what do they really need to take?

[cricketballs]

After years of buying things for primary, secondary and college which were never needed, I'm determined not to waste money again! I have no personal experience of living in halls, so what do they actually need to take! On open day the student guides did say don't purchase a kettle/toaster until they move in as in a self catered flat with 6 bedrooms has no need for 6 kettles! But, need to start buying things so we dont have to do a huge shop - so what do they need?

[Ragwort]

I would suggest the absolute minimum (do they need own bedlinen/duvet/towels?) and then a small budget so that they can agree with their fellow students what needs buying? Surely at that age they should be competent enough to make those decisions. Also no point in buying saucepans if they are going to live off pot noodles . It's easy enough to pick stuff up at charity shop/PoundLand type shops.

It's all part of growing up and leaving home to learn those life skills.

[RosieRain]

Hi I have no experience of this either but I'm itching to go shopping!

We are worried about results though so I might have to wait for the 14th.

I know they can buy bedding packs at uni but I think I will buy my Ds a new duvet and cover. I've heard a mattress protector is a good idea as well. I also want to send him with a first aid kit - just the basics until he finds his feet. Paracetamol, plasters that sort of thing.

Would love some more ideas.

[eatyourveg]

This is last year's thread on the subject which proved very useful.
There is also a list on the Push guide and the student room has one here

[cricketballs]

The student room list seems very extensive, and I'm sure that there are things that aren't actually needed.

I have read through last year's thread, and whilst we have got some fantastic ideas it turned into a bun fight 're benefits/low income etc so I stopped reading.

[NCISaddict]

Just about to send DS on his fourth and final year away. The first year (in self catering halls) he needed bed linen/duvet /and pillows, they weren't allowed kettles/toasters but there were provided in the shared kitchen. Really useful things were a first aid kit with cold and flu remedies, ibuprofen, allergy tablets and plasters, tupperware type containers which we named with marker pen. Extension leads and an ethernet cable. Go to a computer shop and they'll make you up a longer one so he can use his laptop in bed. Very important as a student!

A corkscrew/bottle opener made him very popular plus a big tin of biscuits.

Flipflops if he normally walks around in bare feet, a white shirt/t shirt, they always seem to have at least one party which involves writing on their shirts plus a fancy dress costume. DS bought a couple of really cheap onsies (batman and incredible hulk I seem to remember) plus old school uniform for the old school party.

[NCISaddict]

DS also got a cheap printer and paper, printing is expensive at the library. Also take some passport photos and sort out internet banking before he goes so that he can easily keep an eye on finances. DS used to take out £50 at the beginning of the week and that had to last him for everything all week. If he had anything left he either blew it all on a really good night out, added it to the next week or got a takeaway.

[Merrylegs]

Black tie suit (if male). Fancy dress costume.

[goinggetstough]

A printer is useful. Do check on the cost of printer cartridges as sometimes the cheapest printers require the most expensive ink. PC world did some good deals prior to September last year .

A mobile hard drive - to back up files etc

Stain devils for tomato sauces/bolognaise
Colour catchers for washing

NB Although a small fridge would be useful many University Halls don't allow them. It is usually listed on the accommodation website.

[BeckAndCall]

Depends what kind of accommodation he's been allocated, cricket. You should be able to search their website for details of what's included - but it's the what's NOT included that I guess you need help on!

From expereince, as well as all the things on the lists linked above..... Coat hangers, A door stop, A bean bag ( if the room is big enough), Fairy lights for pinning up and creating 'ambiance', ( maybe that's just girls!), an electric blanket, your own bathmat, A laundry bag, and knowledge of how often you need to change your bed linen........!

[senua]

You don't need masses, although we always seem to have taken up car-loads of stuff.
Don't buy new bedlinen. Let them take their old stuff so they have a bit of home-from-home, the grown up version of a teddy bear to cling on to.
Give them your old kitchen stuff because they / their flatmates are going to lose / break it. You get the new replacements.
I'm sure that where you are going will have Sainsbos / Asda / Tesco so you can buy missing bits there when you do the first grocery shop. And S/A/T will be ready, stocked and waiting for the students!
Little things can be picked up at charity shops. DS's flat seemed to be spectacularly short of mugs when we picked him up at Christmas (3 mugs between 5 students IIRC) so I got ten for a pound at the charity shop. Five of them made it back home at the end of the year.
As long as they have their tech stuff (computer, printer, speakers, cabling & connectors, phone, charger) and joining paperwork (including lots of passport photos and a proof of ID) then that is the main thing.
And take flat-warming alcohol and/or cake.

[2rebecca]

Electric blankets are on the banned list (along with electric grills and candles plus umpteen other things ) for my son's accomodation. The list arrived today.
I'd check out the stuff he can't take first.

[BeckAndCall]

Whoa, no electric blankets! Best not go too far north then!

(Joking! I'm from the north myself.....)

( my oldest two both took electic blankets with them and was planning to send the youngest with one in October! )

[2rebecca]

and "inflatable furniture"!

[cricketballs]

[Grin] 2rebecca!

[MillyMollyMama]

Toilet brush! No-one ever takes a toilet brush. Vital in my opinion.

[goinggetstough]

A laundry bag that can be put in the wardrobe seems more useful than a pop up one. My first DC started with one but there wasn't really enough floor space and also they didn't want their washing visible when their friends were in their room.

[zizza]

All good tips here especially the fancy dress items! Get them to find out from the SU what events happen - we at least knew dd needed old school uniform, a tiger outfit, etc before she went (and some face paints were handy!)

[secretsquirrels]

Well now the results are out this all seems much more real.
Do others know where they will be staying yet?
DS knows his accommodation will be self catering but doesn't know any more until mid September. So no idea how large the room is but safe to assume not very big.
No idea about storage, hooks and hanging space.
The likelihood is that it will have a kitchen shared between about 12 and a bathroom shared between about 6 - 8 (ugh).

[goinggetstough]

secret you mentioned hanging space. One DC didn't have much and we made the mistake of getting ikea basic pack of wooden ones. It's best to get metal ones as they are thinner and then they can stuff more in the wardrobe!

[secretsquirrels]

Actually I was thinking of hooks on doors and walls for towels and such, rather than in wardrobes.
If they share a bathroom I presume the soggy towels have to hang in the room?

[goinggetstough]

secret in my DC's case soggy towels hang over the slightly open wardrobe door. My DC is not at the same university yours is going to but he has hooks on the back of his door. As he has a sink in his room he has a hook for a small hand towel but he says you couldn't hang a large towel on it.

[WhatDidYouJustSay]

I agree with getting as little as possible and giving them all your old things. . It's so easy to pick up cheap things in supermarkets once they are there.

I did get each of my DC a lockable concertina file with all their documents in.
I suggested they label it and fill it with all their important stuff.

[alreadytaken]

check what they are allowed to take as electrical devices and furniture (even inflatable furniture) may be out. Check the thread about what they left behind and had to have sent on and make sure they pack the chargers for any essentials (phones, anyone?). Printers aren't always necessary or useful, glad we didn't buy one.

University beds are often poor. We had to buy a new pillow and I'm getting them a thicker mattress protector this year. They will have something wrong with them so medication for minor illnesses. Clothes rack, one of the small, neat folding ones that extend. Some of the capsules you can throw into a washing machine and the sort of coins it needs.

And do get the free prescription form, if there is a chance they qualify, but fill in when at college so paying rent. New glasses, if they wear them, can make a big hole in a student budget while dental fees and prescription charges are smaller holes.

[MummiUni]

DD has just given me thus list of stuff she needs! Surely not

What can we leave out???


Bedroom items
Bedding
CHECK what is provided by the uni before you go out and buy stuff!
• Sheets
• Duvet/quilt x1
• Duvet/quilt covers x2sets
• Pillows x2
• Pillow casesx4
• Warm blanket/fleece
• Underblanket/mattress protector
Other Bedroom items
• Photos
• Alarm Clock
• Posters ( though these can often be obtained during the Fresher's Fair )
• Door wedge ( If you keep your bedroom door open you'll make friends with your new housemates much more quickly! )
• Hot water bottle
• Desk Lamp (If Halls dont provide one)
• Clothes wash basket/bin/bag
• Small rubbish bin (if Halls dont provide one)
• Coffee mug
Laundry items
• Washing powder/Fabric softener (buy when you get there)
• Laundry bag
• Small drying rack (University may provide)
Clothing
• Normal, casual clothing - jeans, t-shirts ( both long and short sleeve for layering / mix and match ) cardigans/lightweight jackets
• Fleece type jumpers or cotton sweatshirts - much, much easier to wash & dry than knitted ones.
• Underwear and socks ( plenty of these!)
• Comfortable waterproof shoes
• 'Going Out' clothes for pubs/clubs/parties
• Hat/scarf/gloves - many students pack for Uni in September, while it is still relatively warm, and forget that it will be cold by the end of their first term!
• Winter coat (warm, waterproof type)
• Pyjamas/nightshirt/dressing gown and slippers ( for when the fire alarm goes of at 3am- you do not want to be scrabbling for clothes in that situation!
• Smart shoes/heels
• Clothing suitable for interviews for part-time jobs
• Flip flops
• Coat hangers
Other
• Swimwear/towel
• Gym & sports clothes
• Trainers
• Warm Joggers (useful even if you aren't sporty)
Bag etc
• Everyday student bag - backpack, messenger bag etc.
Make sure its waterproof, with easy catches/fastenings, strong/durable AND that its big enough and strong enough to hold several large textbooks, folders, notepad, water bottle etc etc, AND has comfortable shoulder straps.
Don't get something cheap/fashionable but so flimsy that will fall apart by the first weekend.
If in doubt, get a basic backpack and then replace it once you've got to Uni and worked out what you really need.
• Pencil case
• Purse or wallet
• Keyring
• Watch
• Umbrella

Personal items
• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses plus cleaning fluid etc
o Copy of prescription
• Spare pair of glasses
• Brace/retainer and accessories
• Everyday moisturiser
• Skincare wash
• Lipbalm
• Shower gel, shampoo, soap,
• Shaving cream, razors etc
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste
• Hairbrush, comb etc
• Tampons/Sanitary towels
• Make-up and make-up remover
• Toilet roll
• Air freshener
• Hairdryer
• Straighteners
• Box of tissues
Stationery Items
If you are staying in Halls, the information you receive from your university should tell you what will be provided in your room. Many rooms will already have a noticeboard, for example, so you won't need to buy one. Some students recommend taking only the bare minimum in terms of stationery, and then buying the rest as and when you need it after you've settled in. PS. Shops like Tescos, Wilkinsons and Poundland are cheaper than Rymans or Paperchase.....
• Noticeboard (all Halls rooms will have one already)
• Push-pins
• Pack of cheap copy paper for printing
• A4 file paper / notebooks with tear out sheets
• Jotter or reporter pad
• Pen drive/memory stick
• Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Permanent all-surface markers
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Tippex
• Pencil case
• Pen pot (a coffee mug or flower pot will do)
• White Tack or Blu Tack
• Scissors
• Sellotape
• Hole puncher
• Stapler/staples
• Paper clips
• Post-it Notes or flag markers
• A4 ring binders
• Lever-arch folders
o Hole-reinforcers
o Paper/plastic wallets
• Envelopes
• Stamps
• Calculator (especially if you're doing maths, but even if you're doing English Literature)
Documents
• Passport photos Take at least four, and keep some on you. Also scan some on to your computer to get quick reproductions for less (especially for ID that doesn't really matter)
• Passport
• Driving licence (useful ID)
• National Insurance number
• NHS medical card
• Details of your vaccination history (make sure you have up-to-date vaccinations, especially for meningitis and measles, BEFORE you arrive and that you get a flu shot in the Autumn term)
• Insurance documents
• Confirmation letters of scholarship/bursary etc if appropriate
• Any information from your LEA, the SLC (Student Loans Company) or Student Finance Direct
• Your unconditional offer from the university
• Any documents regarding your accommodation
• Cheque book
• Bank debit card
• Paying-in book
• Bank or building society details
• Travel discount cards (16-25 Railcard etc) Great for cheap travel home
• CV and references
• CRB check - applicant's copy (if required by your course)
• Relevant exam certificates or results slips
• Oyster card (if in London) Student Oyster cards are also available)
Electrical Items/PC etc
CHECK what you are allowed to bring to halls - some unis have very strict rules about electrical equipment.
• LAPTOP Whilst all Unis will have 'public' PCs in Depts and Libraries etc, most students find a Laptop useful for personal use. Get one that is light enough to carry around campus with you.
• Extension leads Get surge protected ones to protect valuable equipment
• Socket converter (if you are an international student)
• Computer/laptop
• Laptop case/bag
• Chargers
• Mouse/mat
• Ethernet cable
• Small b&w printer (you will have access to Library printers etc, but a small one in your room is always handy)
• USB memory sticks
• Packet of copy paper
• Ink (colour & black for inkjet, toner for laser)
• Mobile phone
• Charger
• Headphones
• Digital camera
• Batteries (rechargeable?)
• Small CD player
• CDs & wallet/case
• MP3 player/iPod
• USB lead (charger)
• Docking station
• Alarm clock
• Iron & Ironing board (only if you arent in Halls)
First aid items
• Prescription medication (and copy of your prescription)
• Painkillers
• Antiseptic cream
• Cold/flu remedy
• Throat lozenges
• Nail Scissors
• Tweezers
• Plasters
• Blister plasters
Tips:
• Register with a local GP on arrival
• Keep the number for local doctors surgery/dentist
• Keep a number for next of kin in your phone under NOK or ICE (next of kin or in case of emergency)
• Familiarise yourself with where the local A&E and drop-in centres are
• Remember 111 for non-emergency medical advice (or NHS24 in Scotland - 08454 242424)
• 999 for emergencies
• If you suffer with long-term conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy, keep an ID bracelet/locket/book with your name, age, condition, medical list and number to phone with you, just in case. Make sure your neighbours in Halls of Residences know what your condition is and where vital medication is kept.
Miscellaneous
• Holdall or 'weekend at home' bag
• Handbag for nights/days out
• Torch
• Small sewing kit
• Watch - always good for suddenly realising you've got a lecture in two minutes!
• Door wedge
• Books/novels (fiction/non-fiction)
• Musical instrument(s)
• Local taxi number
• Local map
• Local doctor's Number
• Local dentist number
• Pack of cards

IF you are living in self-catering accommodation you might need some of the following. If you are in catered Halls of Residence, you won't need any of this stuff.
Kitchen Items
Appliances
Beware: If you are sharing you may end up with many of the same appliance in one house and remember your storage space in any communal kitchen will be very limited. Also some universities do supply these in varying states of working order for those in university accommodation. Always CHECK what you are allowed to bring with you - some unis are strict about electrical items.
• Coffee maker
• Kettle - usually supplied
• Toaster - usually supplied
• Rice Steamer
Equipment
Obviously you dont need any of this if you are living in a fully catered halls of residence. Even in self-catering CHECK what is provided before you go out and buy stuff.
• Small casserole dish (le creuset dish)
• Small frying pan
• Wok or large frying pan (with lid)
• Large saucepan (with lid)
• Small saucepan (with lid)
• Flat baking tray (for oven chips!)
• Tin opener
• Bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• Vegetable peeler
• Cheese grater
• Wooden spoons or spatulas
• Masher
• Microwavable bowl
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring jug
• Pizza cutter ( though it can be easier to use scissors )
• Sieve
• Colander
• Whisk
• Chopping knives
• Chopping board ( may be a good idea to get a different one for meat, and for vegetables/bread to avoid cross-contamination )
• Kitchen scissors
• Tea towels
• Scales
• Measuring spoons
• Loaf tin
• Cake tin
Storage
• Tupperware (plastic tubs for storing leftovers.) Write your name on the lids and the tubs to prevent them going missing
• Sandwich bags (good for storing 'dry' leftovers)
• Biscuit tin
• Cling film (for covering bowls in the fridge/microwave)
• Tin foil
• Plastic drinks bottle (better than buying bottled drinks - and saves money)
Tableware
• Glasses (pint glasses, tumblers, high-ball, shot glasses)
• Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) Tip - taking just one or two of everything will encourage you to wash them straight away but make sure you have enough to have people over for a takeaway dinner
• Crockery (plates, bowls, mugs, cups)
Basic Ingredients
REMEMBER that uni towns have shops - you don't need to cart all this stuff from home!
• Salt / Pepper
• Herbs and spices
• Sugar / Sweeteners
• Ketchup, mayonnaise/ salad cream
• Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate)
• Cooking oil/spray
• Spreads - honey, jam, Marmite, peanut butter
• Pasta sauce
• Tins - stock up on soup, tinned fruit/veg, custard, rice pudding, canned meats, beans, peas etc
• Cereal
• Fruit squash/Ribena
• Packet foods - e.g pasta/curry sauce, noodles, boil-in-the-bag rice, Angel Delight, pasta, jelly, biscuits, crisps, instant mash etc.
Other
• Tea towels
• Baking foil
• Greaseproof paper
• Washing-up liquid
• Bin bags
• Recipe book/ instructions from your parents/guardian
• Sandwich bags/Tupperware box for DIY lunches
• Oven gloves