Making the Move: Dunelm Graduates' Top Picks for Uni

You’ve got the grades, uni halls are organised, and now it’s time for the fun part – deciding what to take to uni.
Who better to get advice from than those who’ve already been there, done that? We’ve reached out to some of our colleagues from the Dunelm Graduate Scheme to share their top packing tips. 
 

We caught up with Jade, our Influencer Manager, and got her tips for efficient packing and keeping your room organised.
Jade said, “Trust me, you won’t need that huge collection of shoes or your entire wardrobe – however tempting it is to pack. Instead, pack clothes for different occasions that you know you’ll use and wear. Also, remember you can always buy things you need once you’re there.”
Before thinking about what exactly to take to uni, it’s worth remembering that uni rooms aren’t generally known for their excessive square footage, so overpacking might leave you tripping over boxes of unnecessary clothes and shoes. You’ll probably end up acquiring things while you’re there as well, and bear in mind you’ll need to move it all again next summer!
“One item I couldn’t live without at uni was my shoe rack. Space in my uni halls was very limited and my shoes seemed to get everywhere. Having a small shoe rack helped keep my room tidy and organised so I could relax during my downtime.”

Your uni room is where you’ll be spending a lot of your time – whether you’re napping or studying – so making it comfortable is important. Typically, your room will be kitted out with some basics, including a bed and mattress, a wardrobe and a desk and chair. Still, it’s worth checking exactly what your university provides, as well as the size of your bed!
We had a chat with Amelia, our Commercial Graduate, who shared her ultimate uni hero Item.
“Dorm mattresses can be uncomfortable, but a good mattress topper worked wonders for me! It’s a small investment but significantly helped improve my quality of sleep, leaving me feeling (slightly) more refreshed, even during those 9am lectures.”
Don’t underestimate the power of a mattress topper – your future self will thank you for it!

Shivani is our CRM Executive and seasoned university-goer. We asked her what top tip she’d give to new students packing for university.
“Student starter packs are a game changer – imagine having everything you need conveniently bundled into one place. From bedding to kitchen essentials, cleaning supplies, accessories, and more. You can blitz your uni list in one clean sweep.”
Looking back on her own experience between results day and move-in day, Shivani shared “I remember being super busy and overwhelmed with the thought of moving to uni. So, having the option to get all the essentials in one go was helpful. You can even get it delivered to your door. Win, win!”

Whether you’re a seasoned planner or prefer to go with the flow, investing some thought into your university packing will undoubtedly pay off.  And even if you’re not a lover of lists, it’s still good to have a basic plan of the things you need to take with you. It’s more than shoving things into a suitcase and hoping for the best; it’s about creating a space that feels like your home away from home.
To help to take the stress out, we’ve put together the ultimate list of what you need for your room. Happy packing!