Starting university is a thrilling milestone, but the transition can be daunting without proper preparation. Recent data reveals a 400% surge in Google searches for packing inspiration, highlighting students’ eagerness to create the perfect checklist for their move to campus. To ease this process, Charlie Lemmon, senior community manager at Chapter London Bridge, a leading student accommodation provider, shares expert advice to help students pack smarter and reduce stress.
Packing for university often feels overwhelming, with students tempted to bring everything they own. However, Lemmon warns against this common pitfall: “The biggest mistake students make is packing things they will never use. It’s easy to imagine you’ll need every outfit you own, a full kitchen setup, or all those ‘just in case’ items, but the reality is quite different.” Every year, students arrive with suitcases overflowing with items that remain untouched, while essential, practical items are often forgotten.
To help students streamline their packing, Lemmon offers practical tips to ensure a smooth move-in experience.
Tips for packing smart
- Skip the rarely used extras. From a 12-piece kitchen set to a pile of unread books, chances are, they’ll stay untouched. If you’re not at least 90% sure you’ll use it regularly, leave it behind; your future self will thank you when it’s time to pack up again.
- Prioritise your daily go-tos. Start with what you use every day: phone chargers, a power bank, headphones, toiletries, a comfy hoodie, a cosy blanket, flip-flops, and a reliable desk lamp. These are the items that help you settle in and feel at home.
- Don’t overlook the tiny lifesavers. It’s often the little things that make a big difference, like extension leads, a laundry bag, Blu-Tack, plasters and painkillers.
- Pack for organisation. Storage boxes, drawer dividers, folders for paperwork, and stick-on hooks can help keep even the smallest room tidy. A well-organised space can do wonders for your focus and wellbeing during busy terms.
- A mini toolkit equals maximum convenience. It may seem over-the-top, but a basic toolkit with a screwdriver, scissors, and a tape measure will come in handy more than you’d think. Whether you’re adjusting furniture or hanging decorations, it’s a quiet hero during move-in.
- Be realistic about clothes. Consider whether you really need to bring your entire wardrobe. If you’ll be heading home during term breaks, you can switch clothes seasonally, so leave bulky coats or summer gear behind if they’re not needed straight away. And if you haven’t worn it in years, it probably doesn’t need a place in your suitcase.
Lemmon also advises students to adopt a minimalist mindset: “Avoid the ‘just in case’ mindset and focus on what you’ll actually use. Whether you’re moving 20 minutes down the road or to another city, a streamlined packing list will help you settle in faster, stay organised, and avoid lugging unused items back home at the end of term.”
This advice comes at a critical time, as the surge in packing-related searches reflects growing anxiety among students about getting it right. By focusing on essentials and organisation, students can reduce clutter and create a functional living space that supports their academic and personal wellbeing. For those moving into student accommodation like Chapter London Bridge, where space can be limited, these tips are especially valuable.