She's off to uni in a few weeks - what does she really need to take?

[oldenoughtowearpurple]

So DD is off to self-catered uni accommodation for her first year. The accommodation is downright palatial - ensuite, new-build flats for 4-6 mixed sex sharers (not like it was in MY day, I can tell you).

What does she really need to take with her? all hints and tips gratefully received.

DD2 has spent most of today sorting out what fancy dress she is taking - she can cover "beach party", "back to school" , "toga party" and "celebrities" but hasn't even started choosing which normal clothes to take

DD1 is struggling a bit with the whole fancy-dress-freshers thing and is pretending its not happening I think . She has managed to buy plates, bowls and a cheese grater, so possibly will be ok foodwise .
We're still struggling with the loans people who are apparently trying to confirm my income with HMRC (good luck with that then, I have direct contact numbers for people there and STILL have problems getting info ), but the uni have been really helpful with temporary registration stuff to allow her to get an access all events freshers wristband library card

Don't mention the wristband IShallWearMidnight - DD2 did so much dithering over whether to buy it or not that DH asked several of the recent Bath graduates in his office whether it was worth it or not. The answer was a resounding yes so she bought the stupid thing!

Good luck with the loan situation.

Just to go back to insurance for a mo, DD has had a letter confirming that her laptop is included in the insurance at her accommodation - Richard Rd at Newcastle. Not sure whether that might be of use to anyone else on here

at Bath, laptops are covered but only in the room, so we need to sort out an upgrade to cover it on the way to the library etc.

I just paid £25 just to cover DSs laptop but his insurance ('free' with the accommodation) didn't even cover a laptop in his room.

It is worth checking your own home contents policy. We rang ours and they confirmed that our son's laptop would be covered as a possession away from the home, even though he will be living away in halls during term time.

Ours (AA) doesn't, kpt - I shan't be renewing with them. (and we paid extra to cover his bike, but that cover won't apply when he's living in halls either )

Like Bath's, Sheffield's only covers possessions inside locked room, so I need to get the Endsleigh extension for laptop, guitar & bike - it's about £80 iirc

That's a pity Ponders, its expensive enough getting them sorted for uni without extra expense. My home insurance is with More Than.

Oh it is!

And he just announced today he needs new astroturf trainers before he goes

(I'll get a quote from More Than next time, thanks! )

Its like a money pit isn't it. Every email my son gets seems to bring a new expense. But its ok because yesterdays only recommended they brought a cowboy/girl outfit, a superhero one and a traffic light (??) one for fancy dress parties in the first term!! Not much to think about there then!

Mine hasn't had one of those - yet - afaik

in fact he hasn't mentioned fancy dress at all although it figures in all the helpful lists. Maybe I should broach it we have a cheapish party shop in town that sells all the accessories - I wonder if he'd get by just with the appropriate hat?

Well mine is going to be getting by with just the hat and a checked shirt he already has!