Hi guys! I’m Emily, a first-year student at the University of Exeter, studying Modern Languages. As I pack up my things ready to move out of my first-year accommodation, I am transported back to the memory of getting everything ready to move to Exeter, faced with the overwhelming feeling of staring at an empty suitcase, not knowing where to start, or whether I needed four different pans and every top I’d ever owned. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.
So, if you’re about to take the exciting leap into university life and are wondering what to pack, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a prospective fresher anxiously preparing for your first year, or someone returning after summer, this is your all-in-one guide on what to pack (and what not to pack), including some tips on staying budget friendly!
Let’s make packing a little less stressful, and a lot more practical!
Packing on a Budget – Where to Shop & How to Save
First up, I want to debunk the myth that you need to spend a fortune to be well-equipped for moving into university. Most students (like me) are on a tight budget, and that’s totally normal and feasible: if you shop smartly and efficiently you can get all your essentials without breaking the bank.
Luckily, Exeter has a lot of budget-friendly shops where you can buy all your essentials once you arrive. These are some of my personal recommendations:
- Wilko – Best for cheap stationery, homeware, cleaning products and other bits and bobs like extension leads.
- Savers / Poundland – These two are great for affordable toiletries, laundry detergents and basic household items.
- Iceland / Tesco – These are both only a short 15/20 minute from both Exeter campuses, so are ideal for doing your weekly food shop if you don’t want to lug groceries far or don’t have a car.
- Asda / Morrisons (Online) – If Iceland or Tesco aren’t your thing, or you don’t like the idea of having to face the hilly Exeter terrain with shopping bags at all (completely understandable), you could consider doing an online food delivery with your flatmates- by doing it together you can split the delivery cost, so it is a cheap alternative that will save you time (and an aching back!)
- H&M, Zara, Hollister – If you end up buying tickets for more events than you have outfits for, these are great shops for formalwear, or even just casual clothes just to give your wardrobe refresh. Luckily, they are all located within a 5 minute walk of each other, around the Princesshay area. There are also loads of other nice shops in this area, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
- Marketplace (the shop on campus) – The University of Exeter has ‘marketplace’ shops dotted around the Streatham campus. The main one is in the Forum and it has all your essential foods (including lots of international foods), so is super handy for last-minute items, snacks or milk runs in between lectures.
If you don’t mind going a little bit further by bus or car, it’s also worth knowing that there’s a Lidl near Heavitree and an Aldi in Alphington, which are great if you want to shop on a tighter budget.
Budget Tips:
- Buy in sets – Stores like Asda or B&M sell kitchen starter packs that are often much cheaper than picking up items individually.
- Shop second-hand – Charity shops are perfect for mugs, mixing bowls, or odd items when shopping for uni, aesthetics really don’t matter that much as you’ll quickly realise that kitchenware has a nasty habit of going missing or getting broken. It’s a good idea to start with items that aren’t too expensive or special!
- Avoid overbuying – It’s tempting to “prepare for everything,” but this often leads to bringing things you won’t use. Start with essentials (see my list at the bottom of this blog) then see what you need after a week or two.
- During Freshers’ Week, look out for freebies — lots of societies and student services give out tote bags, water bottles, stationery and even free or discounted food! (Last year Dominoes had a £5 large pizza deal, which I used more than I’d like to admit!)
Things I Wish I Knew
Looking back, there are so many things I brought with me that I never used — and plenty I didn’t bring that would’ve made life easier. Here’s what I (and many of my friends) learned the hard way:
- Distinctive cutlery is a lifesaver – When you share a kitchen, everything gets mixed up. Having colourful or patterned cutlery helps you spot your stuff instantly.
- Don’t bring expensive kitchenware – As I mentioned earlier, it could get broken, lost, or mysteriously disappear. Stick to basics.
- Only bring basic toiletries – You can buy everything you need once you’re here. Products might even be cheaper locally, plus this will save space in your suitcase.
- Skip the food haul – You can buy plenty of food when you get to Exeter, so don’t bother clogging up space in your bags. If you’re an international student, you might be tempted to pack comforting foods from home, but don’t worry – Exeter has several large international food shops! Larger supermarkets also often have good international food sections.
- Bring Crocs or sliders- It may seem strange to be walking around inside with shoes on, but after a week of living in a shared kitchen you will want them… just trust me.
What You Might Forget (But Will Definitely Want)
These are the items you probably won’t think to bring — but I promise you’ll be glad you did:
- Old clothes and fancy dress for socials –Bring old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or drawing on. If you’re thinking of joining basically any society, you’ll need costumes for Freshers’ Week, as societies often run social themed nights where everyone has to dress up. So, if you happen to have a random cowboy hat or neon shirt lying around…bring it!
- Tupperware – Essential for storing leftovers or batch-cooked meals. Saves time, money, and washing up.
- Formalwear – Exeter has a lot of end-of-term balls and formals. If you join societies, most hold at least one black-tie event a year!
- Storage boxes – Great for under-bed storage and keeping things organised, plus useful at move-out time.
- Photos, fairy lights and plants – These will make your room feel more homely and help massively with homesickness.
- Mattress topper – Your uni bed probably won’t be luxurious, so bringing a mattress topper can provide an extra layer of comfort.
- Laundry bag or basket (ideally with handles) – This will be a lifesaver when you’re lugging your dirty washing between your bedroom and the laundry room. A collapsible one is very practical as it is easy to store when not in use.
What NOT to Bring
You really don’t need to bring everything — trust me. Some things take up too much space or just aren’t necessary.
- Mirrors – Most University accommodation bedrooms have at least one full-length mirror.
- Air fryers, toasters, sandwich makers – Although it’s tempting to bring every appliance you own, they just clog up space in the kitchen, particularly if lots of people bring the same thing. Try getting in contact with your flatmates before you arrive to see if they’re bringing anything that you could share instead of doubling up.
- Too much stationery – Whilst it’s useful to have a few pens, a notepad and highlighters, you will use the online ELE site to access lots of your course materials, so you will only really need a reliable laptop or computer. If you find yourself needing more stationery, you can always buy more when you’re here.
- Duplicate kitchen items – You don’t need three spatulas. Bring the basics and build from there.
- Books from school –Unless you know your course requires them, wait and check your reading lists as a lot of the modules will be different to the topics you covered at school, even if it’s the same subject. For all the books you do need for your course, libraries and second-hand book sales are your best friends.
Essential Packing Lists – What You Actually Need
Here are my personal recommendations – although you can also find other useful suggestions on the accommodation pages for Exeter and Penryn campuses.
Bedroom Essentials:
- Duvet and pillows
- Bedsheets and mattress protector
- Mattress topper
- Blanket
- Photos
- Fairy lights or a desk lamp
- Fan (third term can get HOT)
- Earplugs (for Freshers’ Week especially!)
- Extension lead (this might be useful, although most bedrooms have plenty of sockets)
Kitchen Essentials:
- Duvet and pillows
- Bedsheets and mattress protector
- Mattress topper
- Blanket
- Photos
- Fairy lights or a desk lamp
- Fan (third term can get HOT)
- Earplugs (for Freshers’ Week especially!)
- Extension lead (this might be useful, although most bedrooms have plenty of sockets)
Optional shared items: chopping boards, baking trays, colander.
Clothes:
- Loungewear for chilling around your accommodation
- Sports clothes
- Everyday clothes for lectures and seminars
- Formalwear (balls, society events)
- Waterproof jacket & warm jumpers (it does rain quite a bit in Devon)
- Good walking shoes/trainers (Exeter is hilly!)
- Night-out clothes (heels are not necessary for an average club night in Exeter – jeans, trainers and a nice top are the norm)
- Old clothes/ fancy dress for socials
Other Essentials and Room Decor:
- Posters or photos from home
- Plants (fake = less maintenance!)
- Scent diffuser
- Memory board
- Cosy rug or throw for extra warmth
- Sticky hooks for coats, bags or dressing gowns
Side note: check that any fairy lights or other electronics comply with safety regulations, as certain types that pose a risk are not allowed in university accommodation! On that note, don’t make the mistake of bringing candles like I did, as these are classed as a fire hazard and are not permitted!
Tech to Remember:
- Laptop and charger (your uni lifeline!)
- Phone and charger
- Headphones
- Portable speaker (you will be very thankful for this at pre drinks, summer picnics, beach trips, etc.)
- USB sticks or hard drive (it’s always good to back up your work)
Extras That Might Come in Handy:
- Small first aid kit (plasters, paracetamol, antihistamines)
- Sewing kit or mini clothing repair tape (you’d be surprised how useful this is)
- A small backpack or tote bag (for uni/library/food shops)
- Reusable water bottle (there are lots of refill stations on campus)
- Umbrella (get a compact one to keep in your bag – Exeter’s weather is very unpredictable!)
Final Thoughts – Advice From Experience
You don’t need to have everything figured out on Day 1. You’re probably overthinking packing like I was, but don’t worry because even if you have forgotten something, you will most likely be able to buy it in Exeter! You also don’t want to completely fill your room up with things as its surprising how quickly you accumulate new items at uni, so make sure to leave some space! My biggest piece of advice is to just enjoy the whole process: it’s so exciting to move into your own space and it goes by incredibly quickly, so take in every moment and cherish it! It’s also very important to remember that although it can be a scary and sometimes stressful time, everyone is in the same situation and you are not alone. Moving out of your home and into university accommodation is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever make, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun – packing is just the first step. So, take a deep breath, zip up that suitcase (maybe sit on it first), and get ready for an incredible year of memories!