The University Files | 1st Year Checklist

 

Hey my lovelies, hope you're all well and welcome back for the second instalment of the 'University Files'! Today I'm going to be running through a list of 1st year University essentials, from all things practical to bits and bobs to make your University accommodation feel a little more like home. Whether you have just started your Undergraduate degree, are returning to uni and living in a house, or starting a Postgraduate course at a new uni, this checklist will be a great place to start for making your house feel more like a home. You can also access a downloadable PDF of this checklist HERE.

Now I won't bore you with the basic things like toiletries, stationary and kitchenware, but hopefully this list will be compiled of things you maybe hadn't thought of and items I wish I had when I moved in to my 1st year uni halls way back in 2017. 

1. Extension Lead - let me tell you now there will NEVER be enough plugs in your uni room.

2. Doorstop - these are perfect if your moving into first year/a new uni where you're meeting your flatmates for the first time. This way you can keep your door open so people can pop their heads in and say hello, just make sure you get one that fits under the door as those uni fire doors are SO HEAVY!

3. Portable Speaker - these are always a great idea for pre-drinks with your flatmates, and also you can use it in your own room, when you're in the shower, or if you're cooking up a storm and want to listen to some music in the kitchen.

4. Reusable Coffee Cup/Flask - these are both practical and mean you're doing your bit for the environment. They can also save you money if you're making your own hot beverage and taking it with you to your lectures, or if you're treating yourself to a barista coffee then some uni canteens offer money off if you provide your own cup. 

5. Plastic Cups/Glasses (eg. Shot Glasses) - plastic cups = minimal breakages. These are perfect for pre-drinks and although require washing-up, means you won't waste money on paper cups. I got mine from Primark but Wilko's always sell some.

6. Bottle Opener - you will not believe how many of your flatmates forget one of these!

7. Mattress Protector and Spare Bedding - University halls really will try to deduct money from your deposit for a stain that has been on the mattress for at least five years. Also, an extra set of bedding mean you have one wear, and one to wash. 

8. Batteries - I don't know how many times I had to add AA's to my weekly shopping list, but you will always need batteries for something. Whether that is your fairy lights are running low or the TV remote has stopped working. 

9. First Aid Kit - now don't laugh, I know this sounds extreme, but a mini first aid kit which you can keep in a drawer means your covered in case you ever need an antiseptic wipe or plaster.

10. Card Games - now I'd be lying if I said these were on here so you could play solitaire with your friends, but card games, whether these be a standard deck of cards or more specific ones, make excellent drinking games. 

11. Home Comforts - now you're going to be living in this room for the vast majority of the next year, so make sure you make it comfortable and cozy. Whether you use blankets and cushions, a rug and fairy lights, candles and pictures of your nearest and dearest, or all of the above, it's always nice to have things which remind you of home, especially when you feel a little homesick. Quick note but you probably won't be allowed to burn candles, but they make great decorations and you could always buy battery/electric ones for the mood lighting. 

12. Storage Solutions - uni hall rooms can be pretty bare, with little storage, so making the most out of your space is essential. Drawer organisers are fab and can be easily sourced in Ikea. Baskets and acrylic drawers from Ikea, Homesense, and Muji can also home your dirty clothes, blankets and stationary. 

13. Cleaning Supplies - yes, you will now be in charge of cleaning your own room, bathroom and kitchen, so make sure your stocked up on bleach, disinfectant (COVID-19 essential) and wipes. There is nothing more annoying than being the only person supplying the loo roll, so maybe arrange a flat kitty where you all chip in on a weekly basis for the cleaning supplies. 

14. Store Loyalty/Point Cards - bit random I know, but I would suggest signing up for supermarket cards like a Sainsbury's Nectar Card and Tesco Clubcard. It may take time, but as Tesco say, 'Every Little Helps'. Superdrug and Boots loyalty cards also mean you could save some money on toiletries and other essentials. 

15. Railcard - this is one to keep in mind before you go to uni, but if you know you want to travel home and may need to catch public transport then you can get a 18-25 railcard. My Santander 123 Student Account came with one of these which was handy, so I definitely recommend looking into all the different student accounts that banks and building societies offer. 

So there we go guys, my top 15 items to get you started on your University journey. Hope you found that useful whether your a new or returning uni student and this list has given you some extra ideas (you can access the PDF HERE). Best of luck to all of you on your University and studying journeys, I know things are uncertain at the minute and it's pretty daunting out there, but have faith that you will be okay, you can do this, and just enjoy the ride! See you all soon for another blog post, lots of love xoxo