1. Kitchen Essentials
Even if you plan on living off takeaways, you’ll still need the basics for cooking and eating.
Must-haves:
- Plates, bowls, mugs and glasses
- Cutlery
- Pots and pans (a frying pan + medium saucepan is enough for most!)
- Baking tray
- Chopping boards
- Sharp knives
- Tin opener
- Tea towels
- Washing-up liquid and sponges
Nice-to-have:
- Tupperware for meal prep
- Kettle or toaster (if not provided)
- Air fryer (student favourite)
Tip: Chat with your housemates before buying — there’s no need for six toasters.
2. Bedroom Bits
Your bedroom is your personal space, so making it comfortable is key.
Essentials:
- Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets)
- Mattress protector
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
- Desk lamp
- Extension leads
Make it yours:
- Throw blankets
- Photos and prints
- Fairy lights (just check the house rules!)
3. Bathroom Basics
Shared bathrooms benefit from a little organisation early on.
Bring:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Toilet roll
- Bathmat
- Toothbrush holder
- Cleaning wipes
Some student houses provide a shower curtain—others don’t—so check before you buy.
4. Cleaning Essentials
A clean house = happier housemates.
Every house needs:
- Hoover (often provided, but check!)
- Mop and bucket
- All-purpose cleaner
- Bin bags
- Cloths and sponges
- Washing powder or pods
Pro tip: Set a cleaning rota early. Future you will be thankful.
5. Tech & Study Equipment
Make sure you’re ready for lectures from day one.
- Laptop + charger
- Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi in student areas can be unpredictable)
- Headphones
- Notebooks, pens and folders
- Printer (optional — campus printing is usually cheaper)
6. Important Documents
Don’t forget the boring-but-important stuff.
- ID (passport, driving licence)
- Tenancy agreement
- Student finance documents
- Bank details
- Emergency contacts
Keep these safe — ideally in a folder.
7. Food & Household Starter Items
When you move in, you’ll want a few basics ready so you’re not instantly running to the shop.
Useful starter pack:
- Salt, pepper, herbs
- Oil
- Pasta or rice
- Bread
- Tea/coffee
- Milk
- Cereal
- Snacks
8. A Good Relationship with Your Landlord
This one isn’t something you can pack — but choosing a reliable, student-focused landlord makes a world of difference.
At Student Lets Preston, we make sure all our student houses are clean, safe, well-maintained and ready for you to move in with confidence. Whether you need repairs, replacements, or advice, we're always here to help.
Ready to move into your new student house?
If you're still looking for student accommodation in Preston, explore our available student houses or get in touch — we’re here to make your student living experience as smooth as possible.
