The exam results are in and you now have your place secured at University. You’ve got a few weeks to prepare and get everything ready for University life. So, what needs to be done?

Here’s a quick checklist:

Prepare financially

Perhaps the most important step.

If you have a student loan or funding, check that all the details are sorted.

Get advice on banking, budgeting, debts, and part-time employment that your course provider may be able to help with.

Many students choose to open a student account with a bank or building society – these are tailored to your needs, and sometimes come with freebies!

Find somewhere to live

If you’re going somewhere new, make sure you’ve got somewhere to live, and think ahead and ensure that you take account of insurance, bills, supplies, and a TV licence.

Contact your course provider if you need to arrange accommodation.

Consider transport

Make sure that you plan how to get to campus – understand the local transport links or choose accommodation within walking distance of your university.

Have you looked into the social options?

It’s a good idea to research the area, the societies and events the students’ union provides. Read blogs from other students as well – they might have useful tips for you.

For Your Kitchen

In most cases, furnished halls of residence come fully equipped with all the kitchen items you’ll need. However, it’s worth checking what your accommodation provides before you move. If you are not sure, consider taking the following essentials for university life:

  • Tea cups and coffee mugs
  • Pans
  • Cutlery, including sharp knives
  • Bowls and plates
  • Chopping boards
  • Baking trays
  • A wooden spoon
  • A pizza slice
  • A toastie-maker
  • Bin bags, foil, cling film, tea towels
  • A packed lunch box
  • Some delicious recipes to impress your new friends!

For Your Bedroom

Sleep has many cognitive benefits and will help you work to your potential. So that you can catch forty winks in comfort – whether that’s after an all-nighter in the library or you need an afternoon nap – you should take the following bed-related and bedroom items with you.

  • A duvet – choose the right tog. If your accommodation is quite cold then you’ll need to invest in a heavier duvet.
  • At least one pillow – make sure that you choose one that suits your style of sleeping.
  • At least two sets of bedding – fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases.
  • A mattress and pillow protector – particularly important if your mattress is not brand new!
  • Clothes hangers
  • A clothes horse
  • A blanket
  • A small mirror
  • A clock or alarm clock
  • A laundry basket
  • A desk fan
  • A nice-smelling diffuser
  • A door stop
  • Some photographs of friends and family
  • Some artwork and/or posters

For the Bathroom

According to research 20% of men and 18% of women find their true loves at university. This means that you’ll want to be fresh whether you’re heading out to a seminar, to the library for a study session, or to town on a student night out. So that you don’t forget any self-care items, here are some things you’ll need for your student bathroom:

  • 2 sets of towels and hand towels – good quality towels are a great investment and will stand the test of time. Choose a darker shade,  as white towels can look tired and grubby quite quickly
  • Toilet rolls
  • Toilet cleaner, bleach, toilet brush
  • Flip flops or shower shoes (mainly for communal showers)
  • A dressing gown
  • A hairbrush
  • A hairdryer
  • Hair straighteners
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Sanitary products
  • A fully stocked first-aid kit

Tech & Gadgets

From your laptop for completing assignments and binge-watching Netflix, to useful wires, leads, and adapters, you’ll need to take a few electrical items with you to your accommodation.

When you’re thinking about what to pack for university, don’t forget the following:

  • Laptop, tablet, and smartphone (and a spare phone, if possible)
  • Television
  • Portable or wireless speakers
  • Headphones
  • Charging cables
  • USB, ethernet, extension, or HDMI cables
  • External hard drive
  • Games console, games, and controllers
  • USB sticks (or save documents onto the cloud)
  • TV stick (Chromecast, for instance)
  • A laptop mouse

Got everything?

Now you’re all set for university life and the next exciting chapter of learning, meeting new friends and discovering a whole new world.

 

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