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Every Fresher does it. No matter how organised or prepared you think you are, when it comes to packing for university, you’re guaranteed to bring a list of things you don’t need and will never use.

Overpacking for university is hard to avoid. After all, it’s you’re first time living away from home with no idea what to expect, so you can’t be sure what you need to take to uni and what can easily be left behind.

So to literally help lighten your load and create some extra space in your luggage, here’s a very handy list of things you absolutely do not need to bring to university.

1. Toiletries
Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles can add considerable weight to your luggage, which can be especially problematic if you’re travelling to university by plane, where every kg counts. A good rule of thumb when packing for uni is to leave things behind if they can be purchased easily and inexpensively where you get there. Unless you have fancy cosmetics you can’t live without, a good portion of your toiletries will fall under this category.

2. All Your Clothes
It can be very tempting to pack your entire wardrobe for university, as you’ll want to have plenty of outfit choices for all the nights out. However, clothing space in university halls can be limiting and to be honest, you’ll end up spending the majority of your time in loungewear, sweatpants and pyjamas. When packing clothes, only bring items that you have worn in the past year and leave an expensive or designer pieces at home, as you won’t want to risk any damage or theft.

3. An Iron
Any student will tell you that an iron is, hands down, the most pointless item you could bring to university. When you start doing your own washing and laundry, ironing will seem like a pointless waste of time. And besides, you’ll find easier/lazier ways to straighten out your clothes; like bringing them into the bathroom when you shower and letting the steam do the work, or putting them under your mattress when you sleep, to let your bodyweight flatten them.

4. Luxury Kitchen Items
In most student halls, flats and accommodation, your kitchen will be stocked with all the necessities, including a kettle, a toaster and a microwave. You’re unlikely to have luxury items, such as a toastie maker or a rice cooker or a fully stocked rack of spices. However, it’s best to avoid bringing these with you as, if you’re sharing a kitchen, you run the risk of damage. Try not to panic-pack your kitchen supplies; bring only the basics such as a couple of plates, bowls and cups with a few knives and forks. If you find there are items you absolutely need, you can always buy them in a local shop or supermarket.

5. Old School Books And Notes
Although you might want to be the most conscientious student on campus, there is no need to bring all your old school books, folders and files. When you begin university, you start almost from scratch and the majority of your old notes will be irrelevant. The best idea is to leave all of these weighty items at home and, if it turns out that you do urgently need them for your studies, you can use a cheap parcel delivery service or a student shipping service to deliver them. 

6. Your Recommended Reading List
It might seem sensible to buy your entire reading list before term, but it’s best to wait until your course begins before purchasing any books. Not only are books heavy to transport, but until you begin studying, you won’t be sure which books you need, which can be borrowed from the library, and which you can go without entirely. 

7. A Printer
If your course requires you to print a lot of pages, then your own printer may be worthwhile. If not, it will be a complete waste of space in your room at halls which will already be packed full. The university’s own printers will be just as handy and you won’t be bombarded with requests from friends to “just print one little page” for them.

8. Stationery
When starting a new term, it’s always fun to stock up on loads of fancy stationery, but for university this isn’t necessary. When you attend the Fresher’s fairs and events, you’ll be able to pick up enough free pens, USB sticks and notepads to last you a lifetime.

9. A Car
Your car may be an essential part of your day-to-day life at home but at university, it’s somewhat of significantly less use. Most universities are centrally located within walking distance of most shops and, furthermore, public transport is just as efficient. Parking at university can also be a hassle as spaces are limited and expensive. 

A Bit About Our Contributor: My Baggage

My Baggage are Experts at Shipping Luggage around the World. We make worldwide luggage delivery convenient for Students, Businesses, Holidaymakers, the Forces and Seasonaires.

Article written by Lana Richardson, blog editor for My Baggage.