If you’re heading to university for the first time in September, before you haul all your luggage over, it’s worth making a checklist of what you need before you go – besides the obvious. Here is my top 10 of what is worth bringing.
Cooking utensils
- If you’re heading off to a particular university, for example The University of Leeds, they may offer a “Uni Essentials Kit” which includes crockery, cutlery, cooking pans, cooking utensils which you’ll need even if it is beans on toast for tea.
Water bottle
- You’d be surprised at how much you will use this. With sustainability and hydration in mind, take a reusable one, especially for when you’re having a two hour face-to-face lecture. You will be dying for a drink.
Face masks
- Preferably you’ll need an abundance. Especially as universities can be a breeding ground, you’re best off being safe. Alternatively, you can grab yourself a pack of disposables but it’s always handy to have a reusable one to wash.
Hand sanitiser
- Speaking of being safe, make sure you have always got a mini hand sanitiser in your bag or pocket!
Mattress Topper
- More than likely, your mattress in your student accommodation will be uncomfortable. So grab yourself a mattress topper to ensure that you have a comfortable night’s sleep.
Extension leads
- Chances are you will only have a few plug sockets in your room. To prevent problems, grab yourself an extension lead to use your laptop and hair dryer at the same time.
Adhesive strips/White Tac
- When putting things up on your walls, it can be a tricky situation. Adhesive strips and white tac ensures that the walls don’t get stained at the end of the year but you can still have a nice looking room.
First Aid Kit
- This is quite self explanatory. You’d be surprised how many times you can accidentally injure yourself. At the very least get some waterproof plasters and paracetamol.
Thermal or fluffy socks
- Most student accommodations don’t have carpeted floors, so it’s worth getting some thermal/fluffy socks during those winter days when you’re lounging about.
Slippers/Sliders
- To state the obvious, people can be messy. So it’s not worth going into your shared kitchen with socks or (worse) barefoot. Even if you are just popping downstairs to get a parcel, or outside to collect your takeaway, it’s far more convenient to have these to hand.
University in 2022 is very different to previous years. If you are feeling apprehensive about this, it is completely normal. But it’s important to know that guidance is there if you need it. Universities are being more mindful about safety and wellbeing as we live with Coronavirus, offering both face-to-face and online learning. But it is important to know what’s out there while keeping yourself safe.
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