Open today: 11am - 5pm
< Back to News & Events

 

Heading to Uni Checklist!

Published: 29/08/2025

What to Pack & Where to Shop at Victoria Place

Heading to university is an exciting new chapter—especially if you’re moving away from home. But between sorting accommodation, meeting course deadlines, and saying goodbye to family, it’s easy to forget some essentials.

Whether you're a first-year fresher or returning for another term, this Back to Uni Checklist has everything you need to settle into student life—from cookware to course supplies.

And the best part? You can grab it all in one trip at Victoria Place.

 

 

Uni Room Essentials

Create a cosy, functional space that feels like home.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Primark – affordable bedding, towels, and décor

  • The Works – decorative accessories, wall art, storage

  • M&S – quality bedding and homeware

Checklist:

  1. Duvet & pillows

  2. Duvet cover & sheet sets

  3. Towels (bath & hand)

  4. Laundry basket or bag

  5. Desk lamp

  6. Storage boxes/drawers

  7. Coat hangers

  8. Wall hooks or command strips

  9. Blanket/throw

  10. Room fragrance or diffuser

 

 

Kitchen Kit

Avoid kitchen chaos with your own student-friendly gear.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Robert Dyas – cookware basics, utensils, and food

  • TK Maxx – food, mugs, and cooking accessories

  • Primark – value kitchenware and crockery sets

Checklist:

  1. Saucepan & frying pan

  2. Cutlery & utensils

  3. Plates, bowls & mugs

  4. Chopping board

  5. Tupperware/food storage

  6. Can opener & peeler

  7. Tea towels & oven gloves

  8. Kettle (check accommodation rules)

  9. Reusable water bottle

  10. Reusable coffee cup

 

 

Cleaning & Laundry

Stay on top of mess, even if mum isn’t there to remind you.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Sainsburys – cleaning products, laundry detergent

  • Robert Dyas – multi-purpose sprays, antibacterial wipes

  • Tesco Express – washing powder, toilet rolls, sponges

Checklist:

  1. Laundry detergent & fabric softener

  2. Drying rack

  3. Cleaning wipes & spray

  4. Dishwashing liquid

  5. Sponges & scrubbers

  6. Bin bags

  7. Air freshener

  8. Iron or handheld steamer

  9. Limescale remover

  10. Rubber gloves

 

 

Study Supplies

Set yourself up for success with the right tools for lectures and revision.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • TG Jones – folders, notebooks, pens, academic planners

  • The Works – affordable stationery, study guides

  • Rymans – stylish and unique stationery options

Checklist:

  1. Notebooks & journals

  2. Pens, highlighters & markers

  3. Laptop or tablet

  4. USB drive/external hard drive

  5. Sticky notes & index tabs

  6. Folders or ring binders

  7. Desk organiser

  8. Academic planner or diary

  9. Calculator

  10. Backpack or tote bag

 

 

 Tech & Gadgets

Stay connected, productive, and entertained in your new space.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • iStore – laptops, headphones, printers

  • O2 – data plans, phone upgrades

  • Vodafone – student mobile deals & accessories

Checklist:

  1. Laptop or tablet

  2. Printer (compact preferred)

  3. Extension leads & power banks

  4. Headphones or earbuds

  5. Bluetooth speaker

  6. USB stick

  7. HDMI cable (for TV or monitor)

  8. Surge-protector extension cord

  9. Webcam (if not built-in)

  10. Phone charger & cable backups

 

 

Personal Care & Toiletries

Bring your bathroom favourites and daily self-care musts.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Boots – toiletries, grooming kits, skincare

  • Superdrug – affordable beauty and hair care

  • Holland & Barrett – vitamins and supplements

Checklist:

  1. Shampoo & conditioner

  2. Body wash & face cleanser

  3. Deodorant

  4. Toothbrush & toothpaste

  5. Hairbrush & hair products

  6. Nail clippers & tweezers

  7. Skincare essentials

  8. Shaving kit (razor, foam, trimmer)

  9. Period products

  10. First aid kit (plasters, paracetamol, etc.)

 

 

Shoes & Everyday Clothing

Pack for lectures, socials, and everything in between.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Clarks – durable and supportive footwear

  • Deichmann – affordable, trendy options

  • Skechers – comfy walking and casual shoes

  • New Look / Primark / M&S / H&M / Next – for everyday basics and fashion

Checklist:

  1. Smart shoes (for presentations or job interviews)

  2. Trainers

  3. Casual shoes or boots

  4. Flip flops/slippers (for halls)

  5. Socks & underwear

  6. Casual wear for lectures

  7. Gym gear

  8. Warm coat

  9. Going-out outfits

  10. Accessories (belts, hats, bags)

 

 

Snacks & Essentials

Stock up for late-night study sessions and quick bites.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • Tesco Express – snacks, cupboard staples

  • Holland & Barrett – protein snacks, healthy options

  • M&S – ready meals, treats, and coffee

Checklist:

  1. Coffee & tea

  2. Instant noodles or pasta

  3. Cereal or breakfast bars

  4. Biscuits & sweet treats

  5. Tinned foods

  6. Rice & pasta

  7. Condiments & sauces

  8. Bottled water or squash

  9. Protein bars or shakes

  10. Reusable shopping bags

 

 

 Bonus Extras

Add a few creature comforts to make your new space feel personal.

Top Shops at Victoria Place:

  • The Works – wall art, hobbies, games

  • Primark – fairy lights, soft furnishings

  • TK Maxx– unique décor and gifts

Checklist:

  1. Photos from home

  2. Fairy lights or desk lamp

  3. Wall calendar or planner

  4. Cards & games for flatmates

  5. Hobbies (paint set, knitting, etc.)

  6. Plant or faux greenery

  7. Speaker for music

  8. Bedside organiser

  9. Water bottle for lectures

  10. Journal or wellness tracker

 

 

Ready, Set, Uni!

Whether you're preparing for your first time living away from home or just need a refresh for the new term, Victoria Place, Woking has everything you need—all in one go. From stylish shoes to student tech, room décor to ready meals, your back-to-uni checklist is sorted.

Be the first to know - Sign up to our Victoria Place newsletter