The Spirit Studios packing guide.

If you’re moving to Manchester this September you’ve probably got a growing list of things to pack or buy to bring with you. With a lot to consider we’ve put together an ultimate packing guide of all the things you might need and included some affordable places you can buy them to help.

The first thing to remember is not to leave the packing till the last minute. We’d also recommend checking what’s already provided in the accommodation that you’re moving into so you’re not doubling up on things.

Important documents

• Photo ID (Passport and/ or driving license)
• Bank card
• National insurance card/ number
• Student discount card/ details (Make sure to sign up to student discount sites such as: Unidays/ Totum/ Student beans/ Student money saver/ Save the student)
• Accommodation information and contract (find and make note of moving in information in your emails e.g. key collection, when you have access from, parking, drop etc)
• Official Spirit Studio’s correspondence, including offer letter/ email
• Student loan correspondence (make sure you have entered the correct details to receive your loan)
• Details of GP and doctors surgery

Specific for studying at Spirit

• Headphones
• Hard drive/ USB stick (We’d recommend investing in a highspeed hard drive with a lot of memory space).

Read our article on Spirit specific study resources.

Kitchenware

• Cutlery (spoons, teapoons, knives and forks + more forks as these always seem to go missing…)
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs
• Utensils (chopping board, cheese grater, sharp knife, wooden spoons, measuring jug, peeler, whisk, potato masher, colander, bottle opener, tin opener)
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Scissors
• Baking trays
• Oven gloves
• Tea towels
• Tupperware (really good for freezing food/ saving food for lunches; saving you money!)
• Washing up liquid and sponges
• Cling film/ Tin foil

Stationery

• Note pads
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters
• Post-it-notes
• Calendar/ planner

Where to buy: Our advice would be to avoid WH Smith, although it may be the obvious choice. Try Wilko, Flying Tiger or TheWorks.co.uk for better deals, all located in The Arndale or online.

Electronics

• Laptop/ computer
• Extension cables
• Monitors (if you don’t already have some, it might be worth investing in a pair of monitors so you can work on music at home read our article on music resources).

Bedroom items

• Duvet and pillows
• Bed linen
• Blanket
• Laundry bin
• Clothes hangers
• Desk lamp
• Mood lighting
• Mirror
• Drying rack

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wash bag
• Handsoap
• Shower products
• Deodrant
• Razer/ shaving fioam
• Bath towels and hand towels
• Hairbrush/ comb
• Toilet roll
• Sanitary products
• Beauty/hair products and devices

Healthcare

• Multivitamins
• Basic first aid kit (pain killers, plasters, cold and flu medication, allergy tablets, antibacterial lotion)
• Hand sanitizer
• Glasses

Clothing

• Casual clothes
• Smart outfit (for work, meetings and interviews)
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Winter coat and water proof jacket (it’s Manchester…)
• Gloves, hat and scarf
• Shoes
• Sportswear/ swimwear (After all Manchester is soon to be home to the UK’s biggest water park)
• Washing detergent

Miscellaneous

• Rucksack/ day bag
• Weekend/ travel bag
• Cleaning products (Antibac wipes/ sprays/ cloths/ duster)
• Matches or a lighter
• Portable speaker
• Power bank

Hopefully this gives you a good overview of some of the essentials without being too overwhelming! If you have any pressing questions about starting at Spirit Studios we are happy to help, email on study@spiritstudios.ac.uk or call 0161 276 2100.