What to pack for university – bumper guide

Though it might be tempting to just turn up with some fresh underwear, deodorant and a bottle opener, you’re probably going to need a few more bits and pieces to get you through that first semester.

From the bedroom, to the bathroom and kitchen, here we round up the essentials you’ll need for your first move away from home.

Bedroom

A single bed, minimal storage and dodgy patterned curtains – welcome to your new bedroom. So much of university is about getting out and about and having new experiences but your room will be the little sanctuary you come back to at the end of a long day (or night) and undoubtedly spend most of your mornings in. Although it’s likely to be fairly basic, you can make it more homely by adding in some personal touches.

Duvet

As halls of residence are known to be infernos with heating that blasts out regardless of the weather outside, don’t make the mistake of taking a really thick duvet. A 10.5 tog is a great middle ground – warm enough for winter but not so heavy that you’ll end up sweltering. Lightweight and super soft, this Slumberdown one is also non allergenic.

£13.49, Argos, Buy it now

Pillows

Made from 100 per cent cotton, these pillows are not only great for people with asthma but are machine washable too. This might not seem important, but when you’ve accidentally spilt your pot noodle all over your bed, you’ll be pleased that they have this feature.

£10.49, Argos, Buy it now

Mattress Protector

As you lie on your university bed, the knowledge that countless people have slept on it before you is enough to keep anyone awake at night. Get yourself a mattress protector. This one will not only protect you from that well worn mattress but will also provide extra comfort.

£10, IKEA, Buy it now

Duvet Set

Bright and cheerful bedding will uplift even the dingiest of bedrooms. IKEA is a great option for cheap but well-made bedding and we love this set for its fun and simplicity. As most halls of residence only offer a single bed, opt for the smallest size, which comes with a single sized duvet and two pillowcases.

From £25, IKEA, Buy it now

Fitted Sheet

Unless you’ve learn how to do hospital corners, always opt for a fitted sheet- it’s easier to put on and won’t come loose whilst you’re sleeping. The Dvala is a great budget option that comes in a wide range of colours.

From £5, IKEA, Buy it now

Desk Lamp

Cramming for exams or bashing out an essay into the wee small hours of the morning will require a decent desk lamp. This one is modern and stylish and easy to position for the perfect lighting.

£9.99, The Range, Buy it now

Photo Frame

Having pictures of your loved ones will help you get through any bouts of home sickness. This simple wooden one will go with any colour scheme and can either stand or be hung. Buy a few in preparation for the fresh memories you’ll make with your new uni friends.

£3.50, IKEA, Buy it now

Door Stop

This simple must-have can make all the difference at uni. As doors will most likely swing shut, having a stop means you can keep yours open and so not miss out on making friends or getting involved with whatever fun is going on in the corridor.

£3.27, Amazon, Buy it now

Laundry Basket

Unless you live close to home, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and do your own laundry once you get to uni. Make life a little easier with this laundry basket. The handles make it easier to lug down to the washing machine and with three laundry bags included, you can separate any delicate items.

£10.99, Amazon, Buy it now

Klockis Alarm Clock

If life has taught us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t rely on your phone to wake you up. Always keep an alarm clock as a back up because missing an exam or session with your tutor just isn’t an option. This one glows in the dark and also comes with a timer, which is great for cooking.

£4.50, IKEA, Buy it now

Socket Extension

Laptop, printer, straighteners, phone charger… between all the electronics we have now, there are never enough sockets for everything. An extension socket will save the day by providing much needed extra plug points.

£5.99, Amazon, Buy it now

Wastepaper Bin

Some halls will provide them, but many won’t, so picking up a cheap wastepaper bin is probably worth doing. After all, even if you don’t end up needing it, you can always store electrics such as hairdryers and straighteners in it.

£1.25, Wilko, Buy it now

Bathroom

You don’t need much for the bathroom apart from your own toiletries and towels, especially as you’re likely to be sharing it with others.

Towels

Be honest with yourself about how often you plan to do laundry, and pack towels accordingly. This set from Tesco is made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton and includes two bath, two hand towels and two face cloths. Buying white ones may seem foolish, but will provide a much needed reminder to wash them on a regular basis.

£14.50, Tesco, Buy it now

Basket

If your room doesn’t come with an en suite, you’ll have to lug your toiletries with you every time you want to shower. Make life a little easier with a carry basket such as this one – the ideal size for holding your shampoo and conditioner.

£1, Wilko, Buy it now

Kitchen

Cooking for yourself is a rite of passage at university and although it’s tempting to go full Jamie Oliver, there’s no point in splashing out on expensive kit. Appliances such as a kettle and toaster should already be there and just a few bare necessities should get you through your first year. Let’s face it; you’ll probably be using the microwave more than anything else, anyway.

Wok

Forget buying a Russian doll –like stack of different sized saucepans – chances are, everyone else will have bought one and you’ll end up with 15 pots fighting for space in the cupboards. Go for a wok instead: it’s a diverse and essential piece of kit. From frying to boiling and stewing, you can use this bad boy to cook everything from your hangover fry up to your signature Bolognese.

£14.99, Argos, Buy it now

Saucepan

If you must buy a saucepan, this is a great one for boiling pasta and heating up sauces and soups. Made from stainless steel, it’ll heat up quickly but won’t leave any bits sticking to the bottom. There’s even a handy measuring chart on the inside.

£8, IKEA, Buy it now

Kitchen Utensils

This handy 9 piece starter set gives you pretty much everything you’ll need to get going in the kitchen. Including a can opener, pizza cutter and kitchen scissors amongst other things, it’ll prove one of the most useful bits of kit you buy for uni.

£8.49, Argos, Buy it now

Cheese Grater

This nifty little box has two different grating sizes and reduces the risk of the dreaded scraped knuckle situation we’ve all fallen victim to at one point or another. There’s a lid as well, so it can double up as tuppaware.

£2.20, IKEA, Buy it now

Corkscrew

Meet your new and lifelong best friend: the corkscrew. Need we say more?

£1.60, IKEA, Buy it now

Measuring Jug

Great for making super noodles and heating up just about anything in the microwave. Go for Pyrex over plastic, as you’re less likely to destroy it by accident.

£3, Wilko, Buy it now

Chopping Boards

Whether you’re whipping up a dish for your housemates or in need of something large enough to put your pizza on, a chopping board is an absolute essential.

£2, IKEA, Buy it now

Sabichi Essential Dining Set

Get all your crockery and cutlery in one go with this 36 piece set. Including dinner plates, side plates, bows, mugs, glasses and cutlery, it’s an absolute bargain at £24.99.

£24.99, Robert Dyas, Buy it now

Mixing Bowl

Making popcorn, giant bowls of cereal or raw cookie dough – the mixing bowl is a cheap piece of kit that you’ll use time and time again at uni. It also doubles up nicely as a sick bowl to keep by your bed after those inevitably heavy nights out.

£0.50, Wilko, Buy it now

Tea Towels

You’ll learn quite a lot about how tidy you are at uni. Whether you do your washing up straight away or leave it festering for a week (please don’t be that person) you’re going to need some of these at some point.

£2.50, IKEA, Buy it now

Washing Up Sponge

Same goes for this one.

£4.33 for 3, Amazon, Buy it now

Silicone Oven Glove

You will only forget to wear oven gloves once and unless you want all your finger prints scorched off, we suggest you get something decent – this one grips easily and won’t burn your after ten seconds of holding a hot pan.

£3.75, IKEA, Buy it now

Roasting Tin

Speaking of the oven, a roasting tin is great for cooking everything from oven chips to a Sunday roast. This one is made from stainless steel and will last for years.

£5.95, IKEA, Buy it now