What to Pack for Boarding School: The Ultimate Checklist

Last Updated on July 30, 2023

Knowing what to bring to a boarding school is a crucial part of the planning process. Whilst some boarding schools provide their own packing lists, they may not include some of the additional items that will make your life much more comfortable. We’ve put together this comprehensive ‘What to pack for boarding school’ checklist, which lists everything you’ll need to pack for a UK boarding school, plus a PDF checklist for you to download and print!

Essential Items

• Toiletries: While there are several shops to purchase toiletries, you’ll need to bring some toiletries for the first few weeks. This is because you’ll still be settling in, and you don’t want to be worrying about having to go shopping.

• Medication: You’ll want to bring any prescription or other medication that you take at home with you. It’s important that you let your school know about the medication on your arrival, as they may keep it in a safe place for you.

• School supplies: These include pens, pencils, stationery, highlighters, a calculator, a dictionary and other essentials you’ll need in class.

• Chargers: Make sure you bring a charger and the right cable for any electronic devices you have, like phones and tablets. If you’re coming from overseas, make sure you bring a few power adaptors too.

• Overnight bag: This is essential for school trips and short stays with your UK guardian.

• Alarm: You’ll need an alarm to help you get up in the morning, most schools take phones away from younger students at bedtime. Even older student’s may want a separate alarm clock as a back up!

• Swimming towel: You’ll need a large towel for swimming or other water based activities. Check with your school as they may provide these for boarding students.

• School bag: This will help you carry your books to class or between classes, we recommend a rucksack as they’re comfier than across the body bags.

Essential Clothes & Shoes

Clothes

It’s important that you don’t pack too many clothes, both to enable you to fit everything in your luggage and in your room. Pack the daily essentials like underwear, socks, pyjamas as well as clothes:

• For the classroom: Most British boarding schools have a uniform that all students must wear. Make sure you’ve ordered this with the school before you arrive. Other than for casual clothes days and sport, you won’t need any other clothes for the main school day.

• For the boarding house: Bring comfortable clothes to relax in, you’ll be wearing these before and after school every day. T-shirt, hoody and sweatpants are the default for most boarding students.

• For the evening events and weekends: Pack some smarter clothes for this, like smart shirts, jeans/trousers, skirts, dresses and sweaters. This doesn’t mean you have to bring a suit or tuxedo, just bring what you’d normally wear to go out to a restaurant when you’re at home.

• For sports: Your new school will probably have a sports kit that will be part of your school uniform. Make sure you’ve ordered your kit with the school before you arrive. If not, pack some breathable t-shirts and shorts, sports socks and tracksuit bottoms.

Shoes

• For the classroom: The most important pair of shoes you bring with you are your school shoes, you’ll be wearing them all day, every day. Pick a pair that are good quality, comfortable, match your new uniform and meet the school’s uniform rules.

• For the boarding house: Slippers, an old pair of trainers or flip flops are perfect for the boarding house. Whatever you choose, they should be comfy and easy to get on and off quickly.

• For sports: One pair of general sports trainers will be enough for your first term. Unless you already have specialist footwear for sports like rugby, football or golf, don’t buy them until you’ve tried the sport and know you like it. If you decide you do need a pair, just visit the school shop and purchase them.

Recommended Items

• Headphones: You’ll need headphones to listen to your favourite games, videos and music without disturbing your fellow students.

• Torch: A torch is useful to get to the bathroom without turning all the lights on, especially if you’re in a shared room or dormitory.

• Dressing gown/bathrobe: This is useful for trips to the shower and to keep you warm in colder months.

• Underwear bags: Bring at least two underwear bags so that your underwear does not end up getting lost in the laundry. Some schools supply underwear bags in their clothing shops.

• A great book: A hard copy never runs out of battery and won’t keep you awake before bed. Once you’ve read it you can swap it with your friends or get another one from the school library.

• Formal wear: Chances are your school will have at least one formal event during the academic year, student’s normally wear a dress, suit, tuxedo or other black tie attire to these events. If you’ve already got some formal wear, bring it with you to avoid having to buy them in the UK.

Travel Documents

• Passport: If you’re coming to the UK from overseas, you’ll definitely need your passport. Double check before you set off on your journey.

• Travel tickets: Whether it’s by plane, train or boat, your journey to the UK will likely include some tickets. Make sure you have them in your hand luggage, and if they’re digital, print off a copy for backup.

• Visa documents: If you’ve arranged a visa to study in the UK, make sure you have a copy of your visa printed out, just in case the UK border agents request to see it.

• Other documents: When travelling to the UK we recommend that you have the school’s offer letter, your UK guardian’s details and your travel insurance documents printed out too.

Reminders of Home

• A pillow, cushion, or your favourite blanket: Schools usually provide all of your bedding and duvets, but an extra bit of comfort from home always helps.

• Printed pictures of your pets, family and friends: These can be used to decorate your room, desk or notice board and make it seem more familiar.

• Your favourite mug or cup: It’ll come in handy during the evenings when you want a nice hot/cold drink in the boarding house.

• Your favourite cuddly toy: No matter if you’re 4 or 17, everyone has a favourite soft toy, even if you hide them away from your friends, knowing they’re with you makes all the difference.

• A diary or notebook: If you’re feeling homesick it can help to record your ideas, thoughts and feelings on paper, plus it means you won’t forget what an adventure you’re having.

• Your favourite board game or playing cards: Playing a game with the other boarding students is a great way of breaking the ice, making new friends and creating some friendly competition!

If you’re an overseas student looking to study in the UK, the OBAS Group is here to help. We offer courses from the best British educational institutions, ranging from summer schools to full primary, secondary and further education programs. Please contact us with any queries or visit our FAQ page to learn more about what we offer.