Packing Essentials

These are some tips on what to bring for moving in. Don’t forget that despite being a small city, Durham has plenty of shops for you to pick up anything you’ve forgotten.

ESSENTIALS

  • Form of identification - passports (most convenient for international students)/ driver’s license/ other forms of ID with photo

  • Student loan information

  • Any information that college or your department has sent you

  • Laptop and charger

  • Academic diary/planner

FOR YOUR ROOM…

  • Duvet & Pillowcases - If you bring several sets, you’ll be able to operate a one-on-one-off system and subsequently ease the pressure to do the washing!

  • Bedding - you will be provided with a mattress, but you will have to bring bedding with you, so make sure to bring your duvet and pillows, plus cases, and a bedsheet!

  • Blanket - It can get a bit chilly at night! Bring an extra blanket with you to make sure that you can stay warm and cosy through the nights.

  • Laundry basket/bag - make it easy for yourself to keep a tidy room - simply put your clothes that are in need of washing into your basket or bag! And when they build up, cart the bag to the Howlands building and do the washing, easy as that!

  • Extension leads - it is convenient to have an extension lead in case you run out of wall plugs or to charge your phone/laptop wherever you need to in your room!

  • Storage boxes to put under your bed.

  • Hangers to go in your wardrobe.

  • Shower mat if en-suite, flipflops if shared bathroom.

  • Pins for noticeboards.

  • Toilet paper (unless you have shared bathrooms)

CLOTHES

  • Warm clothes and shoes - Durham gets cold in the winter- bring lots of coats and layers. The hills and cobbles of Durham can get very slippery when it rains or snows, so it’s good to bring durable and hard-wearing shoes.

  • Smart clothes - from the first night and beyond, there will be many events that encourage you to dress smartly (matriculation, locomotion and formal dinners, Balls, etc). If you can bring a suit, a dinner jacket, or formal dress that you own, it will come in handy!

  • Funky clothes and accessories - fancy dress events are always a good excuse to wear any funky clothes and accessories - we do love a good dress-up night!

KITCHENWARE

  • Crockery - speaks for itself we think! You need something to eat and drink out of! A few plates, a bowl and a couple of mugs is plenty. However, feel free to bring more!

  • Tea, Coffee, and Biscuits - although tea and coffee are provided by the JCR, it’s also a great idea to have some in your room for emergency caffeine hits. Invite others for tea and biscuits as well - it’s an excellent way to make friends!

FRESHER’S WEEK SPECIFIC

  • A white top to be written on during the White T-Shirt Party.

  • If arriving by car, something red to put in your windscreen when arriving.

  • Shoes you don't mind clubbing in.

  • Food to share with your flatmates - it’ll help you start the conversation!

  • A week’s worth of food - it’ll save you going to the shops during the already busy week!

  • Cold & Flu tablets for when the Fresher's flu hits.

THINGS YOU DON’T NEED

  • Bedroom & bathroom bins are provided.

  • You are not allowed to keep items like toasters, kettles or ricecookers in your room.

  • Fairy lights & candles are not permitted in your rooms as they are a fire hazard. Door stops are not permitted since the doors in your accommodation are fire doors and must remain closed for health and safety purposes.