What to pack

A parent and student unpacking their suitcase in halls

As a student living in accommodation, there’s some important things that you will need to bring with you to University.

Packing advice

While you'll want to have your home comforts around you, it’s important to remember that storage space is limited.

Get an idea of what your accommodation will look like by selecting the halls you have been allocated to.

If you are an international student, read our dedicated packing advice.

We’ve partnered with Unikitout – the UK’s leading provider of student packs – who offer great value bedroom, bathroom and kitchen packs with all the right things to help you get settled in at university. Browse their packs and purchase online now.

Be prepared

What to pack for starting at the University of Surrey: advice from the Students' Union

Packing checklist

Packing the right things can be a challenge, so we've put together a handy packing checklist to get you started.

Confirmation email from pre-registration online (this can be showed on your phone)
Visa (if relevant to you)
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) (if relevant to you)
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate (if relevant to you)
Accommodation confirmation (if you are living in University residences)
Additional Learning Support form (if applicable)
Passport for registration and/or driving license for ID
NHS medical card
National Insurance number
Bank statements (in case you want to open a student bank account)
P45 from your last job (to enable you to get a job while at Surrey)
Passport photos (can come in handy for signing up to clubs, etc).

Bed linen, blankets, duvets and pillows (or you can purchase a bedding pack for when you arrive at our online shop). Electric blankets are not allowed.
Personal items – photo frames, posters, etc.

Plates and bowls
Chopping board
Cutlery
Tea towels
Oven mitts
Cooking utensils (saucepans etc)
Crockery (plates, bowls, mugs etc)
Tin opener
Food storage containers
Cheese grater.

Bath towels and hand towels
Essential toiletries – soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.

In addition to comfortable clothes and footwear for your days around campus, you may want to bring:

Fitness or sportswear
Smart clothes for interviews or going to work
Coats, jackets and jumpers for the winter months
Clothes hangers
Laundry basket
Laundry bag.

You can buy study materials (pens, calculator, notepads, etc) from a shop in town or Tesco Guildford, but you may want to bring your own. You might also want to start purchasing books from your reading list in advance.

Laptop/computer/tablet
Portable speakers
Cables (ethernet cable, multi-plug adapter, USB cables etc)
Mobile phone and charger
Television*.

* If you bring a TV then by law you must also purchase a TV licence. There are also communal televisions in court receptions that are available for use.

What not to pack

Candles, joss sticks or use naked flames or ‘hookah’ pipes
E-scooters are prohibited on campus and it is also against the Conditions of Residence
Heaters, refrigerators or large electrical items
Weapons or replica weapons, including guns, air guns, swords, knives, etc.