Yahoo News What should I pack for my first term at university?
Leaving home for university is an exciting time, but trying to compress your entire wardrobe, along with a crate of lager and a fancy dress outfit, into your new room can be a tall task.
Here’s a rule of thumb: if it doesn’t fit into the boot of a car, it’s unlikely to find a home in your room.
Ron Bentley, whose youngest child, Suzie, is now at Liverpool University, says: “Make sure they go with a sense of humour and enough cash to buy a takeaway or two. And leave in good time, in case you get lost.”
De Montfort University student president Jessica Okwuonu says that while going to university can be a life-changing experience, it’s also important to concentrate on comfort and familiarity. And just because your room may be a little on the snug side, doesn’t mean you can’t make it special with a few finishing touches.
“Bring items from home that you care about and make you feel good. Personally I can’t do without my fairy lights,” she says.
“Take duvets and pillows and bedding,” she adds. “I went for the colourful, vibrant ones, as it was the first time I had a say in what my room would look like. Primark has amazing bedding, and it’s cheap!”
As most rooms in halls of residence are compact, don’t even think about bringing a pet. (It has been done, hamsters and goldfish most commonly – or back in the day Lord Byron reportedly took a bear to Trinity College, Cambridge.)
And remember that you won’t be the only one in the kitchen. “Don’t go overboard with the essentials,” says Okwuonu. “I thought I was going to be the Jamie Oliver of my class, but a lot went to charity because I never used them. Get a few pots and cutlery. Or go halves with your flatmates.”
A week or so before departure it’s worth joining the other freshers and taking the obligatory trip around a department store to grab a few essential items.
Rosie Vega, vice-president of activities at the University of Hertfordshire, suggests buying colour-coded cutlery and plates: “You can tell which are yours at the end of the year – whereas everyone else brings white plates and hasn’t a clue.”
But she cautions against kettles, toaster and microwaves, and especially candles. Most are supplied and in the case of candles – not advised because of the fire risk.
Her top advice? “A printer is really useful, even though they are available at uni in the library. And maybe a subscription to Netflix for when you want a bit of alone time.”
Checklist
Bedding and pillows, maybe even a topper for the bed. After all, you’ll be needing your beauty sleep.
A laptop and a memory stick – so you can write essays and coursework, and ensure they are backed up.
Your mobile - with enough minutes to phone home, or apps to make free calls on wifi.
There’s only one of you, so only take a single glass, bowl, mug, plate, knife, fork and spoon.
Clothes: think casual, as suits and party frocks are unlikely to get much airplay. Bring hangers as well.
A folder with all your personal documents, including bank details, passport etc.
A printer and paper – to save time queuing in the library.
A box of kitchen essentials – tins, pasta and rice – plus a simple cookbook. Better still, go armed with two or three simple recipes and the route to the local supermarket.
A small luxury, maybe your favourite teddy, or a poster of your team – less likely a photo of your mum and dad.
Books, writing pads, pens and a calendar. It’s good to know where you need to be on any given day the old-fashioned way.
