Figuring out what to pack for uni can be a daunting task – certain things are obvious (bedding, notepads, books etc.) but there are a few bits that are easy to forget, so let’s make a list, and then we’ll break down our top picks.
- Laptop
- Phone
- Headphones
- Chargers (for all of the above, plus a few extras just in case)
- Speakers
- TV
- Monitor (if your course is creative or very technical – you’ll probably need a second screen)
If all else fails, providing you’ve packed the above, you’ll have all your tech sorted. Now let’s break down the all-important bits of that list.
1. How to choose the right laptop for uni
Your second-in-command. Your weapon of choice. The font of all your knowledge.
Your uni laptop will be with you through thick and thin, so don’t skimp – invest in something that’s tough but light enough to travel in your backpack, and powerful enough to last all day (and night, of course). And if can be both a laptop and tablet? That's work and play taken care of.
Get one with Windows and you'll have all the apps you need to tackle those essays and nail those presentations!
2. Which portable speaker should I buy?
One way or another, you’re going to find yourself hosting a flat party at some point in your uni life. And when the time comes, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a decent speaker to get the party buzzing.
Go for something with Bluetooth connectivity so that any guest can play their favourite song. Then you'll want a long battery life so it can last all night long and with awesome bass and great acoustic range to raise the roof.
3. Choosing a coffee machine
Ahh, coffee. The elixir of students.
Save yourself the grief of spending a small fortune grabbing yourself a frothy mocha on your way into campus every morning. Instead, get a good coffee machine and make your own at home.
Coffee pods are a great way of getting your perfect coffe at the touch of a button - minus the grind. It may seem like a luxury. But when it’s midnight and you’ve got a deadline in the morning, you’ll be glad you invested in one of these.
4. Stay on top of your movement with a fitness tracker
Let’s not kid ourselves, it might be pretty hard to maintain a healthy, balanced diet at uni (shocker). All those late-night pizzas and student nights at the pub are going to take their toll eventually.
But if you invest in a fitness tracker, you’ll have nothing to worry about. It’ll show you exactly how many calories you need to burn to stay in shape, and track your activity – including the sports you’ll force yourself to get up early for.
Plus, you can hook it up to your phone and monitor everything from heart rate to work outs - even if that's just you throwing shapes on the dancefloor!
5. The best cameras for university
Over your time at uni, you’re going to have some incredible experiences and meet some awesome people. What better way to preserve those memories than with an instant camera?
Sure, you could take photos on your phone. But can you stick those photos to the wall of your bedroom? Not without great difficulty. That’s why – if you’re as sentimental as we are – you ought to invest in a cool camera that takes proper pics.
Want more advice?
We've covered some of the essentials to take to uni with you, but if you need some more expert help, you can chat to one of our colleagues in store or on ShopLive.
