What to pack

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

Packing advice and checklist

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.

Packing checklist

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

Documents  
  • Confirmation email from online registration (this can be showed on your phone)
  • Bring a debit/credit card as campus is completely cashless, including launderettes.
  • Visa (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).
Bedroom
  • Bed linen, blankets, duvets and pillows (or you can purchase a bedding pack for when you arrive at our online shop). Ensure you pack or buy a thick enough duvet as England can get cold, hot water bottles are also a popular choice for keeping warm. Electric blankets are not allowed.
  • Personal items – photo frames, posters, etc.
Kitchen
  • Plates and bowls
  • Chopping board
  • Cutlery
  • Tea towels
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooking utensils (saucepans etc)
  • Tin opener
  • Food storage containers
  • Cheese grater.

Our kitchens come with a toaster, kettle, iron, fridge, freezer and ironing board.

Bathroom  
  • Bath towels and hand towels
  • Essential toiletries – soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Toilet roll (if in en-suite accommodation)
  • Bathroom cleaning products such as detergents and bleach (if in en-suite accommodation)
Clothes and storage

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.
Study equipment

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.

Electronics
  • Laptop/computer/tablet
  • 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.

Be prepared

  • What to pack video image

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

  • Unikitout box

    UniKitOut offer great value bedroom, bathroom and kitchen packs, delivered direct to your accommodation

What not to pack

  • Candles, joss sticks/incense or shisha
  • 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.

Pack valuable items separately so that they can be kept on your person.

Pre-order your student packs from Unikitout

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. Plus, Surrey students save 10% with code SURREY10.

Browse Unikitout packs and purchase online now

Buy bedding packs from the University

We also have bedding packs on offer for you to purchase from our online store. These will be delivered directly to your room if purchased more than a week before arrival.

Alternatively, bedding packs are available to purchase from either Stag Hill Reception or MySurrey Hive Manor Park.

Browse University bedding packs online

Clearly mark all your luggage with your name, court and room number.

Pack your things in containers that can be easily lifted.

Bring food with you or visit Tesco Guildford once you have unpacked.

Keep electronic devices (laptops etc.) and valuables separate to your other luggage and carry these with you to your room.

Discover more

Accommodation guides

Guides for all the halls, including floor plans and video tours.

Moving-in weekend

We will be welcoming thousands of new students to our campus from around the world, and you will be experiencing university life for the first time.

MySurrey Help

Search MySurrey Help to find useful articles about life at Surrey