So you have been accepted to university and are counting down the days until you can spend long afternoons in the student union- sorry, attend your lectures!
Besides the obvious items you will need such as toiletries and clothes (going to class in your pyjamas is so not a good look) what else do you need to buy when moving to university?
Of course it depends on the type of accommodation you are moving to. For example, if you are living in shared university halls you will more than likely be provided with kitchen utensils and appliances such as a toaster and kettle. Make sure you check before moving though as attending that 9am lecture on a Monday will be made even more difficult without your morning coffee.
If you are going to rent from a private landlord you may be able to ask for certain items to be supplied. For example if you want a microwave or a television for the living room the landlord may be able to supply one for the duration of your tenancy. However if this is not possible, do not despair! You will still be able to watch the soaps and daytime TV if you and the rest of the household contribute some money to buying essential items for the house.
Other things you may want to buy may include a new duvet and pillows. Most student halls and private landlords will be very strict on allowing you to paint your bedroom so you may want to add a little decoration by buying some posters to brighten up the room.
Your university may even have poster sales during freshers’ week so you can pick up a few bargains then. Other items such as hairdryers and towels will also come in handy. Notepads and pens can always be bought in the student union at a discounted rate.
If you are living in all inclusive, catered halls you should still make sure you have a plate, bowl, mugs and cutlery for those mornings when you sleep in and miss breakfast. A clever way to not miss those all important lectures and tutorials is to have an alarm clock, like a real alarm clock not just the one on your phone. Most students will overlook this and then end up missing important notes and then begin to struggle to catch up. Actually- make that TWO alarm clocks!! No excuses then.
On a serious note, you need to think about protecting your personal items, especially if you are living in halls or with people you have never met before. Although the majority of people will be friendly and honest, during a party or when a lot of people are invited back it can be difficult to keep an eye on your items.
If you have expensive valuables such as a laptop or phone you should get them insured. For other items use padlocks and if you have a lock on your door- make sure you use it when leaving your room for longer periods of time.
Also don’t panic if you do forget anything, you can always get it sent in the post, or even buy it new in your new destination.
Hopefully our uni packing checklist has given you ideas for everything you’ll need. Have you got any other recommendations? Let us know.