You’ll probably be living away from home for the first time so it’s understandable to feel a bit clueless. Everyone will be different so it’s really up to you what you take. We could fill this page up with a huge list of potential things you may or may not need, but instead here some suggestions we think you'll definitely need in your first week as a student, with a few top tips from people who have been there and done it.
For the kitchen
So in case no one told you (or you’ve got enough money to eat out every day), you’ll be cooking your own food from now on. Depending on whether you’re in a small flat or huge halls with a shared kitchen, you’ll have to decide what kind of utensils to take. You can’t tell whether your new housemates will be willing to share, so you’ll definitely need to take some basics. For example, a couple of pans, some cutlery, tea towels, washing up liquid/sponges/clothes, plates and bowls. Remember, you don’t have to take absolutely everything straight away; you can get the extras when you’ve figured out the lay of the land. You will probably find a good corkscrew or bottle opener will come in handy through freshers’ week though
Lita Wallis, Education Officer for University of Sussex, 2010.
You never know who you are going to be pitching in with, so I just took one of everything I could get my hands on cheaply: a couple of pans, chopping board, sharp knives, frying pan, colourful cutlery, and some knock-off plates and bowls from Whittards. And a grater, everyone eats cheese, but there's always a lack of graters. Colourful items are a good tip - if you take things which are recognisable, you can keep track of where your stuff is. Although people can also tell when its you who hasn't been washing up... I also took an espresso machine, which was a great move. As well as being essential in getting me to my lectures after a night out, it was a great way of getting people over after seminars. I actually made some of my best friends that way who I am still in touch with now.
For your room
Well it is your room and you’ll be spending a lot of time there so it’s really up to you what you do with it. You may want to make it into your personal sanctuary; you may just want to have the basics. Whatever you want you’ll certainly be needing some bedding.
Clothes hangers are a good idea. And you’ll probably need some clothes to put on them. Most students will probably claim a good set of lap top speakers got them through their first year, where as others might say their extensive DVD collection was a must. If you’re musical and are considering leaving your instrument at home, don’t! University is full of opportunities to have a jam, or even start a band, so you don’t want to miss out.
Talking about more useful things now, you’ll definitely need an extension chord for all your devices, and whatever you do, bring an alarm clock for those 9 o’clock lectures!
Dan Shepherd, studied Forensic Science at Bournemouth University. Graduated in 2009.
You definitely need two sets of bed sheets because although you won’t wash them for weeks and weeks (and months) it’s a real pain if you don’t have a clean set to put on when you forget to take them out of the washing machine or hang them up to dry before a night out and then have to sleep with no sheets. If I had to pick one other thing I couldn’t have done without it would be an old school tie. If you’re anything like me you’ll be going to a lot of old school discos, especially in first year, so be prepared!
Food
It is a good idea to buy a good bulk shop before you go, although it certainly isn’t a necessity. Some stock foods like cereal, milk, coffee, tea, pasta, rice and tinned goods are a good start. Once again they’ll be a campus shop where you can grab what you need, but it might be a better idea to get that last big shop off the parents before you’re left to fend for yourself. You might never eat as well again.
Emma Harris. Studied Fashion Promotion at UCA Rochester, gradutating in 2011.
Crossing the water to the mainland, I did wonder whether the ferry would float with the amount of tins and dried goods my Mother had laden me down with. She’d prepped me for my first year with everything needed to feed a small family and run a house for a year without having to ever restock. I myself had packed the essentials: brand new uni wardrobe ready to dazzle as the new uni me, a million of photos from my old life, a poster of Zac Efron and a globe sized ball of blue tack. On arrival at halls we unloaded the sacks of pasta, rice and teabags and set off in search of bread, milk and cheese. My parents insisted we buy fruit, I went my own way and decided the latest issue of ELLE and a litre of vodka was really what I needed. As it happened Mums excessive amount of cleaning products came in handy in the following morning and indeed the rest of the year. My friends and I decided to share everything within the first week, so our sacks of pasta and rice lasted until second year. Money Saver.
For your course
This one is relatively simple. We're sure you are all terribly organised people, so you will need some folders and binders for your course work. These will be invaluable later in your uni career for revision and reference points. You'll need a good stack of A4 pads and (we imagine) some pens and pencils. All this can be purchased in the on campus store when you arrive if you don't have the room for it.
You may, or may not, have looked ahead to your course syllabus and bought some of the books you need. If not, don't worry, Freshers week is where everyone gets all the neccesary books and packs. If you do feel like beating a long queue, however, it might be a good idea to find out what's in store.
For information on making the jump from A levels to degree and for some student accounts of their first moments of uni, continue reading our Making friends and settling in section.