What should students buy during their first week at university?

Great question! The first week at university is all about settling in and making sure you have everything you need for a comfortable start. Here’s a checklist of essentials students should consider buying or arranging during their first week, especially for those studying abroad:

1. Bedding & Room Essentials

- Bedsheets, pillowcases, duvet/blanket, pillows
- Mattress protector (often required in dorms)
- Laundry basket/bag
- Hangers for your wardrobe
- Desk lamp or bedside lamp

2. Kitchen & Food Supplies

(If you are in self-catered accommodation or have access to a kitchen)
- Basic cookware: saucepan, frying pan, spatula, wooden spoon
- Plates, bowls, cups, mugs
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Food storage containers
- Dish soap, sponge, kitchen towel
- Starter groceries: rice, pasta, noodles, snacks, tea/coffee, milk, bread, eggs, etc.

3. Personal Care & Toiletries

- Towels (bath and hand)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant
- Hairbrush/comb, nail clippers, shaving kit
- Laundry detergent

4. Academic Supplies

- Notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters
- Folders/binders for organising notes
- Laptop and charger
- USB drive or external hard drive
- Backpack or sturdy bag

5. Electronics & Connectivity

- Universal power adapter (for international students)
- Extension cord/power strip
- Phone charger and headphones
- SIM card or arrange local mobile connection

6. Clothing & Weather Gear

- Weather-appropriate clothes (jackets, raincoat, umbrella, boots for colder countries)
- Formal wear for orientation or networking events
- Gymwear if you plan to use campus facilities

7. Safety & Health

- Basic first aid kit (painkillers, plasters, antiseptic cream)
- Prescription medicines (if any) and copies of your prescription
- Emergency contact list

8. Documents

- Copies of important documents (passport, visa, admission letter, insurance, etc.)
- Student ID (will be issued by university, but carry your admission letter for initial days)
- Proof of address (for opening a bank account)

9. Others

- Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
- Padlock (for lockers)
- Small toolkit (screwdriver, scissors, tape)
- Photos or decorations to personalise your room

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Tip:
Most universities have welcome fairs where you can buy SIM cards, open bank accounts, and get student discounts on essentials. Also, check what is already provided in your accommodation to avoid buying duplicates.

If you need more personalised advice based on your destination country or university, Pollster Education can guide you further! Just let us know your study destination or university, and we’ll tailor the list for you.

Need help with your pre-departure planning? Contact us at +919324480791 or info@pollstereducation.com for a FREE checklist and guidance!