What you definitely need and also what you don't need

Packing and shopping for university supplies can feel overwhelming because of endless YouTube hauls and checklist templates telling you what to bring. To save you from such chaos and overload of information, here is a list of stuff you actually need to bring (and somethings you don’t really need to prevent over packing). 

Daily Essentials You Will Need 

1. Shower Flip-Flops + Room Flip-Flops

If you're in a shared bathroom accommodation, these are non-negotiable. Also, when you need to quickly step out of your room or don't want to walk barefoot in your room, don't forget flip-flops, you will be using them more often than you think.

2. Laundry Bag with Handles

You’ll be hauling laundry down hallways and stairwells and a cumbersome laundry basket will only annoy you, so bring a foldable laundry bag with handles.

3. Seasonally Appropriate Clothing

Sounds obvious, but many of us pack like we’re going on holiday. Bring layers. London weather is unpredictable, and halls can get chilly during the winter

4. A Sturdy Water Bottle & Travel Mug

LSE students walk. A lot. Having a water bottle saves money, and a travel mug means you can bring tea to your 9am lectures while also saving the planet. It is a win-win.

Things You Will Need for Lectures and Classes 

1. A Lightweight Laptop or Tablet

Almost everything at LSE is digital like problem sets, readings, submissions etc., so bring a reliable device that won’t break your back or shoulders when you are walking to campus or between classes.

2. Notebooks

Even if you mostly type notes, having one notebook can be useful for brainstorming, maths-heavy courses, or when your laptop dies mid-lecture.

3. Highlighters and Coloured Pens

Whether you’re revising or annotating readings, these make things easier to digest. They’re also surprisingly hard to borrow when you need them.

4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earplugs

Useful in the library, on the Tube, or when your flatmates are being loud at 2am and you have a 9am class the next morning.

5. A Small Backpack or Tote for Classes

Big enough for your laptop, notebook, water bottle, and maybe a snack. Even better if it has a proper closure (pickpocketing is more common than you would think).

6. Stationery Basics

You don’t need an entire pencil case, but do pack:

• Two pens (that work)

• One pencil

• Eraser

• Sharpener

• Sticky notes for reminders and reading tabs

Small Extras That Make a Big Difference

1. Over-the-Door Hooks or Hanging Organisers

Storage in halls can be limited. These add instant hanging space for towels, coats, or bags.

2. Foldable Tote Bags

Perfect for unexpected grocery trips or when the free tote from Welcome Fair just isn’t enough.

Things You Can Leave Behind (Really)

Too Many Kitchen Gadgets

A rice cooker, toaster, air fryer, kettle, and milk frother? Your kitchen won’t have space and neither will your suitcase. Stick to basics: a saucepan, frying pan, spatula, plate, bowl, cutlery, and a mug.

When it comes to packing for university, less is often more. And remember you’re not moving to the middle of nowhere. You’ll be in London, with shops everywhere and your best friend Amazon. It's okay to arrive with the basics and buy other things as you settle in and see what you truly need.