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What to take to university: 8 essential things to pack for your first year in halls
Here are our top essentials to keep you feeling at home in your new abode
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Your support makes all the difference.Heading off to university for the first time can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly exciting. For some, it’s the first time being away from home and the start of adulthood.
University is the place you meet new people, share experiences and gain confidence. But importantly, it teaches you how to live independently.
When preparing to live alone, with friends or in a university hall, the list can seem endless. Not only do you have to think about which clothes and toiletries to pack, but also general household things you don’t usually think about – like toilet roll.
From bed linen to pots and pans, if you don’t know where to start, worry not. We have compiled a budget-friendly list to ensure your transition to your new university home is stress-free.
So sit back, relax and get ready to fly the nest.
A study planner
Having a planner at university is imperative. I mean, how else are you going to keep track of all the social events you’ll be invited to? But seriously, a planner is a must-have for keeping any disorganised student and your deadlines in check.
This handy piece of kit features a simple spiral which makes it easy to flip open and check your schedule. Not only will you be able to keep track of important dates, but it is small enough to carry around with you on campus.
B5 Study Planner: Dots, £12, kikki-K, buy it now
A duvet
Taking a suitable duvet with you to university is important. Not only do you not want to use the duvet owned by the room’s previous owner (gross), but you also want to make sure you won’t freeze or melt.
It’s good to have a middle ground as halls of residence can either be a furnace or freezing like the Arctic Circle. A 10.5-tog should be perfect – warm for winter and cool for the summer and this lightweight duvet is anti-allergic and machine washable.
Silentnight Anti-Allergy 10.5 Tog Duvet – Single, £20, Argos, buy it now
Towels
Taking a full set of towels to university is always a wise option, but we advise you pick a bold colour to avoid unwittingly sharing them with your new housemates.
Thankfully this cotton set from Kingsley come in a variety of colours and sizes, including bath towels, hand towels, face towels and even a few extras for when you inevitably have guests over.
Kingsley 8-piece Towel Bale, £6.60, Studio, buy it now
Contraception
Let’s be real. You’re going to be living with other students in or around the same age as you. Freshers Week will be crazy, you’ll be invited to loads of parties and you may even fall in love. But let’s not get complacent or beat around the bush.
While we encourage intimacy, we also champion safe-sex. If you’re not so keen on facing that intimidating aisle, Hanx offers an alternative. Available online as a subscription service too, you can get these vegan-friendly condoms delivered straight to your door.
Condoms, £16 for 9, Amazon, buy it now
Frying Pan
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.
You can’t go wrong with a frying pan because let’s face it, you’ll more than likely be frying eggs and cooking instant noodles in the microwave.
This aluminium pan is the perfect size for someone moving out for the first time and, as an added bonus, this one is non-stick which means less washing up for you.
KAVALKAD Frying Pan, £2.75, IKEA, buy it now
Laundry bag
Yes, you heard it right. You have to do your own laundry now. But fear not, getting a laundry bag will make life easier and will stop you throwing your clothes on your bedroom floor.
Halls of residence don’t usually have washing machines in the flats but more than likely there will be washing facilities on campus.
This cotton twill laundry bag has a drawstring closure which will avoid you having to pick up your underwear on the way to the laundrette. Result.
Laundry bag, £14.99, H&M, buy it now
Fairy Lights
What better way to make yourself at home and brighten an otherwise dull dorm room than to decorate your new abode with some twee fairy lights.
You can hang them from your bed, around a mirror or simply drape across your wall and use it to hang pictures, however, you style it, they will give a cosy glow.
100 Warm White LED Fairy Lights on Clear Cable, £9.99, Lights4Fun, buy it now
Duvet cover and sheet
As most uni rooms come with a single bed, you’ll need a cover for your duvet. We love IKEA for its quality and fun patterns that are affordable, easy to clean and can brighten any gloomy room.
This multi-toned cotton set comes with press studs to keep the quilt in place and gets softer with every wash.
BRUNKRISSLA Quilt cover and pillowcase, £15, IKEA, buy it now
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