What to bring

We’ve put together a list of all the things you might need to bring with you to uni, covering key documentation needed by everyone as well as practical items to bring if you are moving into university halls or private accommodation.

For everyone, whether you are living away from home or not

Documentation

  • Passport or other official photo ID - such as your UK driving licence.
  • You may need to bring original certificates for your qualifications - we will contact you via email if this is the case.

If English is not your first language:

  • Your original certificate for your most recent or highest English language qualification.

If you are an international student with a visa to study at the University of 91快活林:

  • Your original certificates for all qualifications which were identified on your CAS.

Study materials

Don’t worry if you don’t have all your study materials or equipment in place before you arrive. Our on-campus also sell most of the items you will need at a reasonable price.

  • Stationery: pens, notebooks, highlighters, diary, post-it notes, folders.
  • Laptop: see our Helping you make the most of your studies guidance for the minimum laptop specification if using your own.
  • If you don’t currently have laptop that meets these specifications, there are computer rooms available at each campus - simply book a PC via .
  • Materials or equipment for your course: your school will let you know about any specific equipment or uniform that you require - this might be arranged after you arrive.
  • Reading lists: you can find these in the module areas on My Studies, which you can access through . You can access all the books and resources you will need for your course through our four libraries.

Finances

  • Bank debit card and/or credit card: Make sure you have enough money to last for your first two weeks, in case there are any delays to your student finance.
  • Student discount card: Sign up to TOTUM or UNiDAYS to save money.
  • Rail Card: Save a third on rail travel with a 16–25 Railcard. Full-time students over the age of 25 can also apply, using the Mature Student form.

Our Student Advice team are always on hand to help you with any financial queries.

If you are moving into halls or private accommodation

These lists are just a suggestion to help you plan for the move - don't worry if you don't have everything on them.

It might be easier to buy things once you’ve settled in, especially if you are coming from overseas or via public transport. There are plenty of affordable shops near each campus, or you could make use of online communities to source items second hand.

Things you'll want to get to easily

  • Instructions on how to get to your accommodation and collect your keys
  • Snacks
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Toilet roll
  • Pyjamas.

Documentation: 

  • Photo ID such as your passport or UK driving licence 
  • The booking confirmation of your moving in slot. If you are moving into Mithras Halls of Residence, please also bring a paper or digital copy of your licence agreement.
  • Proof of student finance letter
  • University acceptance letter.

Bedroom

Halls: All our halls rooms are furnished with a bed, desk and clothing storage, so there’s no need to bring any furniture.

Private renting: Check your contract for what furniture will be included in your room. If you need to buy any extra furniture, try larger charity shops or use Facebook marketplace.

You’ll need: 

  • Duvet and pillows 
  • A couple of bedding sets: duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets 
  • Mattress topper 
  • Laundry basket or bag, and washing detergent
  • Clothes for all seasons, plus activities or events: sports clothes, swimming gear, fancy dress etc.
  • Clothes hangers
  • Chargers: phone, laptop, shaver etc.
  • UK plug adaptors, if you’re from overseas

You’ll probably be working and relaxing in your room, so here’s some ideas of extra things our students bring to make their space comfortable:

  • Bedside lamp
  • Desktop mirror
  • Decorations: posters, fairy lights, pictures, or artwork 
  • Cushions, blankets and rugs
  • Storage boxes to keep your space organised
  • Extra clothes rail or storage, if you have a lot of clothes 
  • Plants
  • Games or sports equipment.

Bathroom

You'll need: 

  • Shower gel and shampoo 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Skincare products
  • Haircare products, including styling tools 
  • Razors or shavers and shaving cream 
  • Grooming kit including tweezers and nail clippers 
  • Medical prescriptions 
  • Sanitary products 
  • Make-up and remover
  • Bath and hand towels 
  • Deodorant and perfume or aftershave 
  • First aid kit – plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes

Depending on where you are living, you may have a bathroom to yourself or share it with others. Students with shared bathrooms often bring a waterproof bag for easy transport of their toiletries, and some like to bring flip flops for the shower too. 

  • Hand soap 
  • Toilet roll 
  • Air freshener 
  • Bath mat
  • Cleaning products - if your bathroom is shared, it will be cleaned as part of your halls accommodation fee.

Kitchen

Halls: All our halls are self-catered and come with a kettle, toaster and microwave.

Private renting: Check your contract to find out what's included in your tenancy, or contact your letting agent.

You'll need:

  • Microwaveable plates, bowls and side plates
  • Mugs and glasses 
  • Knives, forks and spoons 
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knives and scissors
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Tin opener
  • Saucepans and frying pan
  • Baking tray
  • Kitchen utensils - tongs, wooden spoon, spatula, serving spoon, potato masher
  • Measuring jug
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Grater
  • Corkscrew and bottle opener
  • Storage tubs
  • Recipes
  • Food and drink, or place an online food order once you arrive
  • Cling film and tin foil
  • Tea towels and oven mitts
  • Kitchen roll
  • Washing up liquid
  • Washing up brush or sponges
  • Cleaning products – your kitchen will be cleaned as part of your halls accommodation fee, but you will have to keep it clean and tidy too.

Left something behind?

You can buy anything you’re missing or everything you will need once you’re here - it will also save on packing!

Here are some nearby shops that will stock anything you may need (most links open Google maps):

City Campus

Falmer and Moulsecoomb