As you're getting yourself ready to move to Uni, there's nothing more stressful than wondering what to take with you! After my 1st year, I've come up with a list of the absolute essentials and the things which would be useful to take that you may not have thought of!
1) Two lots of bedding.... because who can really be bothered to wash, dry and re-make their bed all in one day?
Head to Primark, Tesco, Asda, Dunelm and The Range for cheap bedding and bedroom accessories!
2) If you're staying in halls, a mattress topper... If you feel like going all out, a memory foam one - 5* luxury in halls I tell you right now.
3) A blanket and some cushions for your bed.. You're going to want your room to feel as homey as you possibly can. Also remember your favourite comfy jumper, you'll kick yourself if you forget it.
I'd also recommend fairy lights to add to your homely effect..
4) Following from that,
photos of everyone that you know you're going to miss, even if you think you're someone that won't get homesick, at some point, it will happen..
Ebay and Amazon sell photo string and pegs to display your photos! Its a really cute way of displaying them and uses less sticky stuff on your walls!
5) Stationary - this depends on when you move in. If you've got plenty of time in your new city before you start uni, I'd advise getting it there to save valuable packing space.
Wilko's and Staples are so cheap for stationary but Paperchase has some reaaaaally cute bits too!
- Paper - shit loads of paper. Lined, plain, big, small, post-its
- Pens. If you learn well having things in colour, invest in a good set of coloured writing pens.
- HIGHLIGHTERS - they will be your saving Grace
- Folders, dividers and plastic wallets. You'll work out your own filing system as you get into the swing of things.
- A planner/diary.. The amount of lecture changes and hand in dates you'll need to remember would be impossible without writing them down in one place. If you use your phone for your planning, make sure you keep on top of that!
- Hole punch - you'll get given ridiculous amounts of sheets..
- On that note, a stapler too!
- Printer and 1000% an extension lead! Sockets can be very limited!!
- USB stick and dear god use it because if your laptop breaks. You. Will. Cry.
6) Coat hangers and a laundry basket!
7) A weekend bag, you'll need it for coming home and visiting other places too! Preferably one on wheels.
8) If you enjoy reading, some books. Between the lectures and nights out you'll want time to relax!
9) White-tac. Most halls/landlords will only allow you to use this on your walls.
10) Depending on the size of your room, a pin board!
11) Toiletries.. I'd buy the essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toilet roll, deoderant and shower gel) before, anything else I'd buy once I'd got there to save room..
If your town has a Savers then head there for cheap toiletries!
12) Cleaning products I'd also save for once I was there
- Bleach
- Bathroom cleaner
- Bleach wipes / antibacterial wipes
- Morrison's sell an every day shower cleaner for less than £1 which helps keep the shower clean through the week before you do a full clean!
- Glass cleaner, its amazing how dirty mirrors can get!
- You'll probably figure your cleaning product routine out with your flatmates once you've been there for a while!
13) Check with your landlord/university regarding the appliances provided; kettle, toaster, microwave, iron etc..
14) Towels, flannels, bathmat.. If you fake tan, I definitely recommend NOT getting white or cream towels.
15) Tea towels - more than one!
16) Cutlery - Wilko do really cheap sets!
17) Utensils - Get yourself to The Range!!
- Ladle
- Fish Slice
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Scissors
You get the picture dont you...
18) Plate, bowl, smaller plate - pretty much whatever you use at home.. If you're planning on having people visit/stay over then obviously get enough for that.
19) Mugs and glasses.. Take some shot glasses to contribute to drinking games!
20) A measuring jug - surprising how useful they come!
21) Food wise.. I'd get the bare essentials before moving and do a big shop once you've arrived (take your parents so they pity you for being all grown up and moving and they then pay)
Shop around when you have the chance and remember where is cheap for different things - it REALLY makes the difference when trying to budget.
22) First Aid bag. SO ESSENTIAL I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.
- Plasters
- Paracetamol - Freshers is fuelled by these..
- Antibacterial wipes
- Cold and flu tablets - all the alcohol weakens your immune system.
- Tablets for if you're constipated, or the other way round... sorry to lower the tone
- Eye wash
- If you are frequently ill with anything, whatever remedy you usually use!
23) Hair dryer, straighteners, curlers...
24) A lamp, 100% needed when hungover and the bright light is something you absolutely cannot handle.
25) If you aren't getting a TV license, I'd definitely recommend a Netflix account, it'll be your best friend.
26) Spotify also do a student account which allows you and your flatmates to create playlists for pre drinks!
27) Talking of pre drinks, definitely take a bottle of something to share on your first night out!
28) If nobody else suggests it, suggest to your flatmates going to explore your new city together. It's a great way to get to know each other and to get your bearings.
29) When you get there, take photos of your room and any damage there is to ensure that you get your deposit back!
30) Air freshener, seriously it can get staaaaanky!
