Heading to university is exciting, and a good packing plan makes the transition smooth. Nigerian campuses come with shared facilities, unpredictable power in some regions, and local shopping options, so it pays to pack smart.

This guide gives a comprehensive, camp- and hostel-friendly checklist, practical buying tips, a simple packing timeline, money-saving advice, and FAQs.

By the end you will know exactly what to carry, what to leave for local purchase, and how to prepare for your first week on campus.

Before you pack, check these things

1. Confirm your accommodation type. Is it a hostel/catered hall or self-catered? Single room or shared? That affects cookware and bedding sizes.
2. Check university communications. Some schools publish prohibited items or recommended sizes for beds and lockers.
3. Scan and backup all important documents. Store them in cloud storage and on a USB.
4. Label personal items. Put your name and phone on luggage and high-use items.
5. Pack an arrival bag. Have a small bag with essentials for the first 24–48 hours (change of clothes, toiletries, important docs).

⚡ SIWES Tools for Students 🔥

Stop struggling with your SIWES documents — use our free AI-powered generators:

📘 SIWES Logbook Generator – Instantly create weekly logbook entries.
📑 SIWES Report Draft Generator – Generate a full SIWES report draft in minutes.

🎓 Trusted by 1,000+ Nigerian students.

Essential documents (carry originals and digital backups)

• Admission letter (original and copy)
• Identification: National ID, international passport or driver’s licence
• Passport photographs (several)
• Academic documents: O’level/WAEC/NECO results, degree certificates if asked, any required transcripts
• Medical records and prescriptions (if you use medication)
• Emergency contacts (a printed card with family numbers)
• Bank/debit card and a small amount of cash for arrival expenses
• Receipt of hostel payment or registration if already paid
• Insurance or medical enrollment documents if applicable

Keep originals secure; carry a set of photocopies and store scans in Google Drive/Dropbox.

Academic & study essentials

Start ready to study from day one.

• Laptop (with charger), protective case, and mouse
• Smartphone and chargers, power bank
• Extension lead with surge protection (rooms often have limited sockets)
• Desk or bedside lamp (LED for efficiency)
• Notebooks or legal pads, A4 papers for printing, and file folders (one per course)
• Pens, pencils, highlighters, ruler, stapler, hole punch
• Scientific calculator (if required by your course)
• USB flash drive or external SSD for backups
• A simple planner or calendar (digital or paper) for deadlines and timetables
• A sturdy backpack with laptop compartment

Buy heavy textbooks only when you confirm course reading lists; many resources will be digital or provided later.

Bedroom and bedding

Most campus beds are UK single/twin-size. Check your hall details beforehand.

• Fitted sheet, flat sheet, mattress protector (waterproof protector recommended)
• Pillow(s) with extra pillowcases
• Light blanket and a heavier blanket or duvet depending on campus climate
• Mosquito net if the area is prone to mosquitoes
• Laundry basket or bag, clothes hangers, and a small drying rack or foldable airer
• Small bedside bin and a compact mirror
• Fairy lights (battery operated) or small decor items for a homely vibe (check hostel rules)
• Small rug or floor mat (optional, but comfy)

Tip: Vacuum compression bags save packing space and keep bedding clean during travel.

Clothing & footwear

Pack for weather variability and campus life.

Essentials:

• Daily wear: T-shirts, shirts, blouses, jeans, chinos, skirts
• Undergarments and socks, bring 10–14 days supply if you prefer fewer washes
• Sleepwear and a dressing gown (useful for shared bathrooms)
• One or two smart/formal outfits for interviews, departmental events or religious services
• Raincoat/poncho and a warmer jacket for colder months or higher altitude campuses
• Comfortable walking shoes, one pair of smart shoes, and slippers/slides for shared bathrooms
• Gymwear and trainers if you plan to use sports facilities

Tip: Bring neutral colors that mix and match easily to minimise what you pack.

Toiletries & personal care

You can buy many consumables locally, but bring travel-sized starters.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Soap or shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, bath sponge
• Deodorant, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm
• Razor or electric shaver, shaving cream
• Feminine hygiene products (bring a supply if you use a specific brand)
• Small toiletry bag to keep items organised
• Travel towel or fast-dry towel (compact)
• Basic personal first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, rehydration salts

Kitchen & dining (only if self-catered or you plan to cook)

If your hall is catered, you can skip most cookware initially.

• Plate, bowl, mug, and a set of cutlery (knife, fork, spoon)
• Frying pan and saucepan with lid (compact sizes)
• Cutting board, spatula, wooden spoon, can opener, bottle opener
• Food storage containers/Tupperware for leftovers
• Kettle or electric hot water pot (check hostel power rules)
• A small pot or toaster if you cook often and have a stable power point

Arrival snack pack: tea/coffee, sugar, oats, noodles, some tins (beans, tomatoes), sachet soups.

Electronics, power & connectivity

Power outages happen in parts of Nigeria, so prepare.

• Laptop, phone chargers, power bank (10,000mAh+)
• Heavy-duty extension lead with 3+ sockets and surge protection
• Small USB LED lamp or rechargeable desk lamp
• Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds for studying in noisy hostels
• Portable fan or clip fan for hot climates
• SIM-ready phone plus active mobile data plan on arrival; consider an extra local SIM for backup

Stationery & organisation

Being organised from day one saves stress later.

• Ring binders or lever-arch files, divider tabs per course
• Post-it notes, index cards, and highlighters for active revision
• A4 punch files for assignment uploads and printed lecture notes
• A small label maker or marker for labelling storage and chargers

Safety & practical items

Security and small conveniences make campus life smoother.

• Padlock for locker or suitcase with keys kept safe
• Torch or headlamp for night walks or power cuts
• Reusable water bottle, shopping tote bags
• Umbrella and raincover for backpacks
• Small toolkit (screwdriver, tape) for quick repairs
• Emergency contact card and digital emergency info stored offline

Health & wellness

Staying well helps you perform academically.

• Mosquito repellent and mosquito nets if required
• Any prescription medications with doctor’s note, plus spare supply
• Vitamins or supplements if you use them
• Basic hygiene wipes and hand sanitiser
• Sleep mask and earplugs for shared rooms

What to buy after arrival (buy locally)

Some items are cheaper or a better fit when purchased locally:

• Bulk toiletries (shampoo, soap, toilet roll)
• Large bedding items if sizes differ or you want local fabrics
• Mini fridge, toaster, microwave only if permitted and power supply adequate
• Extra hangers, wardrobes or storage crates to fit your specific room layout
• Fresh groceries and household items

What NOT to bring

• Candles and open-flame items (fire risk), unless explicitly allowed
• Large heavy appliances unless you have confirmation of space and power support
• Illegal items, weapons, or large quantities of alcohol in halls that forbid it
• Excessive valuables without a safe place to store them
• Unnecessary heavy textbooks from your high school, many university texts are different

Easy-to-forget items checklist

• Laptop case and mouse
• Spare chargers in different bags
• Small sewing kit and extra buttons
• Laundry detergent and a stain remover stick
• Flip-flops for shared bathrooms
• Photocopies of important documents and cloud backups

Packing tips and quantities

• Clothes: aim for 10–14 tops, 5–7 bottoms, underwear for 10–14 days if you prefer less frequent washing.
• Bedding: 2–3 sets of sheets and 2 pillowcases minimum, a mattress protector.
• Stationery: 2 good pens, spare pencils, 1 notebook per course until you decide on a digital system.
• Toiletries: travel-size for journey, buy bulk locally.
• Packing method: roll clothes to save space, use vacuum bags for bulky bedding, and keep a separate “arrival” bag.

A simple packing timeline

Two weeks before: Check accommodation details, buy or borrow large items, start collecting documents.

One week before: Test electronics and chargers, pack travel essentials and arrival bag.

Three days before: Final laundry and last-minute buys. Make sure you have travel cash and copies of documents.

Departure day: Carry important documents and electronics in hand luggage. Leave fragile items safely.

First 48 hours on campus: Unpack essentials, confirm bedding sizes, buy perishable goods and any missing small items.

Printable short checklist

Documents: admission letter, ID, passport photos, bank card, medical papers.

Bedroom: sheets, mattress protector, 2 pillows, blanket, mosquito net.

Clothes: 10 tops, 6 bottoms, underwear 10–14, slippers, smart outfit.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products.

Kitchen: plate, bowl, mug, cutlery, frying pan, Tupperware.

Electronics: laptop, phone, chargers, extension lead, power bank, lamp.

Study: pens, notebook, calculator, file folders.

Misc: padlock, torch, umbrella, small sewing kit, first-aid kit.

Campus-specific advice for Nigerian universities

• Shared bathrooms: use flip-flops, keep toiletries in waterproof bags, and always bring a towel.
• Power supply: carry a power bank and LED lamp. If you have the budget and permission, a mini-inverter is useful, but confirm safety and storage rules.
• Security: avoid walking alone late at night, use campus security escorts if available, and keep valuables locked.
• Shopping: use local markets for fruits and basics. Don’t worry about bringing every consumable from home.
• Cultural fit: bring one smart outfit for induction ceremonies and departmental formalities.

FAQs

Q. Should I bring expensive electronics like a printer or a large TV?

A. Not recommended. Printers and large appliances add weight, require power, and are often unnecessary. Use campus printing services and communal facilities.

Q. How much cash should I carry on arrival?

A. Enough for transport, meals and small purchases for 2–3 days. Then open a student bank account or use online transfers.

Q. Do I need a mattress protector?

A. Yes, it protects against stains and pests, and it is inexpensive compared to replacing bedding.

Q. Can I bring heavy textbooks

A. Only bring essential or confirmed reading texts. Many resources will be digital or available at faculty libraries.

Q. What if my room is smaller than I expected?

A. Buy compact storage like stackable boxes and under-bed organisers locally. Avoid bringing large furniture.

Final notes

Pack with flexibility in mind. Prioritise documents, bedding, study essentials and basic toiletries for arrival. Leave non-essential or heavy items for local purchase once you see your room and know the campus layout. Label everything, keep digital backups of important documents, and aim for a balance between comfort and portability.