Heading to uni for the first time can be daunting, and as new freshers from all over the country head off to higher education, here are some of the things that you should remember to take with you if you are one of them…
Home Essentials – Going to university is for many students the first time away from home, so it is time to get all of those home essentials that you need. However, you need to check what you need to take with you, as student accommodation varies, and it may be that some things are provided.
Tech and Stationery – You will need things for your course to ensure that you are able to complete your work. This can be expensive, so look for deals and also tech like these cheap laptops www.refurbishedlaptops.co.uk that have been refurbished. Also check if there is anything that you specifically need for your course.
Documents – You are likely to need to take documents with you for your course. ID as well as correspondence letters with the university are typically things that you will need to take. Make sure that you keep all of the documents safe and secure.
Clothing – Many students look forward to kitting themselves out with a new wardrobe when they start university, and being a student you also may be able to get student discounts on clothes at many stores, so keep an eye out for this!
Settling into your new student home
Packing the right things is only half the job. Before you move, sit down and plan a budget. Work out what money you will have coming in and what will go out each month. Many students take a part-time job to help them through university, so it may be worth starting to look for one early.
Once you arrive, make the place your own without redecorating. Unpack the essentials first, then add things from home that help you settle, along with homely touches such as your own lighting and artwork for the walls. Small personal items go a long way towards making a room feel like yours.
It is also a good idea to give the whole place a clean when you move in, even if it looks tidy already. Starting with a fresh, clean space sets the standard for the rest of the year and helps you begin student life on the right foot.
Where you live shapes what you pack
What you need to take depends partly on where you will be living, and student accommodation varies. Most first year students live in halls of residence. Halls help you settle in and get to know the area without the pressure of finding somewhere to live, but they are usually for the first year only, so start looking for later years early.
Some universities own student houses, which can suit courses where it helps to live with people studying the same thing. It is worth checking whether this is available before you go.
For most of your time at university you will probably be in rented accommodation, often shared with friends made in your first year. Do not rush this decision, and make sure you know the people you will be sharing a kitchen and bathroom with. Moving into a shared house usually means bringing more of your own household items than halls require.
Planning where you will live
Packing the right things is only part of getting ready for university. For most students it is the first time living away from home, and even those studying locally may decide to move in with other students for a taste of independence.
In the first year, most students live in halls of residence. These usually come with the basics provided, such as a bed, a desk and a bathroom, which makes the move simpler and means there is less to bring.
After the first year, students are generally expected to find their own accommodation, which often means renting from a private landlord. That brings new responsibilities. There are utility bills to pay, council tax to check, and a TV licence may be needed. Making a student loan stretch across the whole year can be difficult, so many students take a part-time job as well. Thinking about these costs early makes the move into independent living much smoother.