When packing for university, especially in your first year, it’s easy to get carried away. Many students find themselves either over or under-packing, ending up with packed storage spaces or emergency shopping trips to deal with.
The most important thing is to stay realistic about what you use through the year, and to take into account what is already provided in your university term accomodation. If you’re going into student halls there’s a very good chance that most furniture and daily appliances, including bedding, will be provided.
What to make sure you have:
Apart from the obvious things, such as clothes, groceries, basic kitchenware and room decor, there are several things you may not even think about until you need them.
1. Something to hang wet clothes on
While there will be clothes washing and drying facilities available, they can be costly and take a lot of time. To save some money and peace of mind, invest in a clothes horse or over-the-radiator rack.
2. An extension cable
It’s difficult to be sure where the plugs will be in your room and living space. An extension cable will always come in handy.
3. Enough tea towels
Tea towels get very gross, very quickly. Especially when sharing tea towels with your flatmates, be sure to pack enough to last in between washes – ideally two or more.
4. Important documents
You do not need the stress of phoning home because you don’t know your national insurance number. Keep all your important documents (ID, birth certificate, student loan forms, bank details) with you for easy access.
5. A fan and a hot water bottle
In the summer and winter, you’re going to thank me. It’s best to be prepared for all temperatures, especially when a crucial eight hours of sleep is at stake.
What not to bring:
1. Excessive stationery
Although it’s tempting, resist the urge to bring 10 notebooks and every colour of pen that exists. A multiple subject book, a planner and some basic pencil case pieces are all you need. This is particularly true for first year.
2. Every recommended course reading book
If you end up needing them for your course you can order them, or they will be provided to you via scans and free library copies.
3. Anything you haven’t used in the last three months
Moving to university does not mean that things you haven’t used in ages will suddenly become useful. If you end up needing something you didn’t bring, you can take advantage of your close proximity to shops, or use the Christmas holidays as a chance to collect it.
If you’re travelling far for university, it may also be easier to leave any bathroom products and cleaning supplies at home in order to save suitcase space. These are things that can be bought along with your first grocery shop.
Featured Image Credit: The Telegraph
Journalism student at the University of Stirling. She/Her. Twitter & Instagram: @DeannaDawnn
[…] my undergraduate days, a bookshelf, a bed and a desk were all I needed to get along. However, I now live with my partner […]