When thinking about what you want to take to university, there are some obvious essentials; socks, shower gel, and your laptop to name a few. To most people, these are the first thought. For others like me, it would be trying to choose between my PlayStation 4, my PlayStation 3 my Nintendo 64, or my Wii. Taking my games console(s) to university really helped me when it came to boredom, bonding with my flatmates, and having some much-needed downtime. I am privileged in that this is an option for me but, if you can, here is why you should take a games console to university.
A great way to pass the time and deal with boredom
For many people who have a games console that they regularly play, it’s an obvious thought when it comes to moving away that it also makes a move with you. However, if you have a console but don’t think it’s necessary to bring to Uni, or perhaps you don’t play it that much, I need to try to convince you to bring it anyway. Sometimes at Uni, you will find that there are days where your flatmates are visiting home for a weekend, or perhaps everyone is busy with their assignments when you are all caught up, so no one is free to hang out.
Spending a night in on your own playing GTA or Mario Kart is a really great way to spend a free evening. You can get new games to play if you feel as though you have overplayed what you already have and start a new online adventure which will help take up some of your spare time. A trip to CEX to buy cheap second-hand games is always a great idea. I also recommend looking on eBay! With many consoles there are lots of hidden gems and missions which will earn you Trophies (PS) or achievements (Xbox). So trying to get all of these on your favourite games is also a great way to pass a lot of time. Plus it is so much fun!
Playing with your friends is lots of fun
When I thought to bring my Wii with me, I didn’t realise that it was going to create some of the funniest and most memorable moments of my university experience. I highly recommend, if you or a family member has a Wii, that you bring it to your accommodation or student house. It will change your lives! Because it is an old console, this one is a great choice to play with others as most people have had one or played one in the past. Most of the games that you can play on the Wii are specifically for groups of up to four people, so it’s a great choice plus everyone is able to join in.
If you happen to be living with someone who has never played one, it is super easy to use, and I feel it is less complicated to use than other consoles. Playing Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Wii Play with your friends will provide hours of entertainment and fun. FIFA on PlayStation and Xbox is also a great choice, but beware, I have seen tight relationships unravel at the hands of this game. Once you move to your new accommodation, bonding with your new housemates with a games night or a tournament will be a hilarious and easy way to bond with everybody.
Playing while pre-drinking
Although the game manufacturers probably didn’t intend for their games to be played while people are drunk, I think they and everyone else should know that it is so much fun. Playing a multiplayer game, a horror game or any game for that matter gives pre-drinks a whole new atmosphere and will create some hilarious moments. It also fills the time between the beginning of pre-drinks and ordering the taxi out. And it is a great way to end the night if you’ve had a few drinks with your friends at the pub. This helps build early relationships with flatmates while also being a laugh.
Numerous options
Here are some more games that I thoroughly recommend, for both solo and multiplayer gaming to keep you busy for hours on end and to play with others:
- Fortnite: online solo or multiplayer battle royale with various game modes – Free on Xbox/ PlayStation/ Nintendo Switch
- Until Dawn: horror/ thriller game, which is played solo, set on a secluded mountain, where each choice you make affects the outcome of the game and characters – £17.99, only on PlayStation
- GTA 5: solo or multiplayer story mode game where you complete missions as one of 3 different characters whose lives all intertwine. Asides from the main story, there are hundreds of side missions, hidden gems, and activities. This game has a great storyline, hilarious characters and scenes, and fantastic music – (various prices, often discounted) Xbox/ PlayStation
- Ratchet and Clank: solo gameplay which sees 2 unlikely characters join forces to prevent an evil mastermind from destroying multiple planets – £7.99, only on PlayStation
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent: horror game played solo, which sees a man wake up in a castle with no memory. As you progress through the game, his identity, and a lot more, is rediscovered. I have to say, this is one of the scariest games I have ever played, you have been warned – (various prices, often discounted) Xbox, PlayStation. There is a version of this game you can purchase which has 2 other horror games included, which I highly recommend! (Amnesia Collection)
For the Wii, I suggest you bring/ buy:
- Wii Play – various multiplayer games such as fishing and racing.
- Wii Sports – various sports games including tennis and baseball.
- Mario Kart – multiplayer (or solo) racing game, in my opinion the greatest ever made.
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