Kitchen, bedding and electrical items

What to bring

You will need to bring your bedding, and personal effects, as well as anything to make your room homely, such as pictures, and rugs. Please be mindful that if you put anything on the wall, you may be charged if it causes damage.

For using the kitchen, you will need to bring pots and pans (induction if living in The Copse), cutlery, plates, cups and glasses, as well as cooking utensils. 

To check out what furniture and facilities are supplied in your accommodation, check out the residence pages for Colchester and Southend.

Try not to bring anything of sentimental value or expensive with you, such as jewellery and do not bring any large items, such as furniture. Limit what you bring, so it is easier to carry when you arrive and easy to store, once you move in.

You can also only have a small fridge for medical reasons and will need to request to do this by providing medical evidence and supplying this to include@essex.ac.uk.

Essex Essentials is a one-stop shop to help you make your time at university hassle free. You can purchase kitchen, bedding, food and electrical packs either before you arrive or throughout the year.

For the 2025-26 academic year, if we receive your order by Wednesday 24 September 2025 we will arrange for your order to be delivered free of charge to your flat before you arrive. Orders for Southend must be placed by Sunday 21 September 2025 and will be couriered to the Southend campus.