The ULTIMATE Packing List For University Students 2020

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Samudraki's Saturdays



Moving out of your home, city or even country for the first time can be daunting, yet exciting! University is all about discovering yourself and learning to be independent. If you're moving to university for the first time, and especially during 2020, a few things have changed from the regular university experience. Due to online classes, students are now home-bound for many hours than expected. This means that you actually do not need that "extra" luggage option when booking flights. So here I present to you, the ULTIMATE packing list to university in 2020!

What you SHOULD bring to college: 

  1. Important Documents: Without these you can't register yourself at the city hall, hospital and university
    • Passport
    • ID card
    • Student Visa
    • Flight Information
    • Admission Letter
    • Medical Records & Prescriptions
    • Insurance
    • Bank Statements
  2. Travel Adapter: Without this your devices won't work, unless you buy new tech here
  3. Contact List: Make a list of all the important numbers and addresses because phones can get lost or stolen
  4. Tech: You could also buy them here, but don't forget to show your university ID card to avail student discounts!
    • Phone
    • Laptop
    • Tablet
    • E-Reader
    • Cables & Chargers
  5. Backpack: You will need this from day one, so don't wait to buy it from here. It can also double up as hand luggage while travelling!
  6. Herbs, Spices, Recipes: Dutch food is pretty bland, you've been warned!
  7. Cash: Bring enough to last you the first few weeks of purchases, since opening a bank account might take a while in processing all the new students' accounts. I would suggest ₠1000 just to be on the safe side
  8. Mementos from home: Homesickness is inevitable, so to make it a bit more bearable definitely bring pictures and souvenirs from home of your family and friends
  9. Appropriate Clothing: You're going to be home alot and during the winter months, so bring something warm and comfy for this semester
  10. Some basic toiletries: You will need these as soon as you reach to freshen up, so don't bring too many towels, shampoo, conditioner and soap. You can always buy more once you're here.
These are the absolute essentials that you MUST bring from home. However, some things are not crucial and take up way too much space and weight in your suitcase. So to avoid that, here's some things that I would highly recommend you leave at home. Trust me, I'm learning from my mistakes. Also, don't worry about bringing 2 suitcases, they can become storage under your bed at home. Dutch houses and rooms are tiny, so suitcases are a good option for additional storage. 

What you SHOULD NOT bring to college: 
  1. All Your Clothes and Shoes: It is not necessary and with the winter approaching, summer clothing can stay behind. Also, dutch houses are extremely small, so only carry how much can fit!
  2. Dried/Dehydrated Food: You will miss Mom's food, but don't dehydrate and bring it. Instead, bring the recipes and cook it here yourself
  3. TV, Microwave, Mini Fridge: You can get all of this here and maybe even cheaper with your university student card! There are plenty second-hand stores in the city and on Facebook, so check those out  first  before buying new appliances
  4. Pillows and Bedding: These take up way too much volume in your suitcase! It might be more expensive here, but you'd rather save on suitcase space for more important items
  5. School Supplies / Stationery: You will need this from day one, so don't wait to buy it from here. It can also double up as hand luggage while travelling!
  6. Shower gel, Shampoo and Conditioner: Liquids in such big bottles tend to burst in the suitcase during transit, so buy your toiletries here instead
  7. Shoes: You seriously do not need to bring all your shoes (fancy, casual, formal, etc.), a few pairs are enough. Definitely invest in a good pair of sneakers because you'll be walking and biking ALOT!
  8. Books: As much you like reading, you honestly won't get time to read for fun because you'll be engrossed in your textbooks more than story books
  9. Expensive Items: Theft in share student housing is very common, so you don't want to loose your valuable and expensive items such as branded bags or jewelery. If you really want to bring them, then make sure they can be safely stored (eg. safe at home/bank or cupboards with a lock)
  10. Parents/Family: You are coming to university to learn to be independent, so say bye-bye to your family and don't bring them with you when you're moving. Make your own mistakes and that will help you grow!

I hope this list (and tips!) help you pack for university! Let me know in the comments what were your packing experiences like? I had to buy extra luggage allowance of upto 50kgs!!! Good luck to all the new incoming students for starting their semester despite of Covid-19. Happy packing and safe journey!

XO, Samudraki



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