Let’s break it down so you don’t arrive with five pairs of scissors and no bedsheets (it happens more than you'd think).

Bedroom Basics

Your room will probably be small but mighty. You’ll want to make it feel like home without bringing your entire childhood bedroom.

• • Bedding: Duvet, pillows, covers, fitted sheets (take 2 sets — you will spill something, and laundry day isn’t every day).  You can bring your own, go shopping when you arrive in Belfast (IKEA have great student starter kits )or you can order everything ahead of time from UniKitOut and have it delivered before you arrive on campus. You can order them here & save 10% on your order with discount code QUB10.
  • Fairy lights or lamps: Mood lighting is a must. Don’t forget, LED battery operated fairy lights only!
  • Photos or posters: Make your space feel like your space. Don’t forget, decorate the noticeboard only, not the walls!

Kitchen Kit

You won’t be opening a Michelin-starred restaurant, but you’ll need the basics.

• • Plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery: One or two of each. You’re not hosting a banquet.
  • Frying pan + saucepan: For eggs, pasta, and panic meals.
  • Spatula, wooden spoon, tongs: Whatever helps you stir stuff.
  • Tea towel & sponge: Don’t be the one who never washes up.
  • Reusable water bottle: Hydration = concentration.
  • Tupperware – a student’s best friend – keeps your fridge from looking like a science experiment:  everything has a lid, a place and a purpose!

Bathroom Bits (Yes, You Do Need Your Own Loo Roll)

If you're in shared accommodation, it's bring-your-own-everything.

• • Towels (2): One for you, one as backup.
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel — the usual suspects.
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops): Communal showers especially!
  • Toilet roll: You’ll thank us on day one.

Random but Essential

These are the underrated heroes of your uni life.

• • Laundry bag/basket: Dragging clothes in a bin bag is a rough look.
  • Washing tablets/powder: Even if you don’t know how to do laundry yet, you will learn.
  • Scissors, tape, blu-tack: You’ll use these more than you expect.
  • Painkillers/plasters/cold & flu tabs: handy to have just in case!
  • ID + passport photos: Some societies, forms, and gigs ask for these out of nowhere, as well as at accommodation check-in!

Tech + Study Stuff

• • Laptop + charger: Your best mate during deadlines.
  • Headphones: For pretending you're working in the library when you're actually just vibing.
  • USB or external hard drive: Backup your essays like your life depends on it. Because it kinda does.
  • Stationery: Pens, highlighters, notebooks. Or buy them after you arrive.

Weather essentials for Northern Ireland

Our weather loves to keep you guessing – sunshine, rain, wind, all in the same hour! It’s usually on the cooler side, so pack warm clothes, a good raincoat, and definitely an umbrella (trust us, you’ll need it). Think of layers as your survival kit – it’s like dressing for four seasons in one day!

🔥 Final Advice

You don’t need to pack your whole life — if you forget something, you can buy it. Or better yet, borrow it from your flatmate and never return it (kidding... kind of). The main thing is to arrive with the basics, an open mind, and maybe a spare fork.

Now go forth, pack smart, and get ready for the chaos, fun, and the most amazing student experience! 🧑‍🎓🔥