The Art of Packing: The UNITE Insiders Guide to Moving to University

BRISTOL, England, September 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Deciding what to pack up and take to university can be a difficult task - it's not a permanent move, but you're embarking on far more than a two week holiday to Ibiza.

For those setting out on this unforgettable journey for the first time, it's important to make sure you are prepared from the offset - after all, it might be the last time you see your folks for ten weeks.

To help you make those final preparations, UNITE, the UK's leading provider of student accommodation (http://www.unite-students.com/), has called upon its residents to offer up their handy tips on what to take.

File it: At the start of term you'll need your vital documents to hand, including your university acceptance letter, bank details, NHS medical card and everything relating to financial support and accommodation. Take extra passport photos too.

Travel light: You may be moving miles from home but there will be shops wherever you are going, so there's no point weighing yourself down with boxes of paper or endless supplies of toothpaste.

Kitchen essentials: Wherever you're going to be living, it's likely you'll need to take your own plates, pots and cutlery. But only take what you need - the crate of crockery your mum palms off on you is likely to go untouched - or unwashed!

Drink up: Do stock up on mugs and cups - it's surprising how many of these end up getting borrowed or broken in your first term.

Freshen up: Don't waste essential packing space with a big laundry basket. Large duffel bags are really useful for shipping stuff to and from the laundry room or launderette. Make sure you pack bed linen too.

Dress code: Clothes are an obvious necessity, but however mild September may be, make sure you pack your winter wardrobe. Hundreds of hangers can also take up unnecessary car space, so buy them in bundles at your local supermarket when you get there.

Save on books: Hold off ordering every book on your reading list at the very start of term. You'll have a better understanding of the books you'll really need once you're settled in. And you may even find a few of those in the library if you're quick.

iPod speakers/dock: Every self-respecting student needs a decent sound system. iPod speakers and docks are great, but it's also worth checking out speakers that connect to your laptop - it saves bringing a stereo and you can link up to the likes of Spotify.

Laptop living: A laptop is a worthy investment and a great way of cutting down on space. There are lots of great deals on the high street at the moment, so make sure you do your homework before you blow your student loan.

Wake up call: If you prefer not to use your phone alarm, make sure you invest in an alarm clock. If you plan on making lectures after a night out this is essential.

Students still looking for quality accommodation before the start of term have various options other than halls, including managed accommodation provided by companies such as UNITE and traditional student housing (http://www.unite-students.com/student-housing/).

Shane Spiers, Managing Director of Property Management for UNITE, says: "Although the new term is about to kick off, we know that early October is still a very busy time for students looking for somewhere to live. UNITE still has rooms available in a number of cities across the country to meet demand from anyone who is still looking - we want to ensure students are not disappointed."

A wide choice of room types are still available across the UK. Room prices start from GBP83 per week and are inclusive of utility bills, internet access and contents insurance, so there are no hidden costs for residents."

With more than 120 student properties (http://www.unite-students.com/student-properties/) now available in the UK, UNITE offers students the best choice of location, room type and price. Students can browse, organise viewings, view virtual tours and book rooms online by visiting http://www.unite-students.com or find out more by calling 0800-783-4213.

    UNITE Students offers accommodation in many cities to include Birmingham
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-birmingham/), Bristol
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-bristol/), Edinburgh
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-edinburgh/), Leeds
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-leeds/), Liverpool
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-liverpool/), London
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-london/), and Manchester
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-manchester/). Available
accommodation offered by UNITE within these cities includes student flats
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-flats-and-student-apartments/),
student halls of residence
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-halls-of-residence/), student homes
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-homes/), student hotels
(http://www.unite-students.com/university-accommodation-and-university-hotels
/), student lets and letting
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-lets-and-letting/), student properties
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-properties/) and student housing
(http://www.unite-students.com/student-housing/).

SOURCE UNITE Students