By
Halls Life
Posted 4 months ago
Fri 13 Sep, 2024 05:09 AM
You're about to start a new adventure at university, so it's time to prepare for the big move.
Our best advice is to travel light! Just bring enough kitchen/cooking items to get you started. Any forgotten items can then be bought with your flatmates to share.
There’s already a lot included in your accommodation so check what’s included below, to avoid doubling up on things.
When packing, try to use reusable items, such as suitcases, that can either be sent home or stored easily after arrival and avoid cardboard boxes wherever possible as they create a lot of waste.
- Bedding (duvet, duvet cover, pillows, pillow cases and sheets) you can check your bed size online
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Bath mat (for en suite accommodation)
- Laundry bag
- Clothes hangers
- Toilet roll and cleaning materials
Mains extension leads can be used provided that the load on the extension is a maximum of 13 amps and one lead per socket. Cables should be positioned carefully and not present a trip hazard.
- Crockery (plates, bowls, glasses, mugs)
- Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon)
- Cooking equipment (saucepan, frying pan, baking tray, oven dish)
- Cooking utensils
Top tip: don’t forget a bottle/can opener
You don't necessarily need to bring all these things with you on day one — you could wait to see what your flat mates bring with them so that you don't end up with eight kettles or cheese graters!
- Cleaning products including washing-up liquid, sponges, cloths and tea towels
- Chargers, adaptors and multi-socket adapters for your electrical items
Please note any electrical items used in halls must have a CE mark of a BSI (British Standards Institution) 'kitemark'. This means the product has been checked and tested to ensure it meets E.U. and/or BSI health and safety standards.
If you watch or record live TV on any channel, or download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer — be that live, catch-up or on demand, you will need a TV Licence. You can check to see if you need a TV Licence, and if so how to pay, on the TV Licensing website.
Bedrooms
- Bed, mattress & mattress protector
- Wardrobe
- Desk and adjustable desk chair
- Bookshelves
- Curtains
- Mirror
Kitchens in self-catered residences
- Oven and hob*
- Fridges
- Freezers
- Dining table and chairs
- Storage cupboards
- Ironing board
- Microwaves
- Rubbish bin
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
Please note: in our Enhanced Plus flats at Wessex Lane (Montefiore 1), the hobs are induction hobs requiring induction pans.
Kitchen/pantries in catered residences
- Small cookers/microwaves
- Fridges
And lastly, we will provide you with a cleaning pack which will get you through the first few weeks.
On moving day there will be some important things you’ll need to have to hand
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence, etc)
There are also some items NOT allowed at university
- Deep fat fryers
- Rice cookers not bought in the UK
- Candles, incense sticks, tea lights
- Smoking equipment like pipes and ashtrays
- Dartboards or any kind of weapons
If you forget any essentials, don't worry too much. Most things can be purchased once you arrive. However, a bit of planning ahead can make the move-in process smoother, allowing you to focus on meeting new friends and settling in.
If you have any questions not answered on our pages feel free to contact the Student Hub Accommodation Line via email accommodation@soton.ac.uk .
We look forward to welcoming you very soon!
