What to pack for your first term at university

The unexpected but definitely necessary items that you're likely to forget

Flip-flops, Febreeze and back-up toilet roll: don't forget the essentials when packing for student life (Karl Baron via Flickr)

With university soon approaching, IKEA can been seen brimming with students, all filling their trollies with the essentials they will need to survive living on their own for the first time.

But what about the items every student regrets forgetting?

1. A laundry basket (with wheels!)

Although the ritual of a messy room has for years been associated with being a stereotypical teenager, the real problem announces itself on laundry day.

And while most students avoid this inevitable task for as long as they can, the pile grows increasingly larger – making wheels a near necessity for the trip to the launderette. Otherwise 100m will never have seemed so far away.

2. A dressing gown/ a warm blanket

This is not for lazing around the kitchen in. This is for the repetitive 2am wake up calls by the world’s loudest fire alarm.

Whether it’s yet another malfunction (the fifth time this month) or a predictable drunken accident, these early morning rises will become the bane of your lives. And the UK is cold.

3. A fancy dress outfit

It was all fun and games going on that group shopping spree to buy cheap bedding for the freshers toga party, but it only takes one week at university to realise money goes quickly. And with most university fancy dress nights becoming serious affairs, that old Halloween costume hidden in the back of the wardrobe could end up being a valued item of clothing.

4. Flip-flops

One week in is enough to realise that making an effort to look good 24/7 is not worth it. Two weeks in and flip-flops will be dreamt about as a comfy and easy footwear to walk to friend’s houses in.

5. Multi-vitamins and pain killers

Man-flu may just be a facade, but fresher’s flu definitely isn’t. It's a very serious matter – which will result in thousands feeling like they’re dying within the first few days – and multi-vitamins will become a true blessing.

Paired with painkillers to cure the worst hangovers you will ever experience, and these two items will become a precious form of currency.

6. Super glue and duct tape

Although not many are naive enough to expect top quality products and efficient repair men at university, not many realise just how often things will break. And with drunken personas a student’s worst nightmare, that measly £2 spent on these items will become worth it hours into university life.

7. Back-up toilet roll

Another vital form of currency at university. Whether it’s shared bathrooms or private ensuites in student accommodation, there is never not a shortage when it comes to toilet roll. And as toilet roll disappears quicker than teaspoons do in halls, a secret stash will soon make you anyone’s new best friend.

8. A lamp

With black out blinds being the one thing most universities are successful at supplying, the beloved item for those hung-over mornings is greatly appreciated. However when one too many shots the night before results bright lights becoming unbearable, a small desk lamp will be exactly what is needed to avoid having to open the curtains or turn on the main light.

9. Febreeze

Naively thinking that washing will be done on a weekly basis, freshers will soon realise this was never going to happen. And with every item already worn twice and strewn across the bedroom floor, a bottle of room freshener will become a student’s new best friend.

10. A door stop

While health and safety was clearly at the forefront of designing university halls, socialising was not. And with fire doors making for an unsociable fresher’s week, a door stop will go a long way with the universal understanding that an open door makes for an open and friendly person.