Perhaps you got admission into the university recently and you don’t know the important things that you need to start your academic journey. Well, you are not alone, as there are many newly admitted students who are in the same shoes as you.
I have been there myself; I could literally remember how happy I was the day that I got admission, but as the day went by, I was uncertain about the necessary things that I would need in school to enable me to have a seamless stay at the university community. Although I was able to pick up many things that I carried along the day I reported to school, to my great surprise, when I got to the school, I found out that I didn’t bring along with me the necessary things that are essential to my studies, which frustrated my academic journey at the start. So, for you not to have the same ugly experience as mine, I am going to share with you all the essential things that you need to have a good stay at the university, especially as a fresher.
First-year University Packing List
If you are a first-year student, you will need the following things to enable you to enjoy yourself to the fullest within your first year at the university.
1. Reading/Studying Material
- Notebooks
- Reading desk & chair
- Ruler
- Diary/Planner
- Paper clips
- Envelopes
- Markers & Highlighters
- Pens & Pencils
- Pencil case/ purse
- Sticky notes
- Bible
- Textbooks
- Correction pen
- Rubber bands
- Plastic folders
- Dictionary
- Printer
- A4 papers
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Calculator
- Perforator
- Cello tape
- Gum/Glue
2. Clothings
- Pyjamas/night wears
- Lecture clothes
- House or casual wears
- Outing outfits
- Sleeping socks
- Underwears
- Sneakers or running shoes
- Backpacks
- Shoes (heels, flats, slippers and sandals)
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Cardigans/ sweater
- T-shirts
- Belts
- Wallets/ Purses
- Jewelleries
- Head warmers
- Scarf/Facecaps/Hats
- Handkerchiefs/ Bandanas
- Tote bags
3. Bedding Materials
- Pillows/Pillowcases
- Bedsheets
- Duvets/Blankets
- Mattress/Bed
- Mattress cover
- Mosquito Nets
- Wrappers or covering
4. Personal Hygiene Items
- Towels
- Bathing soap/body wash
- Cologne/Body mist/perfume oils
- Sanitary pads/tampons/menstrual cups for female
- Feminine wash
- Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
- Mouth wash
- Dental Floss
- Deodorant/ Antiperspirant
- Tweezers
- Nail file, Nail cutter & Buffer
- Pocket tissues
5. Toiletries
- Bathing sponge/gloves
- Nail polish & polish remover/dissolver
- Hair removal cream/shaving sticks
- Razor blades/Electric Shaver
- Q-tios/cotton buds
- Toiletry Bag
- Shower curtain
- Soap dish
- Bathing bowl/scoop
- Toilet brush
- Toilet cleaner or disinfectant
- Tissue paper
- Bath Rack/Toiletries Shelf/Bathroom organizer
- Pumice stone/foot scrub
6. Skincare Products
- Moisturizer
- Lip Balm
- Vaseline
- Makeup products for female
- Facial wipes
- Cotton pads
- Face wash
7. Hair Care Products
- Hair oil/cream
- Hair packers, bands
- Bonnets
- Shower cap
- Wig rack for female
- Hair Straighteners
- Hot comb
- Hair dryer
- Hair curler
- Shampoo
- Hair conditioner
- Combs & Brush
- Hair gel/edge control
- Hair pins
8. Laundry/Housekeeping
- Laundry basket
- Disinfectants/ Antiseptics
- Scrubbing brush
- Bleach
- Starch
- Cloth drying Rack
- Iron/ironing board
- Cloth hangers
- Air Freshener
- Dustbin & Dustpan
- Broom
- Mops
- Jerry-cans (and other water storage containers)
- Buckets ( at least 2)
- Pegs
- Camphor balls
- Rope, Nails & Hammer
- Detergent
- Bar soaps
9. Home Items
- Carpet/rug wall clock
- Rechargeable Fan
- Rechargeable Lamp/Torch
- Umbrella
- Rubber slippers
- Cleaning rags
- Room decorations (Photo frames, plants, wall stickers, etc)
- Shoe polish
- Shoe brush
- Curtain & Curtain rods
- Mirror
- Padlocks & Keys
- Key holder
- Mini toolkit (probably containing a hammer, nails and a screwdriver)
- Small sewing kit (buttons, safety pins, needles, & thread)
10. Cooking Utensils
- Pots
- Frying pan
- Kettle
- Storage plates/cans
- Bowls
- Matches/ Lighter
- Electric water kettle or boiling ring
- Water bottles/drinking can
- Plates
- Plate racks
- Drying towel
- Washing liquid
- Blender/manual grinder
- Kerosene ( if you use stove)
- Hot water flask
- Snacks & beverages
- Foodstuffs/Groceries (yam, palm oil, beans, etc)
- Cutlery (Spoons, Fork and table knife)
- Drinking cups
- Chopping knife
- Chopping board
- Cooking spoon
- Frying spoon
- Sieve bowl
- Wooden spatula (to turn garri)
- Grater
- Plate sponge
- Tray
- Pen knife
- Gas cooker or stove
11. Electronics Products
- Mobile Phone
- Airpod/Headsets/Headphones
- Phone/Airpod/Laptop Charger
- Travel Alarm Clock
- Extension box
- External speakers
- Laptop
- External Hard drive
- Powerbank
- USB/ Flashdrive
- Mifi
- Extra Batteries
12. Storage
- Raffia/Carton boxes
- Refrigerator
- Disposable plastic plates
- Shoe rack
- Ziplock bags
- Luggage bags/travel bags/Ghana must go
- Storage bins
- Mobile wardrobes
- Standing or Suspended Cabinets
- Travel boxes
13. Medical Products
- Prescription Medicine
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Laxative
- Diarrhea Medicine
- First Aid Kit
- Insect Repellent
- Contact Lens Kit
- Glasses
- Lozenges
- Contraception/Condoms
- Motion Sickness
- Pain/Aspirin Medication
- Allergy Medication
- Cold/Sinus Medication
- Vitamins
- Robb
- Inhaler
- Cotton wool
- Sanitizers and wipes
Additional Things
- University admission letter and other requirements
- Medical results
- A good number of Passport photos
- ATM Card
- Small safe
- Piggy box
Conclusion
There are many things that you will need to have a good stay at the university, especially for newly admitted students, ranging from studying material, cooking utensils, clothing, and bedding materials to essential electronic products. However, it is not a must that you should acquire all these things, especially if you don’t have enough money to buy all of them. The best thing to do is to buy the essential ones that you can’t do without and as you continue to settle in the university environment, you will then buy other necessary things.
