Overpacking is a mistake that every single Fresher makes. No matter how organised and efficient you are, you're certain to bring way too much stuff to uni; stuff that you don't need and won't ever use.

It's an easy mistake to make, as no one really knows what to expect when going off to university for the first time. Your siblings and friends and articles like this on the internet will give you anecdotes and advice to prepare for what's to come, but you'll never really know what to expect until you're actually there.

And while there are plenty of useful 'what to take to uni checklists' out there that can provide you with guidance, as every student is different, it's far more practical to know what you DON'T need to take with you on your new adventure….

9 Things You Don't Need To Pack For University

1. Toiletries

When packing for university, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself 'can I buy this when i get there?' and if the answer is yes, then leave the item behind. Try your best to leave toiletries behind if you can purchase replacements easily and inexpensively. Bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and beauty products can take up a lot of space and weight in your luggage. This can be especially inconvenient if you're travelling to uni by plane, where every kg counts.

2. All The Clothes You Own

Every new student wants to have plenty of outfit choices at university and while it's tempting to pour your entire wardrobe into your luggage, it should be avoided. University halls and student accommodation usually have a lot of wardrobe space, so there'll be very little room for all your stuff. Furthermore, you'll find that the vast majority of your time at uni is spent in comfortable clothes like loungewear and pyjamas. So, as long as you have a good selection of these, along with a few more presentable outfits, you will survive.

3. An Iron

An iron is undoubtedly the most pointless and unnecessary item in a student home. When you start doing your own cleaning and laundry, ironing will soon seem like a complete waste of time and energy. We guarantee you'll either stop caring about wrinkled clothes or you'll find 'creative' ways to straighten them out - like bringing them into the bathroom whilst showering and letting the steam do the work.

4. Luxury Kitchen Supplies

If you're living in halls or furnished student accommodation, items like kettles, toasters and microwaves will be provided for you. Luxury items such as toastie makers, coffee machines or rice cookers probably won't, but they should be left at home. This is especially true if you're sharing a kitchen, as damage or even theft could occur. Try to pack just the basic, like a couple of plates, some cutlery, a saucepan, frying pan, a couple of bowls, plates and mugs. If you need anything else, you can borrow from new friends or buy the items in the local supermarket.

5. Old School Books and Notes

We know you want to be a prepared and conscientious student, but it's best to leave all your old school books and notes behind. University isn't a continuation of school or college; you're almost starting afresh, so the vast majority of your old notes and folders will be irrelevant. To make more space in your luggage, leave all your school books at home and if it turns out that there's something you absolutely need, you can use a cheap courier or a student shipping service to deliver it to you.

6. Your Entire Reading List

All students will tell you that it's not a great idea to buy your entire recommended reading list before starting uni. Not only are these books heavy and take up a lot of luggage space, but you won't need all of them. Wait until you've started your course and decide which books you absolutely need to purchase, which can be borrowed from the library and which can be ignored.

7. A Printer

Unless your course requires you to print a lot of material (most don't), having your own printer is pointless, not to mention a hassle, with all your friends asking if you can 'just print one little page' for them. The university's own printers will be just as handy and more cost effective; if you do run out of printer credits, buying more is still cheaper than ink.

8. Stationery

Resist the urge to splash out on fancy new stationery because when you arrive at university and attend the Fresher's fairs and events, you'll be able to pick up enough free pens, USB sticks and notepads to last you a lifetime.

9. Your Car

Your car might be a vital part of your daily life back home but it won't be as necessary when you get to university. Most universities are centrally located, within walking distance of everything and public transport is usually pretty efficient. In addition, car parking space at universities is often limited and expensive .

Written by Lana Richardson, blog editor for UniBaggage.com - The No 1 Student Shipping Company.