UK University Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Your student’s UK dorm room will be all theirs (usually not shared), but it will be on the small side, so packing smart is key. Skip the rigid suitcase (it won’t fit under the bed), keep luggage foldable, and focus on essentials they’ll actually use.
Definitely buy bedding in the UK - it’s bulky to transport by plane and unlikely to fit the different bed sizes over there.
Carry-On Luggage
Passport and any other photo ID
Folder with hard copies of all documents needed for UK immigration (keep in your hand luggage)
Health insurance documents (if applicable for travel insurance)
Medications (prescriptions)
Electronics: laptop, headphones, phone, chargers
Adapter plugs for UK (Type G)
Small change of clothes
Essential toiletries
Credit or debit card for immediate expenses
UK address (permanent or temporary; university halls address if applicable)
Checked Luggage
Clothing you can layer + weatherproof jacket. (Fall weather often starts early September in the UK, so minimal summer clothes required).
Shoes for everyday, dressy, and sports use
A warmer coat
Sports/activewear + swimsuit
A few dressier outfits for events
Basic medicines not sold in the UK under the same brand/formula (e.g., Tylenol, NyQuil, Aleve, Benadryl, melatonin, Neosporin). You can buy great alternatives over there but may prefer your usual brand.
Use soft/foldable suitcases, rucksacks or duffel for easy dorm storage.
What Not to Bring
Bulky bedding, mattress topper and towels (buy in UK)
Large hard-shell suitcases (storage space is minimal, make sure your luggage folds as flat as possible)
Extra toiletries (bulky and heavy to pack, can easily be bought in UK)
Too many summer clothes (autumn weather comes quickly)
UK Shops for Student Supplies
Bedding, Kitchenware & Home Essentials
Amazon.co.uk – Huge range; use Amazon Lockers if you can’t deliver to halls yet
Argos – Affordable bedding, kitchenware, small appliances; click-and-collect in Sainsbury’s stores
IKEA – Value bedding, storage, kitchenware; delivery available
Wilko – Budget bedding, towels, cleaning items
Primark Home – Very cheap bedding, cushions, and room décor
John Lewis – Quality home goods and bedding, more upscale
Marks & Spencer – Iconic UK brand for reliable bedding, kitchenware, food, and clothing
Dunelm – Wide range of home goods at good prices
Stationery & Study Supplies
Ryman – Quality stationery and tech accessories
WHSmith – Notebooks, planners, stationery
Paperchase – Stylish stationery (more expensive)
The Works – Cheap stationery, art, and craft supplies
Electronics & Tech
Currys – Laptops, printers, small appliances; student deals
Argos – Affordable tech; click-and-collect
John Lewis – Reliable electronics with warranties
Amazon UK – Fast delivery on a huge range of tech
Apple Education Store – Student discounts on Apple products
General & One-Stop Shops
Tesco / Sainsbury’s / Asda / Aldi / Lidl – Large supermarkets that also sell bedding, kitchenware, and stationery
B&M / Home Bargains / Poundland – Discount household goods and snacks
💡 Tip: Sign up for TOTUM, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans to get student discounts at many UK retailers.
About Jo Clark
Jo Clark is the founder of Overseas College Counseling, based in New York City. She specializes in providing expert, friendly, and personalized guidance to U.S. students and families navigating the application process to universities in the UK and Europe. With years of experience and a deep knowledge of international admissions, Jo helps students find their best-fit university, understand entry requirements, and submit standout applications—making the journey as smooth, stress-free, and successful as possible.