2026 Freshers: What do they need to have/know before going to university

[Workisntworking]

DC is off to Uni this September.

Im trying to work out:

• what they need to buy.
• what they need to take
• what they need to know.

Off the top of my head I"m wondering whether kitchen equipment is provided, whether insurance is needed, what happens to luggage (do we take that back with us as there is no room in the bedroom)?

I'm also thinking of things like learning what the symbols on laundry labels mean.

Any tips?

We put all my daughter's things in the big laundry/storage bags (https://www.rexlondon.com/jumbo-storage-and-laundry-bags?srsltid=AfmBOorRmmeRJrbTEo6GVtAPbeVPRos4kueqhli6ZS_uHQ1o1jwCtQqY this kind of thing) rather than suitcases. They fit slightly easier in the car and she folded them under the bed or on top of her wardrobe.

She would then use a duffle bag and backpack when coming home for the holidays, so could easily manouver on a cross-country train!

Typically kitchen stuff isn't provided in any meaningful capacity. I would recommend buying minimal and letting them add as needed, as opposed to packing everything but the kitchen sink.

Those bags are such a good idea!

They can google laundry labels! Though surely you can show them how to do laundry at home?
The uni should explain what is provided . For example my DD uni supplied duvets and pillows.
I really wouldn’t go mad buying stuff, and first port of call is your own kitchen. I’m sure you have a few spare things they can take and if not you might as well enjoy new things rather than a student who may get the stuff lost/damaged/stolen.
Check your insurance might cover student contents, mine does .
Don’t use suitcases. Use those big plastic zipped plaid laundry bags you can get cheap off Amazon. They can be folded flat when not in use and can actually be used as laundry bags!
An extension cord is always handy. A lamp if not provided. Footwear to wear walking to shower. A basket/plastic container to carry stuff to the bathroom. When you drop them off do a food shop but don’t go overboard. I stocked her up on tinned and dried goods like pasta and sauces and tuna and salt and pepper and cooking oil. The flatmates might do a food shop together as a getting to know each other thing. Hot water bottle as her room was cold.
And be prepared for a lot more things coming home at the end of the year! My DD has learned and heading into Y3 she’s planning on bringing a lot less stuff. Plus she has a tiny room (it doesn’t even fit the wardrobe, which is in the hall). Good luck!

Yes insurance is needed. We got ours v cheap from admiral.

The best piece of advice we were given - if you are in halls the first year , start looking for a property for the second year as soon as you’ve made friends you would be happy to share with. Otherwise you will be left with the shittest or most expensive student lets.

The uni will give you details of what is provided. Usually you need to provide duvet and pillow IME but not always, clearly. There are lots of threads on here with great suggestions so I won't repeat. But really useful things for my DC:

• Mattress cover and topper
• Command strips to hang things up and not leave a mark
• Extension lead
• Big laundry bag

Lots of ppl say a doorstop – no use for mine as halls had fire doors. Also be aware that kettle or iron may not be allowed in the room.

On the laundry labels, I am a bit surprised they they don't know – I take it they never put the washing on? I would teach them about that now tbh. Also some basic food prep and meal-making skills if that's also not something that's been covered already.

Laundry is something they've not done much of - mostly because DH puts a load on every morning - its not laziness on the DR'S part.

Thanks for the tip on command strips - never heard of them!

Their meningitis vaccines
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgmyggpg42o

There are loads of websites that explain all this e.g. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/freshers/what-to-take-to-university-checklist

Definitely less crockery, glasses and cups than you think especially if it's hand washing. My DS basically just reused the same stuff over and over so survived with fairly much 1 or 2 of everything only.
Compact heated towel rail was a godsend.
Under bed storage v useful. And a bedside lamp if not provided.
Definitely make sure the laundry bag is a bag ie can be carried as it can be a hike to washing facilities.

If you can afford it some extra cash to enjoy freshers week .
My parents left me two big bottles of vodka and a food shop - both were much appreciated .
I’d also leave a pack of condoms / make sure they have contraception sorted as a few girls in my course were pregnant by Christmas ( granted that was 15 years ago but I doubt teenagers have changed that much )

First aid kit is useful.

Box of brownies were a good ice breaker with new flatmates for my DC.