What to pack when going to university for the first time
Deciding what to take to uni for the first time is no easy feat. By this point you’ve probably got lists and lists of stuff you think you’ll need to survive flying the nest. But what are the things that you truly can’t live without at university?
The real essentials
By far the best (and I mean THE BEST) thing I brought to uni was a snack box. I filled mine with my favourite chocolates, biscuits, crisps and fruits. Having my favourite foods within arm’s reach was really comforting, especially during the first few weeks. Get yourself a snack box – it’s not something you’ll regret!
Try to bring as many kitchen and bathroom products with you as you can. This could include table sauces, spices, sanitary products and toilet roll. Depending on where you attend university, buying most items in your home city could save you a lot of money. Bringing these things in the car with you on move-in day is also much easier than having to carry them back from the shops later on.
Another essential is a pair of sliders. The kitchen floor quickly becomes dirty and is definitely not worth ruining a good pair of shoes for. Sliders are easier to slip on than outdoor shoes and are usually waterproof meaning they can be wiped hassle-free. They are also comfortable to wear around your halls of residence; whether socializing in the common room; doing laundry or taking the bins out.
If you are staying in self-catered halls, it may be useful to bring a recipe book. Those such as Nosh for Students contain dinners which are quick, cheap and simple to make. Alternatively, you could pick some meals you enjoy eating at home; divide the quantities of ingredients and create your own personalized recipe cards. Either way, having some easy recipes to hand will be really beneficial and prove one less thing to worry about when you first arrive.
Decoration, decoration, decoration
When you walk into your uni room for the first time it will be a blank canvas: bed, desk, chair, wardrobe. Though it seems a bit bland at first, you are essentially free to make your room whatever you want (so long as you don’t go painting walls or anything too extreme!) Plants, fairy lights and books help to create a cozy atmosphere, whilst bringing a few different sets of bedding allows you to vary your look. Most rooms also come with a pinboard so you can hang photos of home, friends and family. And of course, more photos can be added once you start making memories at university! Bringing lots of decorations will make your room feel like a home away from home and somewhere you enjoy spending time.
Packing is as much about what you DON’T take as what you do
Whilst it may feel as though you need to buy everything now, some things are better left until you arrive at your accommodation. Toasters and kettles, for example, are already provided in some halls of residence and, even if they’re not, can easily be sorted out once you meet your flatmates. Kitchen workspaces are often small and covered with stuff so the last thing you need is six toasters detracting from cooking space!
Another thing to avoid is packing your entire wardrobe. Uni wardrobes are usually pretty small and likely won’t hold as much stuff as you have at home. Although it is hard to predict exactly what clothes you’ll need, it is unlikely to be more than two suitcases worth. If you plan to visit home during the semester, you could use this opportunity to swap some of your clothes: exchanging summery ones with heavier garments for winter use. Otherwise, it might be worth investing in a capsule wardrobe, consisting of a few, versatile garments which can be styled and adapted for any occasion. Both options mean you can look good without your wardrobe bursting at the seams.
In brief
Uni rooms are small and compact. Taking only the stuff you really need will not only be less stressful for you but will also make your room feel more spacious and comforting. Just remember that everyone is different and what’s essential for one person may not necessarily prove so for another. It will take trial and error to discover what you truly need in the long run, but hopefully this article gets you off to a good start!
