What to bring
You've probably got a fairly good idea of what you need to bring with you already, but there are some things that might not immediately spring to mind when you come to pack your suitcase and you'll wish you had thought of once you get here!
Below are some suggestions of useful items that might help make it easier to settle in during your first week here. This is by no means an extensive list, but it should help you to get started.
You can download and print out this list to help you with your shopping and packing:
Important documents:
- ID (e.g. passport, driving licence)
- Any official paperwork you have received from the University
- Bank details, cards, chequebook and paying in book
- National Insurance Number (if applicable)
- NHS card (if applicable)
- Details of your student finance arrangements (if applicable)
Things for your room:
- Alarm clock (for early lectures)
- Lamp
- Drawing pins
- Bed linen - including sheets, duvet/blankets, pillows and cases
- Towels
- Clothes (including some fancy dress for themed parties!)
- Coat hangers
- Extension lead
- Socket adapter (for international students)
- Stereo or iPod/PC speakers
- Personal items and toiletries, such as soap/shower gel, shampoo, shaving equipment etc
Kitchen equipment:
-
Tin opener
-
Knives
-
Saucepans
-
Frying pan
-
Baking tray
-
Plates and bowls - microwavable ones are a good idea
-
Cutlery
-
Mugs, cups and glasses
-
Corkscrew
-
Vegetable peeler
-
Measuring jug
-
Grater
-
Masher
-
Cling film
-
Foil
-
Tea towels
-
Recipe book
Things for your course:
- Stationery, including pens, pencils and highlighters
- Dictionary and thesaurus
- PC/laptop (including all the cables you need!)
- USB drive/memory stick
- Lined paper and notepads
- A4 ring binder
- Post-it notes
- Paper clips/treasury tags
- Scissors
- Sellotape
- Stapler
- Envelopes and stamps
- Any work from A level, Baccalaureat, BTEC etc that you think might come in handy
Other bits and pieces:
- Your address book, or at least a list of important numbers in case you lose your mobile
- Enough cash to get you through your first few days while you wait for your loan to come through
- Something to eat on your first night
- Your mobile phone and charger
- Torch
- Washing powder
- Paracetamol/aspirin
- Your favourite snacks to keep you going
- Superglue
- Games/balls/sports equipment
- Umbrella
- Sewing kit
Don't forget...
The most important thing to bring is something that will make Reading feel like home; it could be photos, pictures, postcards, or a poster (but doesn't have to start with a 'p').
Don't worry if you forget anything listed above - there are plenty of shops in Reading and on (or near) campus!