you’re only popping to toilet. Keep valuables out of sight e.g. put mp3 players and laptops in drawers before you go out. Get contents insurance just in case the worst happens and you are burgled.
Transport
- Bicycles
There are plenty of bike racks on campus. However even a bike is not essential, most departments and accommodation are within walking distance. You can always pick up a cheap second-hand bike advertised on the University's personal ad page (note: university login required) once you're here. Always lock your bike a D-lock or two and insure your bike against theft along with all of your other valuables.
- Cars
Definitely not essential and often discouraged due limited parking space and risk of damage/theft. Most Halls and Departments are within walking distance. Reading has a good public transport service and if you still want access to a car for day trips or grocery shopping why not join the University Car Club?