Moving away for university? Here’s an essential student move-in checklist

First semester, first apartment. Between organizing your classes and packing boxes, your to-do list can grow quickly.

This student move-in checklist covers what to pack, what to buy, and what to set up before moving day, so you can settle into your new place with confidence.

Check what’s included before you start packing

Before buying anything, find out what your place already comes with. Wondering what to bring to a university dorm? Most rooms include a bed, a desk, and, in some cases, a mini fridge. If you’re renting an apartment instead, it may already be equipped with a fridge and stove, and sometimes even window coverings.

Your lease may also include:

1. Parking
2. Electricity
3. Internet access

Review the building rules as well. Restrictions on pets, quiet hours, or gatherings can be especially important when you’re sharing a space with roommates.

Use the same conversation to sort out moving-day logistics with the landlord:

4. Agree on a spot for the moving truck.

5. Make sure the other tenants are notified in advance about any noise or disruptions on moving day

What should you pack for university?

When creating your student move-in checklist, think room by room and write down the items you use regularly. You’re bound to forget a few things, and that’s okay. Keep a second list of anything you realize you need once you’ve settled in.

Before placing any online orders, check with your parents. They may already have spare essentials that you can take with you, such as sheets, towels, dishes, or bathroom supplies, so you can save on upfront costs.

Bedroom and bathroom essentials

Here is a list of bedroom essentials, aside from the mattress and bed frame:

1. Sheets
2. Pillow
3. Duvet
4. Bedside lamp
5. A few hangers

If your room doesn’t have window coverings and you’d rather skip the DIY, pick up a set of blackout curtains.

For the bathroom, plan for:

6. Towels
7. Toiletries
8. A basic medicine kit (acetaminophen, bandages, first-aid kit)
9. Tissues and toilet paper
10. A small trash can

If you share the bathroom with roommates, add a shower caddy so you can gather your products and move them around easily.

School and tech essentials

A phone and laptop are already part of everyday life for many students, but a few extra accessories can prevent Beyond your phone and laptop, your school and tech kit should include:

1. Two chargers for your mobile device
2. Headphones, especially for online classes or shared living spaces
3. A power bar with surge protector
4. An HDMI cable if you plan to use an external screen

Check whether your residence includes Wi-Fi. If you need to sign up for your own connection, compare the residential Internet plans available in your area.

A reliable Internet connection is a must-have when classes, assignments, and messaging all depend on the same network.

Kitchen essentials

There’s no need to stock your kitchen the day you move in. Start with the basics, then see over the coming weeks what belongs on your second list.

Start with:

1. Place settings for two to four people (plates, glasses, bowls, mugs)
2. A set of cutlery
3. One pot and one pan
4. A cutting board and a knife
5. A can opener
6. Two dish towels
7. A sponge with a scrubbing side
8. Dish soap
9. A few reusable containers for lunches
10. A trash can
11. All-purpose cleaner
12. A microfibre cloth
13. A broom

Appliances, including countertop ones like a toaster or a kettle, are easy to find second-hand through resale groups like Marketplace. You’ll get them for a fraction of the retail price.

Set up the essentials before move-in day

Take care of these three tasks at least a month before moving day. Once they’re checked off your list, you can focus on everything else.

Change of address through the Service québécois de changement d’adresse (SQCA), which notifies several government agencies in a single online step. You’ll still need to contact your employer, your bank, and your insurance providers separately.

Tenant insurance protects your personal belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. Get quotes from two or three companies to find coverage that fits both your needs and your budget.

Telecom installation: book a technician appointment with your chosen provider to install your services. This can help you avoid going without Internet access, especially if classes start within days of moving in.

Important documents

Gather these documents (paper or digital) before you move, and keep them within reach:

1. Signed lease and proof of first month’s payment
2. Student ID and proof of enrolment for the current semester
3. Transit pass
4. Tenant insurance policy
5. Key contacts: landlord, movers, and telecom service provider

Make move-in day easier

Label every box by room. Sorting starts the moment you arrive, and clearly labelled boxes will save you countless trips back and forth. Add key notes like “fragile” or “heavy” to help whoever is carrying them.

Set up your bed and blackout curtains first. You’ll be grateful for the comfort at the end of a draining day.

Assign a traffic director. If friends or family are helping, put one person at the door to tell everyone where each box goes. Unloading is twice as fast when nobody has to stop and ask.

Wait before buying everything else

After a few days in your new place, you’ll have a much better sense of what you actually need. Something that seemed essential on your moving packing checklist may end up being unnecessary once you’ve settled in.

Facebook resale groups and neighbourhood thrift stores are good sources for furniture and household items at a lower price. If you have roommates, split the shared purchases: vacuum cleaner, extra dishes, cleaning supplies.

Take the time to compare before you commit, whether it’s a purchase or a service like Internet or a student phone plan.

Your first apartment doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. What matters is covering the essentials, sorting out the paperwork ahead of time, and giving yourself time to settle in.