When I was packing for university, I honestly thought I was being smart and prepared. I had three suitcases, a carry-on, and what felt like my entire life shoved into packing cubes. But as an international student, I quickly learned that half the stuff I carried across borders never even made it out of the suitcase or worse, just took up space I really needed for things I actually used. If you’re about to start uni, especially abroad, here are five things that I promise you do not need to pack.
- Excessive stationery
I thought I needed a year’s worth of notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and highlighters in every colour of the rainbow.
In reality, I use one notebook, a handful of pens and everything else is written on my laptop or iPad. Stationery is heavy and you can buy what you need locally. Remember there is such a thing as too much. Bring one or two pens and a small notebook to get started. Buy the rest later if you even need it as most notes are mainly all done online.
- Your entire wardrobe
I’m guilty of this. I packed clothes for every possible version of myself: and in the end I wore the same rotation of jeans, hoodies, and shoes 90% of the time. And since I moved abroad, I realised that style shifts with your environment. You pick up new clothes that actually fit the local vibe and weather. So, it’s best to stick to basics and a couple of outfits for nights out that can be versatile. Leave the “just in case” tops behind.
- Bedding and towels
As an international student, this one hurt the most. I was contemplating stuffing thick blankets and sets of towels into my suitcase. Do not make this mistake and just settle for getting everything you need once you arrive. Bedding will eat up so much space, and every uni town has options at IKEA, Primark, B&M or Home Bargains. Towels especially are not worth hauling halfway across the world. You're better off buying everything when you arrive.
- Kitchen gadgets
The truth is, most accommodations have shared kitchens with the basics eg, the hob, a microwave and an oven. You’ll probably adapt to cooking with whatever’s available or survive on frozen meals and late night takeouts. Gadgets just means hauling unnecessary weight and taking up unnecessary space. If you’re dying for a specific appliance, buy it once you’ve settled. Don’t try to predict your cooking habits before you even know what your schedule looks like.
- Knick knacks
When I first moved, I wanted pieces of home everywhere: photos and decorations. While it’s nice to have reminders of home, you really only need one or two things to make your space feel yours. The rest just clutters up your room and makes moving again more stressful. I learned that I don’t need to carry items that have no purpose and are just there for sentimental value. Just pick a couple of meaningful things, like a framed photo or small keepsake and leave the rest. You’ll create new memories and collect new items anyway.
In conclusion
If you’re heading to university, especially if it's in another country just remember that less is more. You don’t need to predict every possible scenario. Pack lightly, bring only the essentials, and buy things once you know you actually need them. Honestly, the fewer things you drag with you, the easier it is to settle in, move around and actually enjoy the experience. Trust me, your future self who has to repack at the end of the year will thank you.
