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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what emergency supplies you send with your DC when they start uni?

228 replies

EmptyNesterSoon · 30/08/2021 18:55

DD2 is off to uni in a fortnight.

When DD1 went I put together a small storage crate full of chemist items, first aid stuff, cough and cold remedies (lucky I did as she was really laid low with freshers' flu within a week of arrival). Emergency hangover kit - long life vegetable and fruit juices like V8, long life milk and breakfast bars so she could lie in bed and restore herself. Homesickness treats - fluffy socks and lots of chocolate and a cuddly toy.
And a few more serious items like drink spike test strips.

When DD's friend went to uni last year I did similar for her too as she has lost her Mum.

Now it is DD2's turn, so I made a start today in Boots with extra advice from a helpful chap on the pharmacy till.

Just wondering if others do this too and if so what items do you put in?

To ask what emergency supplies you send with your DC when they start uni?
OP posts:
3totheright4totheleft · 01/09/2021 22:17

@Havanananana I agree, I feel slightly stunned (and retrospectively neglected) reading this thread. It was different times pre-mobiles. I hardly ever watched TV that first year, I think there was one around somewhere in my halls but it just wasn't a thing.

HonoreDeBallsack · 01/09/2021 22:20

Loo brush (sorry MN). Kitchen stuff. Shot glasses. Wine glasses. Marmite. Mugs and spoons. Old bedding. Washing powder.

shrodingersbiscuit · 01/09/2021 22:28

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Witchcraftandhokum · 01/09/2021 22:55

Kits.

First aid kit. Sewing kit. Tool kit.

GrandmasCat · 01/09/2021 23:01

@ninja please don’t, there is so little space per student in cupboards and fridges that if you do a massive supermarket shop she will unfairly take space from her flatmates. Not the best way to start a relationship with them.

MrsSkylerWhite · 01/09/2021 23:05

HonoreDeBallsack

Loo brush (sorry MN). Kitchen stuff. Shot glasses. Wine glasses. Marmite. Mugs and spoons. Old bedding. Washing powder.“

Marmite! Slaps head: of course Grin

AveryGoodlay · 01/09/2021 23:08

Never heard of this! Maybe it's a new thing as I'm in my mid 20s now but if I was ill I went to the pharmacy or GP when needed. I moved out at 14 though and would have cringed at the thought of people thinking I wasn't capable of looking after myself!

ninja · 01/09/2021 23:09

@GrandmasCat that's why we're doing it after we get there so she knows what space she has. She has no intention of stealing space from others. She will however need shampoo, some food, cleaning stuff etc and I may as well buy it there as take it down with me.

AveryGoodlay · 01/09/2021 23:11

I was just planning to do a massive supermarket shop with her when I take her down - I thought that'd leave more space in the car for all of her stuff. Stock up on cupboard food, medicine, washing stuff, alcohol and anything else she realises she's forgotten! You'll need her to agree to keep most of this in her bedroom which may mean buying her a mini fridge. All the kitchen space needs to be divided equally. Others won't be happy if someone tries to take it all and they will make that clear.

AveryGoodlay · 01/09/2021 23:13

Also the best thing anyone can do for their children is prepare them to be independent. I had countless privately educated students asking me (rough council estate background/shitty local comp) how to use a washing machine, cook basic food such as pasta etc.

milveycrohn · 01/09/2021 23:16

Not the first year, when in Halls of Residence, but the second year, when sharing in a converted house, I put in a carbon monoxide detector, especially as my DS was downstairs, (nearest to kitchen and boiler) and the others were upstairs.
I believe converted houses may be required to have these now, (not sure).
Otherwise, first aid, basic kitchen stuff, and a starter food pack

CorianderBee · 01/09/2021 23:45

Chuck in a few Canesten boxes if you can 😂 They're really expensive for students.

Also dissolvable painkillers. When I had freshers flu it turned out to be horrendous strep throat and I couldn't swallow anything. Ended up with my housemates having to get a GP to home visit as I was delirious with fever.

CorianderBee · 01/09/2021 23:47

@AveryGoodlay

Never heard of this! Maybe it's a new thing as I'm in my mid 20s now but if I was ill I went to the pharmacy or GP when needed. I moved out at 14 though and would have cringed at the thought of people thinking I wasn't capable of looking after myself!
When I had Freshers Flu I wasn't capable of going to the pharmacy. Tried to go to the loo and collapsed on the way. The bloke I fancied had to put me back in bed as I threw up.

It's handy to be prepared for the worst.

AveryGoodlay · 02/09/2021 00:07

CorianderBee Yes which surely students are more than capable of sorting basic meds beforehand or asking their peers for help? They don't need mummy or daddy to do that for them.

ninja · 02/09/2021 05:43

@AveryGoodlay that's why I'm seeing how much space she has first.

But yes - her halls are meant to be grottier but with bigger rooms (and self catering) so she will keep a box of food basics in her room.

dizzydizzydizzy · 02/09/2021 05:59

How lovely! helped my DD move in and paid for a big shop. Made sure she had enough loo paper, paracetamol, shampoo etc for several months. Bought her some decent food that would keep too - frozen veg, nuts, peanut butter etc

I ordered a first aid kit online and late October/early November ordered an advent calendar, which she loved receiving in the post.

Whenever I saw her, gave her some home-cooked food.

Caspianberg · 02/09/2021 06:32

I think it’s lovely.
Whilst I’m perfectly able to go and get these things myself, I would be pleased if I had basic painkillers if ill I had forgotten and it someone sent me some marmite I would be double thrilled.

Students, in general, are on a tight budget. That usually means enough for essentials, with odd bit leftover if lucky. If your on a budget and have to choose between medicine or a favourite brand of hot chocolate in bed it’s just sad when a little gesture like above could allow you both. And just make you feel better.

Havanananana · 02/09/2021 08:39

Stock up on cupboard food, medicine, washing stuff, alcohol and anything else she realises she's forgotten!

But she won't realise that she's forgotten any of this, because the magic Mum-fairy has yet again taken care of things for her ...

ssd · 02/09/2021 08:59

@Havanananana

Stock up on cupboard food, medicine, washing stuff, alcohol and anything else she realises she's forgotten!

But she won't realise that she's forgotten any of this, because the magic Mum-fairy has yet again taken care of things for her ...

Well, the magic mum fairy isnt forever. So enjoy it while it lasts.
ninja · 02/09/2021 09:03

@Havanananana don't worry about my daughter - she's pretty savvy. She regularly shops and cooks for her dad and sister, does her own washing etc she's in a self catering halls so has to be I dependent from the word go

It's been a shit couple of years though, she's never seen university accommodation or the city she's going to and it's an expensive city.

It's possible her first loan instalment won't cover her rent and I have no qualms in helping her get settled in and having a boost.

ninja · 02/09/2021 09:04

@ssd thanks ☺️ that's how I feel!

Naptimenow · 02/09/2021 09:08

@Havanananana

Stock up on cupboard food, medicine, washing stuff, alcohol and anything else she realises she's forgotten!

But she won't realise that she's forgotten any of this, because the magic Mum-fairy has yet again taken care of things for her ...

I always wanted a magic Mum-Fairy - alas it wasn't something she believed in, she was much too busy for superfluous parenting, but I'll partake in a bit of supplementary cosseting - just a bit.
NeedWineNow · 02/09/2021 09:09

When our godson went off to Uni we did him a Red Cross parcel (wrapped up in brown paper with a label reading 'To be opened in case of emergency ').

We put in Pot Noodles, beers, crisps and nuts, a couple of cans of soup, can opener which could also open beer bottles, paracetamol, Berrocca and a pack of condoms together with a family photo and wrote on the back 'Don't forget to ring these people and let them know you're alive'!

It was all very tongue in cheekGrin

TSSDNCOP · 02/09/2021 09:09

Double duvet for the single bed
Fun box and practical box
After Xmas a box of biscuits and chocolate
Birthdays an Ocado delivery of cake crisps and Prosecco

TSSDNCOP · 02/09/2021 09:11

Isn't the Magic Mum Fairy the best one of all!

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