This September, my son is heading off to university - and as a first-time “uni mum,” I’ve been riding a wave of emotions. Super proud of him, and also excited for his journey, but also nervous, and a bit overwhelmed at the amount of things we need to purchase and fit in to one room!
I started to search for what to pack for University UK and when to start packing for uni. All the official Uni checklists are really helpful, but personally I have found the tips shared by other parents who have already been through this most useful.
So I thought I’d put all the advice, hacks and gift ideas together for anyone else in the same boat.
This is not just about bedding, and extension leads. It’s also about creating a space that is comfortable, calm and thoughtful touches to help our kids feel like home.
When Should You Start Packing for University?
If you’re wondering when to start packing, here’s a timeline that’s my friends gave me. I started buying early on in August so we aren’t overwhelmed in September.
- 6 weeks before OR as soon your room has been allocated!: Buy big items like bedding, a mattress protector, pans, and under-bed storage and an airfryer!
- 3–4 weeks before: buy accessories like a rug, lamps, hangers, plates, towels, a fan and a speaker.
- 1–2 weeks before: Start to pack clothes, toiletries, and pack photo in a frame to make it feel like home, blankets and essentials for the kitchen and bathroom.
- Final few days: Add chargers, snacks, and frozen meals for the first few days, important documents, and any last-minute extras (plus tissues for me!). Wash the bedding and put the sheets on and vacuum pack for saving car storage.
Bedroom & Storage Essentials
Here are some of the best tips I’ve been given from other parents.
- Bedding from Dunelm - they offer 10% off with a uni confirmation email.
- Hypoallergenic full mattress cover with zips (student mattresses aren’t always new).
- A good quality mattress topper for comfort - I ordered mine is from John Lewis.
- Quick-drying sheets from Dunlem - practical when laundry is limited.
- Plastic or foldable underbed storage boxes - great for moving clothes, then reusing for dry food and things you want to keep in your room.
- A throw - cosy for lounging, especially when friends visit so they aren’t sitting directly on the bed.
- A cosy rug to cover drab student carpets.
- Use vacuum pack bags to save space in the car.
- A clothes airer and a dehumidifier – to remove excess moisture to make the room healthier and less damp.
- Shoe rack or Shoe organiser
Kitchen & Cooking Must-Haves
Shared uni kitchens can be chaotic, so choose smart, durable unique basics.
- Pyrex dishes with lids – cook, eat, and store leftovers in the same dish.
- Air-Fryer – A game changer for students – quick and healthy meals.
- Unique looking plates and bowls and cutlery so everyone knows it’s yours
- Freezer food bags - I got different sizes from Ikea ad they are useful for leftovers
- Good knives, potato peeler, can opener - the unsung heroes.
- Food containers - I have gone for a mix of glass and stainless steel to keep them low tox.
- Check the hob type (induction vs electric) before buying pans. I am going for The Jamie Oliver Tefal range as it’s durable and toxin free, (Dunelm sets are budget-friendly)
- I asked my family if they’ve got spare kitchenware - no need to buy everything new.
- Unique cutlery so it doesn’t get mixed up with others.
Optional extras if you have space:
- A small air fryer for quick meals – My friend recommended that it’s better to be 3 litres as others are too small.
- NutriBullet for smoothies or protein shakes.
- AWok – surprisingly versatile.
Cleaning & Shared Space Tips
Not everything needs to go on the list — some things are already provided.
- Many halls supply a hoover and ironing board in shared cupboards.
- We got a a handheld steamer because it’s handy to use in your room.
- Extension cables – there are never enough plugs.
Comforts & Sentimental Touches
I’ve loved planning this the most. Uni is exciting but also overwhelming – so adding some home comforts will help once the excitement wears off.
· A framed family photo (with a hidden £50 note tucked behind “for emergencies”).
- Those photo gift mugs with pictures of family memories – hopefully no-one else will want to use these.
- I loved this idea -: “Open When…” envelopes
- Open when you miss home
- Open when you need motivation
- Open when you’re broke and hungry
Inside include: a personal note, voucher, a favourite snack, or even a silly family photo.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Uni Students
If you’re looking for what to buy a student going to university, here are some practical and thoughtful gift ideas for university students:
- Practical gifts: Power bank, Board games, Quality Bluetooth Headphones and wireless portable speaker.
- Well-being gifts: Cosy blanket, favourite snacks, or a safe, a Reed Diffuser and a Room Mist to keep your room smelling fresh and enjoy the calming effects of essential oil. Great for Calm and Focus.
- First Aid and Medical Kit – Freshers Flu is real
- Emotional gifts: Handwritten letters, photo frames or digital photo frames, “Open When” envelopes.
I think scent is underrated. Using scent helps the room feel less clinical (or smell like pizza and trainers 🥴). A reed diffuser and room spray is a lovely, safe way to create calm and make the room smell like home. Mine will be taking both from Amaura London of course!
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips help. You don’t have to get it perfect — you just need to pack the basics, add a few thoughtful touches, and send them off with love and they can buy more as they settle in an figure it out!
Here’s to this exciting new chapter — for them, and for us. 💛
