Off to uni? Leave the kitchen sink behind

If you’re eyeing up your Ford Fiesta and wondering how you’ll fit in your daughter’s vintage clothes collection, duvet and pillows, books and toiletries, to drive 100 miles up country, then now might be a good time to think about packing.

When planning what your teenager needs to take with them, it is worth considering the following:

How far away will they be living?
If you live miles away from their chosen uni, you’ll need to be more thorough than if they’re studying locally and coming home every other weekend.

How long are they going to be away?
Do they intend to stay away until Christmas, or will they be heading back to the nest halfway through term? This will determine how many clothes they take with them. Snow boots can perhaps be left behind, along with the thickest of winter coats.

Will they be living in catered or self-catered accommodation?
In catered accommodation you can get away with packing a kettle, toaster, a few mugs, plates and cutlery. In self-catered accommodation they will need to bring kitchen essentials. This is a good opportunity to declutter and anything you don’t have at home can be picked up locally when you get there.

And don’t forget these other essentials:

Washing and toiletries
Obviously, a trip to the launderette will not be at the forefront of most freshers’ minds, so pack enough clean clothes to last them a fortnight, including sportswear and something smart. Give them a pack of washing powder so they don’t come home with a case of dirty washing. Toiletries can be taken from home or bought locally. A dressing gown is useful if accommodation includes a shared bathroom, plus two bath towels and a hand towel.

Bedding
You will need to bring a duvet and pillows, and two sets of bedding. Perhaps also a sleeping bag if your teenager intends to visit friends at other universities during term. It’s worth packing some hangers, as even if they’re provided there are never enough.

Documents and electricals
Pack their passport, driving licence, national insurance card and NHS cards, as well as anything sent by the university. Electrical items, such as a laptop and charger – including an ethernet cable – headphones, USB sticks and a printer are all useful. And then there are reference books, course books, notebooks, pens and folders.

Remember, pretty much everything can be ordered online, so don’t panic if you forget something.