University Essentials

So I can’t be productive with my own life...but I have time to hopefully help some people out.     

      

This is something different, I know that a lot of people just got their exam results, and some people will be getting ready to go to university, as I’m going into my second year of university I have already been through my own panic of buying new things to move out into the big wide world! So I thought I would share with you some advice I have on some essential (and not so essential) things you can get to make your first year of university a little bit smoother! I have also included a document you can download and print off as a mini check list and also add the things that I probably have forgotten. I will also include some honourable mentions; these go past the basic necessities but are still worth noting.

Some good shops that are good value for money are, Wilko, Argos, Ikea, Tesco, Asda ect.

Anyway here we go.

Kitchen Essentials.

Yes unfortunately, a downside to going to university and moving out is the fact that you will have to cook for yourself...If you are not fond of cooking then this may be a daunting prospect, for me it was a chance to cook different things for myself and teach myself some new recipes, but anyway these are some of the basics that you may need;   

Before I go into this Argos have a range of kitchen starter kits from £19.99. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1450130.htm

•   Pots and pans. You don’t need a whole bunch of these, three two or three pots will do.
•   Frying pan. Defiantly essential for the late night toasties.
•  Plates. You can buy crockery separately, but for good value for money you can buy sets of four which usually include large and small plates,and bowls, Wilko have a good selection from £5
• Bowls. (See Above)
• Glasses prices start at 50p from wilko
• Cups These are essential for me, can’t live without a cup of tea! You can get a range of different novelty mugs nowadays (I am starting a collection)
• Cutlery Again you can buy separate knives, forks and spoon, however to be more cost effective you can get sets of four from various shops.
• Utensils.  Including; a vegetable peeler, tin opener, colander, wooden spoon, spatula, food scissors, whisk, cheese grater, pizza cutter
•  Knives 3-4 good knives that will last a good while. Make sure to get different sizes and types for all your chopping needs!
• Chopping board.
• Baking tray 2-3 different sizes.
• Tea towels With cooking comes dishes, you will need something to dry your dishes with as unfortunately there may not be enough space to leave your dishes on the draining board.
• Honourable mentions; Mixing bowl, Weighing scales, bottle opener, plastic containers,

 What you need for your new room.

• Bedding  Make sure you find out before hand whether you will have a single or double bed, then go wild!
•  Sheets Get two sheets, so you can wash one
•  Duvet Ikea have a good selection of duvets.
• Pillows
• Blanket Good for extra comfort and to keep warm.
• Cushions I’d say for extra comfort, but who are we kidding they just look nice on the bed.
• Lamp  Most University accommodations will have installed desk lamps, but you may want an extra one by your bed.
• Clothes Hangers. Unless you want an organised floordrobe these are a must.
• Hair dryer/tongs/curler
• Honourable mentions; Posters, Photos, decorative items (fairy lights, ornaments)  

Stationary

• Diary This is essential to keep organised 
• Folders Good to keep different modules separated, so when it comes to revision you are prepared.
• Calendar Good to note down important events you have, and also birthdays and things of your new flatmates.
• Notebooks you will need plenty of notepads, try to get different sizes
•  Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Sticky notes
•  Stapler
• Pins If you are going into University accommodation the walls will be covered in notice boards that will mean you will need plenty of these to pin up all the random scraps of paper you will collect up during your first year.
• Course books. You may not need these right away, but it is good to do some research before you start your course into what text books you will be using so you don’t get a shock when you get started
•  Blue/white tack
•   Honourable mentions; Sharpies/markers, paper clips, hole punch, printer.

Toiletries

•  Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Sponge/cloth
• Bath towels
• Hand towels 
• Tooth brush
• Tooth paste
• Shower gel
• Deodorant
• Sanitary towels/tampons
• Razors
• Honourable mentions; face wipes, cleanser, moisturiser, toner, make-up, nail varnish remover, hair spray.

Phew!  This may seem like a lot of stuff, but you can never be too prepared, plus there are most definitely things that I have forgotten to mention but hopefully this list will help as a starter.

Till tomorrow....