Nottingham is home to top universities like the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University (NTU). Moving to uni in this vibrant city is exciting, but packing can be overwhelming. AchGoldEstates offers fully furnished student homes near campus, so you can focus on classes and friends instead of furniture. For example, one listing promises you’ll “sleep comfortable, modern & safe in Nottingham (varsity.achgoldestates.com). A smart packing list will ease your move. Below is a friendly checklist covering room, kitchen, bathroom, and study essentials to help first-year Nottingham students feel confident and excited to begin university life.
Essentials for Your Student Room
Even fully furnished, your AchGold room will need your personal touch. Start with the basics: bring bedding (sheets, duvet, pillows – and two sets for laundry rotation (alifemoreorganised.co.uk). Add a mattress protector and your own duvet cover if you like. For clothes, pack plenty of hangers and consider under-bed or wardrobe organizers to maximize space. A laundry basket or bag keeps dirty clothes in check. Your study area needs good lighting and power: take a desk lamp and a multi-plug extension (for laptop, phone, and other devices).
- Bedding & Linens: Sheets, duvet cover, pillows, mattress protector (alifemoreorganised.co.uk). (Two sets recommended!)
- Clothing Storage: Hangers, wardrobe organizers or clothes rack, laundry basket.
- Desk & Tech: Desk lamp, laptop and charger, phone charger, USB drives, UK plug adaptors(nottingham.ac.uk).
- Room Organization: Coat hooks, small shelf or shoe rack, decorative shelf, desk organizer.
Kitchen Supplies
Whether your kitchen is shared or private, bring the basics to cook simple meals. Two sets of plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery are ideal (for guests or dirty dishes) (alifemoreorganised.co.uk). Pack a frying pan, a medium saucepan, and basic utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, can opener). Don’t forget a kettle and toaster if you like quick breakfasts. Reusable containers and zip-top bags are great for leftovers. Also bring tea towels, dish soap, and sponges for cleanup.
- Dinnerware & Cutlery: 2+ plates, bowls, cups/mugs, knives, forks, spoons (alifemoreorganised.co.uk).
- Cookware: Frying pan, saucepan, kettle, toaster.
- Utensils: Spatula, wooden spoon, can opener, scissors.
- Storage: Tupperware containers, cling film, zip-top bags.
- Cleaning Supplies: Dish soap, sponges, kitchen towels, bin bags.
- Cooking Basics: Salt, pepper, cooking oil, tea/coffee to get started.
Tip: Talk with flatmates first – you can share extras like a blender or baking tray to save space (nottingham.ac.uk).
Toiletries & Bathroom Items
Having your bathroom kit sorted makes life easier. Pack at least two bath towels and two hand towels. A shower caddy or toiletry bag keeps shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and skincare organized (blog.advanced-showers.com). If you use a communal shower, waterproof flip-flops or shower shoes are a must to protect your feet (blog.advanced-showers.com). Other essentials: toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel/body wash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toilet roll (just the first roll), and a bath mat.
- Towels: 2 bath towels, hand towels, washcloths.
- Shower Gear: Shower caddy/toiletry bag (blog.advanced-showers.com), flip-flops/shower shoes(blog.advanced-showers.com).
- Toiletries: Soap/body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor.
- Essentials: Toilet roll, tissues, feminine hygiene products.
- Extras: Bath mat, small waste bin, laundry detergent pods.
Note: Student bathrooms usually have hooks and a mirror, but floors can be slippery – bath mat and shower shoes are especially important (blog.advanced-showers.com).
Study Supplies
Pack the tools you need to study effectively. A reliable laptop and charger are essential. Bring notebooks or folders for each class, plus pens, pencils, and highlighters. Extras like an external hard drive or USB stick help save assignments. Carry a sturdy bag or backpack to hold your gear. For studying on the go (library or café), include headphones/earbuds, a portable phone charger, and a reusable travel mug for coffee or tea.
- Tech & Electronics: Laptop/tablet and charger, USB drives, calculator.
- Notebooks & Stationery: Notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, highlighters.
- On-the-Go Gear: Backpack, headphones, phone charger, travel mug.
- Extras: Desk organizer, planner or calendar, comfortable headphones.
Clothing & Weather Prep
Nottingham’s weather can change fast. Pack layers for all seasons: t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and a medium jacket. A waterproof raincoat and umbrella are essential – rain can appear any time. Include warm items like a heavier coat, scarf, and gloves for winter (it gets chilly with frequent rain). Don’t forget everyday basics: jeans, pajamas, underwear, and a couple of pairs of shoes (trainers and one nicer pair). Also pack at least one smart outfit (jacket or dress) for presentations or interview events.
- Rain & Cold Gear: Waterproof coat, umbrella, warm hat/gloves.
- Layers: Sweaters, hoodies, long-sleeve shirts.
- Basics: T-shirts, jeans, pajamas, underwear, socks.
- Smart & Active: One formal outfit (jacket/dress); sports gear or trainers if you use the gym.
- Other: Laundry hamper or bag, shoe cleaning supplies (Nottingham’s rain can make footwear muddy).
Remember: Bedrooms can be chilly at night. Bringing a cozy duvet or extra blanket can help you sleep warm.
Personal Touches
Make your new room feel like home. Bring photos of family and friends, posters of places or art you love, and decorations like fairy lights or cushions. Pack a favorite blanket or hoodie, and maybe a plush toy or memento for comfort. If you have hobbies, bring a related item: a sketchbook, guitar, or sports gear. Personal touches like a scented candle (if allowed) or your favorite coffee mug can lift your spirits. In short, pack a few items that make you smile.
- Decor & Comfort: Photos, posters, cushions, cozy throw.
- Hobby Items: Musical instrument, sports gear, craft supplies, books.
- Extras: Favorite pillow, stuffed animal, scented candle (if permitted).
- Treats & Snacks: A packet of your favorite tea, snacks or chocolate from home.
- Sentimentals: Keepsake or mug that reminds you of home.
Digital Checklist (Bonus)
We’ve created an AchGoldEstates University Packing Checklist to make packing foolproof. You can download a printable PDF of this checklist to tick off each category above. We also offer an interactive online checklist on our site – update it on your phone as you pack. This ensures nothing gets left behind during the Freshers’ rush.
- Printable PDF: Download the AchGold packing list to check off items.
- Interactive List: Use our online checklist and mark items as you pack.
- Handy Tip: Keep the list on your phone or tablet while shopping for supplies.
Quotes & Testimonials
“I forgot to bring a desk lamp and ended up studying by my phone’s flashlight for a week – lesson learned: always pack good lighting!” – Alex, Nottingham Freshman
“I overpacked clothes and had to leave half my wardrobe at home. Talk to your flatmates – we shared kitchen stuff and saved tons of space.” – Priya, NTU Student
“Bringing my comfy bedspread and favorite pillow was the best idea. It made the dorm feel like home right away.” – Joe, First-Year at UoN
Our students share real packing tips – skip the surprises and focus on studying!
Ready for a stress-free move to Nottingham? AchGoldEstates has fully furnished student properties near all major campuses. Each home comes with bills included (gas, water, electricity) and fast Wi-Fi, plus even extra perks like a welcome grocery pack. Visit AchGoldEstates today to book a viewing and find your perfect Nottingham student home. We’ll handle the house – you handle the packing with this list! Happy packing, and welcome to Nottingham!
