Uni Essentials Checklist: What to Take

☐    Bathrobe

☐    Cotton buds

☐    Dental floss and mouthwash

☐    Deodorant

☐    Hair dryer

☐    Hairstyling products

☐    Hand mirror

☐    Shampoo and conditioner

☐    Shaver / hair remover

☐    Shower caddy and wash bag

☐    Shower shoes (thongs)

☐    Shower gel (or soap + holder)

☐    Skin and nail products

☐    Tissues and sanitary products

☐    Toothbrush and toothpaste

☐    Towels and washcloths

☐    Treatments and medications

☐    Boots and sandals

☐    Clothes bin, hangers

☐    Jackets / coats

☐    Jewellery (and box)

☐    Pants / jeans, belt

☐    Pyjamas

☐    Sewing kit

☐    Shirts / blouses

☐    Shoes (trainers, smart, casual)

☐    Shorts / skirts

☐    Sunglasses, sunhat

☐    Sweaters / jumpers

☐    Travel bag

☐    T-shirts

☐    Underwear and socks

☐    Bank account details

☐    Credit / debit card

☐    Health insurance (int'l students)

☐    Medicare card

☐    Passport or driver licence

☐    Room agreement and info

☐    Student loan info

☐    Uni correspondence

☐    Games console

☐    Musical instruments

☐    Playing cards

☐    Speakers

☐    Adhesive strips (bandaids)

☐    Antiseptic cream / wipes

☐    Cold and flu medicine

☐    Contraceptives / protection

☐    Earplugs

☐    Hot and cold packs

☐    Gel or water lubricant

☐    Pain relievers

☐    Prescriptions

☐    Sunscreen

☐    Throat lozenges

☐    Tweezers

☐    Vitamins / supplements

☐    Bottle / can opener

☐    Bowl and plate

☐    Chopping board

☐    Cleaning spray

☐    Clothes drying rack

☐    Cutlery (small set)

Kitchen tip 1

Don't buy or bring extra things until you've checked you need them. Kitchen things are often supplied.

☐    Duct tape

☐    Insect spray

☐    Laundry basket or bag

☐    Mug and drinking glasses

☐    Paper towels

☐    Reusable metal water bottle

Kitchen tip 2

A small microwave for a residential college room is handy (if you're allowed).

☐    Reusable plastic bags

☐    Sandwich bags

☐    Scissors

☐    Tea towels

☐    Tupperware containers

Kitchen tip 3

In shared private accommodation, it's good if each person supplies different things for the kitchen.

☐    Beach towel

☐    Bike with lock

☐    Raincoat and umbrella

☐    Sports equipment (e.g. frisbee)

☐    Sportswear / gym gear

☐    Swimwear

☐    Area rug

☐    Bed sheets (x2)

☐    Desk lamp

☐    Doona / duvet (x2) and covers

☐    Fan

☐    Guest bedding (basic)

☐    Mattress cover

☐    Pillows (x2) and cases

☐    Poster hangers

☐    Posters

☐    Tool kit (basic)

☐    Whiteboard and markers

☐    Backpack

☐    Desk organiser

☐    Diary planner

☐    Folders / binders

☐    Highlighters

☐    Hole punch

☐    Notebooks

☐    Paper clips

☐    Pens

☐    Post-it notes

☐    Ruler

☐    Stapler with staples

☐    Batteries

☐    Extension cord

☐    Headphones

☐    Laptop

☐    Mobile phone and charger

☐    Powerboard with surge protection

☐    Scanner / printer

☐    Socket converter (int'l students)

☐    USB memory stick

You can be relaxed about packing for your first year of university.

• Anything you don't have can be bought later.
• It's a good idea to travel light and keep money in hand.
• Leave behind things you don't need, including large suitcases and old textbooks.

Banned items in college residences

If you are staying in a residential college (or other place with strict rules), you will be limited in what can be kept in your room. Apart from obvious things (like fireworks and dangerous chemicals), the college will list commonplace items which are banned.

Dangerous, messy, large or electricity-sapping items

Even if it's not listed, hall managers may take exception to having things such as dartboards, a home brewing kit, extra furniture (e.g. bookcases), or a portable air conditioner.

Fire hazards

Any potential fire risks are usually banned. These include: candles and incense, electric blankets, halogen lamps (which get hot), space heaters, toasters and other cooking appliances.

Pets

You may be able to keep a goldfish in a dorm room, but that's about it. Even in private accommodation, pets such as birds, dogs and cats are usually not allowed.

Do I Need a Car at Uni?

No – you don't need a car at uni. You probably don't even want one.

Most Australian uni campuses are attended by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of students. Car spaces are quickly filled by teaching staff, other employees, and students who have to drive. Getting a park during busy times can be extremely difficult.

Universities actively encourage students to use public transport and actively discourage (with permit fees) driving. It is generally easier, and almost always cheaper, to use other transport, such as uni shuttles, other buses, trains and trams.

A car may be a good option for a regional campus or just for driving on weekends.

☐    Bread

☐    Cans – baked beans, spaghetti, soup, tuna

☐    Cereal – oats, Weet-Bix

☐    Dairy – milk, cheese, yoghurt

☐    Frozen meals

☐    Fruit, vegetables and nuts

☐    Herbs and spices – mixed, chilli

☐    Margarine (or butter)

☐    Meat, fish and eggs

☐    Milo / coffee / tea

☐    Noodles and pasta

☐    Oil – olive, frying

☐    Onions and garlic

☐    Potatoes

☐    Rice

☐    Salt and pepper

☐    Sauces – tomato, soy, mustard, chilli

☐    Spreads – vegemite, peanut butter, jam

☐    Sugar

☐    Tomatoes – chopped, paste

☐    Baked beans / spaghetti on toast

☐    Chilli con carne

☐    Curry and rice

☐    Fried rice / one pan rice

☐    Hamburger

☐    Jacket potatoes / praties

☐    Nachos

☐    Omelette

☐    Pasta bake, tuna mornay

☐    Pumpkin or minestrone soup

☐    Roast beef, lamb or chicken

☐    Salad with feta, egg or salmon

☐    Sausages / steak and mashed potato

☐    Shepherd's pie

☐    Spaghetti bolognese

☐    Steak and eggs

☐    Stir fry

☐    Tacos, burritos, fajitas

☐    Takeaway – pizza, fish n chips, Asian

☐    Toasted cheese sandwiches