What to bring to University of Portsmouth

I remember when I first moved in to halls back in 2014, I used to look for all the information I could find about my future life at university and specially in halls of residence. I used to live in halls, I got my first choice in Rees Hall, which is catered hall meaning they feed you at least 2 a day. I was pretty happy!

Back then I had to different rooms as my first, room 607 got a leak in the shower and I had to move to room 524 two weeks later and stayed in that room for the rest of my first year.

In this post I will show you what you have to bring to halls ! Make some notes!

Important Documents - Make sure you don't forget any of these or your first few weeks are going to become a nightmare.

Passport / Driving license
Accommodation documents
Bank documents
Passport photos
Insurance documents
National insurance documents or card
Medical/ Health documents or card
Student loan documents
Unconditional offer letter from Uni

Make sure you have a copies of all of these (the ones that apply to you) printed copies and online copies will save you from a lot of stress during your first weeks.

Bedroom

Bedding - Most halls have single beds. Don't forget a spare set for when you're washing the other!
Duvet and pillows
Mattress Topper - I bought an amazing mattress topper in my second year and it's the best thing I've done. Although be warned, you won't want to get out of bed and your bed will be where everyone gathers after a night out to discuss gossip.
Blankets - For cuddling up on the sofa whilst watching films in the living room and for when your beer jacket wears off after a night out.
Cushions - Every room looks more homely with a few cushions scattered on the bed.
Hot water bottle - I love my Cath Kidston hot water bottle. You'll appreciate it if your halls get cold in the winter!
Coat Hangers - Lots of people forget these!
Alarm clock - Just because you have an alarm on your phone, doesn't mean you will wake up.

During the past years the University used to provide a bedding pack to International students, worth asking if you will be given one on your arrival!

Bathroom

Towels - Of the bath and hand variety. Also don't forget spares for when the others are in the wash.
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Robe
Bath mat
Shower shoes! Specially if you are in a shared-bathroom accommodation
Plunger

Rees hall ensuit bathroom / Bateson shared bathroom and other parts of the accommodation

Toiletries

Shampoo and conditioner
Other hair products
Razor
Tweezers
Nailclippers
Hairbrush
Hairties
Perfume or body spray
Deodorant
Body lotion
Chapstick
Makeup
Hair straightener
Curling iron
Nail polish
Nail remover

Kitchen

Crockery - Bowls, Plates etc
Cutlery - Knives, Forks, Spoons. Take plenty, they have the tendency to disappear.
Glasses - Normal, Pint, Wine and Shot
Kettle/Toaster - These are sometimes provided and if not I'd still wait before you buy them. If you all decide to buy one you might end up with 6 toasters and 6 kettles in your kitchen.
Toastie maker - Again an amazing purchase I made in second year. Everyone in my house ended up using it! We highly recommend Nutella toasties or Cheese with sweet chilli sauce. Endless possibilities.
Saucepans
Frying pan - A must have for full english breakfasts and pancakes.
Baking tray
Cupcake tray/Cake tin - We baked a lot. It's a fun and relatively cheap way to spend an evening.
Tin opener - Top tip: If buying new, learn how to work it before you leave. I bought a fancy new one to take to uni and no one in the flat could work out how to use it. On the plus side it was a great bonding experience.
Corkscrew - Wine is cheap, this will be used.
Bottle opener - Guys will always need one of these during pre-drinks.
Vegetable peeler
Cheese grater
Wooden spoon
Spatular
Egg cup -
Masher
Microwaveable bowl
Measuring jug
Mixing Bowl
Colander
Whisk
Chopping knives
Chopping boards
Tea towels
Washing up liquid - Bring at least one of the jumbo size bottles. You'll be fed up of buying this by the end of the year.
Sponges - Bring a pack or two.
Tupperware - Perfect for storing left overs.
Sandwich bags
Cling film and Tin foil
Bin bags - Again, something to stock up on.
Recipe Book - No point bring all this if you've got nothing to cook. My mum wrote down the recipes for some of my favourite meals at home so I could recreate them.

Remember if you are in a catered accommodation you won't need most of these just make sure you got a set of plates and mugs, cutlery ! The rest is usually provided by your halls of residence!

Here is a picture of Rees Hall:

Laundry & Cleaning

Laundry Bag/Hamper - Dirty washing in the corner never looks good, plus you need some way of carrying all that washing down to the laundry.
Cleaning wipes
Stain remover
Laundry detergent/soap
Paper towels
Clothes fabric softener
Iron
Iron board
Sewing kit

This how some laundry rooms look like:

Other

Sleeping Bag - Always a good idea for if you have friends come to stay.
Door stop - Keep your door open! That way your flat mates know you're in the room and can come and say hi. Alternatively you could use a crate of beer like my flat mate.
Small bin
Extension lead - There aren't always enough plugs in halls. Best to take an extension lead so you can watch the TV, do your hair and charge your phone all at the same time.
Umbrella - Don't get a cheap one its not worth it because the wind will break it easily, buy a strong one!

Decorative

Decorative Items - Take some things to brighten up your room. I took an orchid for on my window sill, some pictures to put on my cork board and a few other bits and bobs to scatter round my room. (Take a look at Dormify on Pinterest. They have all sorts of tips on how to decorate your room.
Wrapping Paper - Bit of a strange one but most rooms in halls have a cork board. I covered mine in wrapping paper which made it looks much less boring and my room looked much more homely.
Photos from home - I made myself a photo album before I left.

Electronics

Computer desktop
Laptop
TV - remember you will have to get a TV license if watching live TV programs
Calculator
Printer - University gives you printing credit but sometimes this is not enough and its cheaper to get a printer, second hand will do!
Fan

Study supplies

Books - You can borrow books from the library for free! Worth waiting before buying books
Post-it notes
Calendar
Planner
Desk organiser
USB at least 8GB
Lamp desk
Headphones - You will need them!!
Scissors
Pens
Pencils