While leaving for university may be
both an exciting and overwhelming feeling especially if this is your first time
leaving home, it is quite an experience to look forward to and with the right
guide, you would be in safe hands.
We understand that being an undergraduate Fresher has its perks and is equally the best time to set the course of your entire uni experience, so we have curated a list of essentials to make this a smooth transition for you.
Ensure To Travel Light;
This is nearly the most underrated
information/piece of advice that any fresher would get as most are unaware of
the university hall/room arrangement and often over pack when in the true
sense, university rooms aren’t very big.
You are most likely going to get
dozens of freebies at Freshers’ Week events, so it’s best to avoid over-packing
and causing clutter.
Before you leave home, check for what
is available in your accommodation (online) or contact your landlord/lady or
hall management to confirm what you’ll be needing, to avoid owning two sets of
same properties.
A few things like kettle, toaster or
cleaning utensils can be bought together with your new flatmate(s) as you both
would be sharing this and it would help you save cost.
Furthermore, here is a list of essentials every undergraduate Fresher would be needing:
1) Bedroom Essentials:
Stuff for your bed – A duvet, 2/3 sets of bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases.
Lol, don’t quote us, but a comfortable
and good night rest is very very essential to get through Uni hassles/securing
those good grades, and also, a double duvet makes a single bed cozier for those
mornings after the night before.
Also, getting extra pillows and blankets would be a great investment against the winter season as it can get really cold in university accommodation.
- Hangers – You can never have too much of this even if you would be provided or not, so go prepared with more than enough.
- Home cleaning products – Getting the basic cleaning products would go a long way even if there are provisions for cleaners who may/may not clean your room. Stocking products like washing-up liquid, some Febreeze, Flash, and sponges will go a long way
- Earplugs – Never underestimate the power of earplugs as this would come in on those noisy nights when all everyone wants to do is party loudly, but all you want to do is get some sleep.
2) Bathroom Essentials:
- First-aid kit
- Condoms and other contraceptives
- Medicine – Usually painkillers/ flu remedies would make life a lot easier especially when adjusting to the new university environment.
- Other daily essentials – e.g.; shower gel, soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisture, toothpaste, and other hair essentials like straighteners and hand dryers.
- Bath & hand towels
- Laundry bag: This would come in handy when you need to visit the washroom/laundry room.
3) Kitchen Essentials:
- Crockery – About four plates and four bowls is probably enough – make sure they’re microwavable!
- Cutlery – 2/3 sets of knives, spoons, and forks should be enough.
- Kitchen gadgets – Wooden spoon, spatula, colander, scissors, and a recipe book will all be useful.
- Chopping knives & boards
- Grater
- Casserole dish
- Baking tray
- Pots and pans – Different sizes of these should come in handy whenever you decide to experiment with new recipes.
- Tupperware and freezer bags – This is great if you love to cook in a larger quantity and store for the week rather than cook every day.
- Glasses and mugs: for coffee, tea, wine, and vodka shots…
4) Learning materials/The Serious stuff:
- Stationery – pen, pencils, crayons, or whichever you feel comfortable using.
- Academic diary/notes
- Electronics – An extension box for all your plugins like laptop & phone chargers, or other electrical appliances you plan to take.
- Important documents – Travel Passport, passport photos, medical insurance, vaccination history, and contents insurance documents. Remember any confirmation letters of your scholarship or bursary, if appropriate, or acceptance letters from your university. Don’t forget any monetary documents – especially related to your student loan or bank account.
- Valid Government-issued ID card – such as a drivers license or any other kind of ID you don’t mind taking out.
- Bank debit card and card reader for online banking/offline transactions.
- Travel discount cards – 16-25 railcards are great for cheap travel home, a student Oyster card if you’re in London, or bus cards for the city you’re living in will be useful.
- CV and references for those part-time job applications.
- A torch – in case of emergency or sudden power outage.
- Umbrella
5) The Not-so essential stuff:
- A small suitcase or large bag for weekends back home or visiting friends.
- Formal clothes – To attend dinners and other formal events.
- Wall-art or posters.
- Photo frames– They’re great for decorating, or just looking-at when you’re feeling homesick.
- Coffee machine – If you’re a coffee addict.
- Rug
- Speakers
- Mini fridge
- Diffuser/room spray – keep your room smelling fresh/nice with nice selected room spray and diffusers.
- Toasted sandwich maker
- Finally, board games and a pack of cards – With these, you can build great/lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals.
