Helping your child know what to pack - moving out of home and into university accommodation

Once a university place has been secured, it’s time to celebrate. Make the most of enjoying the moment and be sure to share with your child how pleased you are for them. After the celebrations, it’s time to prepare. This is a wonderful opportunity and you’ll want to help your child make the most of it.

Help your child to organise what they’ll need to take with them when they go to university. This means everything from course materials, laptops, phones to bedding, cooking equipment and clothes plus all the appropriate paperwork such as bank accounts, TV licences, insurance and new travel passes. It will make their life easier if they know how to plan ahead and it will make you feel more comfortable knowing they are well-prepared.

Knowing exactly what to pack will largely depend on the type of accommodation your child has applied for. Although most halls of residence provide students with single standard size beds, some private accommodation or alternative arrangements may differ - so it is always worth checking before purchasing any bedding.

Try to keep to the basics when it comes to kitchen utensils and try to purchase items, which are easily identifiable - bright colours or patterns will help your child keep track of their items.

If you are helping your child move into their new university accommodation, then it may be a good idea to factor in some time for a trip to the local shopping centre for any last minute purchases

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Essential items not to forget:

Important documents

• Passport

• Driving licence

• All university and accommodation correspondence

• Insurance documents

• Bank details

Electricals

• Laptop and chargers

• Mobile phone

• USB stick

• Headphones

• Extension cables

Stationery and course books

Kitchenware

• Cutlery and crockery

• Kitchen utensils

• Recipe books

• Cooking equipment

• Some favourite snacks

Bedroom

• Coat hangers

• Duvet, pillow, mattress protector and sheets

• Wash kit

• Photographs of family & friends