Essential university packing list

We'll send you arrival instructions email in September with details and hall-specific guidance.

You'll then need to follow these steps to make sure you’re ready for your move into halls.

1. Use the accommodation portal to complete your Essential Life in halls induction.
2. Book your arrival day and time. Bookings open early September.

International students

If you're a new international student with a place in a University hall or at Orion Point, you can:

•  book our meet and greet service. Bookings open in mid-August
• choose an earlier contract start date so you have time to open a bank account and complete your in-person Right to Study checks

Students with additional needs

You may be able to arrive earlier for a quieter arrivals experience. 

If you think this would help you, you can request this through the Student Disability and Inclusion team. 

If your plans change

You can book a different arrival day and time, if available, through the accommodation portal.

If you need to delay your arrival by more than 2 weeks, contact The Student Hub so we can advise you.

What to expect when you arrive

When you arrive at your halls site, it will be busy. Hundreds of students will be moving into their new home at the same time. Staff will direct you to the correct place to park and unload your belongings.

After unloading, go to the signposted key collection point to collect your room key or electronic key fob.

You can borrow a trolley to help you transport your belongings. Student ambassadors will be around the site to guide you to your block and answer your questions.

Parking in unloading areas is limited. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle so other students can use the space.

Your accommodation already includes many essential items but you'll still need to bring some things to make your room feel like home. 

Before you pack:

• Check what’s included in your accommodation.
• Check the size of the bed in your room so you know what bedding to bring.

When packing, use reusable luggage such as suitcases where possible. These are easier to store once you arrive or send home later. Please avoid using cardboard boxes, as they create unnecessary waste.

Important items to bring

Remember to bring these personal items with you:

• check in letter (either printed or on your phone)
• photo ID (passport, driving licence, etc)
• phone charger
• a pen and paper

Here's a list of what we provide in your halls and what you'll need to bring for your bedroom and the kitchen.

Southampton and Winchester have plenty of shops and supermarkets where you can buy anything you may have forgotten. They are easy to reach using the Unilink bus service.

The University of Southampton partners with UniKitOut. You can order bedding, kitchen, bathroom kits, and more, to be delivered directly to your halls for when you arrive. Use the discount code SOUTH10 to save 10%. 

Electrical safety

You can use one extension lead per wall socket, as long as the total load does not exceed 13 amps.

Position cables carefully so they do not create a trip hazard.

Chargers, adaptors and multi-socket extensions must have a CE mark or a BSI (British Standards Institution) Kitemark. This shows the product has been tested to meet EU or UK safety standards.

Find out more about electrical safety in halls.

TV license

If you watch or record live TV on any channel, or download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer, whether live, catch‑up or on demand, you must have a TV Licence. 

You can check if you need a licence, and how to pay for one, on the TV Licensing website.

There are many hotels and guesthouses in Southampton, Winchester and the surrounding areas, so friends and family will have plenty of places to stay.

We cannot offer additional rooms on campus, and family members are not able to stay in student rooms during arrivals weekend. This helps students settle in, meet their flatmates and start feeling at home.