Monday 14-08-2023 - 13:40

So you're moving to Lancaster and you're probably starting to think about what you need to bring with you - the struggle is real. We're here to give you a hand with our ultimate uni packing list to get you thinking about some of the things you might want to get ready. Don't worry if you think it looks like a long list - it is - and we don't expect you to buy and bring everything on there. In fact, we're telling you not to! Before downloading the list at the bottom of this page, check out our top tips for things to think about before the big move.

 

Starter pack, unlocked 

 

 

Moving to uni can be expensive, pretty unsustainable and a bit of a logistical nightmare but it doesn't have to be! Introducing... Green Lancaster's ECOPacks. Every year, Green Lancaster run the Don't Ditch It project where students like you already living in accommodation donate their unwanted household items instead of chucking them in the bin. On average, 45 tonnes of household items are saved from landfill each year! Lots of these items go out to over 40 charity partners and the rest is resold to new students creating a circular economy on campus.

Whether you're wanting to keep your baggage to a minimum, up for saving some cash, looking to be more sustainable or all of the above, you can prebook an ECOPack for bedding and kitchen items to save you the hassle of buying and transporting them. The bedding packs are professionally laundered before being resold and for just £22 you can have a duvet, pillow, duvet cover, pillow case and sheet ready for your arrival at Lancaster. If you just need some of those bedding items, smaller bundles are available too. If it's sustainable and pre-loved kitchenware that you're looking for, then look no further than the kitchenware bundles. For just £5 each, you can choose from crockery, utensil and/or cooking sets to get you set up with all the essentials. 

ECOPacks should be booked before arriving at Lancaster and you can book yours now. Packs will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis so please wait for your confirmation email to confirm your booking. 

 

Keep it green 💚

 

 

As well as the ECOPacks, there are tonnes of household items that you can pick up once you get here at Green Lancaster's ECOShop. Open from Arrivals Weekend right through Freshers' Week, the shop in Alexandra Square will be stocked full of pre-loved household essentials including kitchenware, decor, coathangers, textbooks and more. With suggested prices from just 50p for plates, bowls and mugs, the ECOShop is a popular way to look after your pocket and the planet in the first weeks of term. On our ultimate packing list, you'll see items marked with a stamp for those often available at the ECOShop on arrival. 

Level up your sustainability game by going plastic-free and swapping your cosmetic and cleaning products out for sustainable alternatives. Our very own Central Supermarket (on the South Spine next to Grizedale Bar) sells a range of sustainable products including soaps and shampoos. Don't forget to bring your reusable essentials to save yourself buying single-use all the time. We'd recommend getting hold of a good water bottle, coffee cup and lunch box - most places will offer a discount on your coffee if you use your own cup!

 

Don't forget the paperwork

 

 

It's not the exciting stuff but there are various bits of documentation that you might need while living in Lancaster so don't forget to bring them along. Proof of age identification will be needed for a range of things so bring a driving license, passport or other form of ID if you have one. Your National Insurance and NHS numbers will come in handy throughout the year so make sure you have them jotted down. For international students, there are other things that will be useful for you to bring including a credit card which comes in useful for setting up a UK bank account, some money in UK Sterling and a SIM card. 

 

Bring a big coat ☔

 

 

We admit it, Lancaster can sometimes be a bit wet. Scratch that, we're one of the rainiest cities in the UK so be prepared with a good coat and umbrella. Don't worry, the Spine running from one end of campus to the other is mostly covered and we've become pretty expert at managing to get across campus while staying dry. Trust us, when the sun does come out, it makes it all the more glorious. 

 

Check out the list 👀

 

Click below to download the full guide.