Posted on 28th September 2012

Packing for University

Whether you’re a fresher or returning to university, you’ll probably be up to your knees in boxes this weekend, packing up to start the new term.

So that you don’t forget any vital items, or have to interrupt any exciting events to dash to Ikea, here are some tips on what to take with you…

-Clothes! Lots of clothes are necessary for university. From attire for lectures, seminars and tutorials, to smarter items for the occasional black tie dinner, gear to go out dancing in (and shoes to stuff in your bag to walk back to your halls in), to fancy dress (fresher events are almost all themed), and slouchy wear for snuggling up and watching DVDs at the end of a long day in. You should also take sports kit in case you want to join a team, or go to the gym and keep in shape.

-Kitchen things: pots, pans, plates, mugs, cutlery, glasses and most importantly: a tin opener. You are unlikely to need specialist items such as lemon zesters and piping bags (unless you’re such a fan of the Great British Bake Off that you’re going to attempt a sponge or two in your hall’s kitchens), but make sure you have the essentials.

-Basic food and drinks to get you started. Tins of tomatoes and tuna, rice, pasta, teabags etc and then you can shop for fresh things as you go. Biscuits are always good too, and if you offer them around on arrival you’ll have lots of new friends very fast.

-Books and stationery. These are vital, absolutely vital.

-Documents about your student loan, bank details, ID and any other important documents that might come in handy.

-A doorstop; if you are living in halls then prop your door open so people can say hello as they walk past, it’s a great way to make friends.

-Vitamin C tablets and Lemsip as the chances of getting Freshers’ Flu are pretty high.

-Photos of your family and friends from home as well as fairy lights, nice lamps, perhaps a pot plant or two in order to decorate your room.

-Laptop and charger as well as USB stick. If you have one, take a printer. But you can always print off in libraries if you don’t have your own.

-A map of the city you are moving to.

-A hot water bottle and blanket in case the heating in your halls is dodgy.

-I recently read somewhere that it’s a good idea to put some cash in a piggy bank that you can only get into by breaking so that there’s some money for emergencies kept safely for you.  I wish I’d done this when I went to university.

-Tupperware so that you can save money by making packed lunches and taking them to lectures.

-An up to date CV in case you are planning to get a part time job to boost your bank balance.

-A positive and optimistic attitude. It will be tough at times, but you’re about to have three of the most extraordinary years of your life. Good luck and enjoy it!