It’s already September (I still remember when everyone was celebrating 2020 being over, hasn’t time flown!) and it’s time to go back to work and education. For first-year university students, this is an incredibly exciting time. However, it’s understandable that you might feel a little overwhelmed. After all, you practically have to move your entire day-to-day life into a completely different setting, without missing the vitals. To save you some minor hassles that you may not have been expecting to encounter, I have compiled a little checklist of things you should consider taking to university.
- Extension sockets. University halls all differ, but it’s somewhat likely that you won’t have too many sockets spare once you’ve plugged in your computer, fairy lights, phone charger and any other electrical devices. Plus, if you fancy changing the room layout a bit (i.e., moving your bed) then you don’t want to be caught short. Moral of the story: bring one just in case.
- Your own pillow. Yes, it takes extra space, and yes, it means you won’t have your own pillow if you travel home frequently, but there is serious comfort in using your own pillow at night.
- A bag big enough to hold your laptop. In the first term, I brought a backpack (very useful for carrying groceries) but I stupidly didn’t think to check whether my laptop would fit inside it. In third term, I learned my lesson and brought a tote bag so I could go to the library without having to carry it in my arms! Learn from my mistake, bring a tote bag or a large backpack. (You’ll also need a reasonable size backpack in case you go home for a weekend).
- A water bottle. It’s just a small thing, but you’re likely to forget it. Save yourself from having to buy one when you’re out there, just take one from home and pop it in your bag.
- Unless you’re living in catered accommodation (which I personally wouldn’t recommend, though each to their own!), you’ve probably figured out that you will have to do all your own cooking. I have made an article on meal suggestions already, and I mentioned the suggestion of cooking in bulk. This will save you time and energy and will be a Godsend when you are too tired to cook. Take Tupperware so that you can do this!
- An uber account. This isn’t something to pack, but it is something you should make sure you have. You don’t want to be caught out on a night in town when you missed the bus and don’t know where you are. Stick to the safe side, create an uber account and attach your card before you leave home so that you’re prepared for any eventuality.
- If you don’t have a provisional, get a provisional. You’ll need your ID all the time and you don’t want to be lumbering your passport around with you, it’s too valuable.
- Photos of your passport and any passwords you have written down. Again, not something to physically pack, but you might need them in an instant. Save your family the hassle of trying to find your passport at 3.47pm on a Thursday afternoon and keep a copy on your camera roll or scan them onto your laptop. The number of things this has been useful for is ridiculous.
- Things to relax with. You might not have any time to read but bring some books regardless, DON’T bring candles but perhaps a reed diffuser, your loofah, and some bubble bath (if you’re lucky enough to have a bath like I was!). Make a mental note now: remember to practise self-care amongst the madness of university.
- A set of clothes for any occasion. You might need to make a costume, dress fancy, go to an interview, go to a pool, go to the gym. Bring an outfit for every occasion and stuff them in a bag under your bed, just in case. Come Halloween, you’ll thank yourself!
If you do forget things, it’s no panic – I got six months of free Amazon Prime when I went off to university which made life a lot easier. You can also get things from the shops when you explore your new city. Make lists, stay organised, and pack over time so you have your things together.
