students do not always quaify for free prescriptions. Mine didn't bother applying as they worked in the summer, they have to send the last couple of pay slips and we didn't think they'd qualify. But some students will qualify, especially if they don't have a job, and they only lose a bit of time in applying. If they suddenly find they are paying a lot they should ask for receipts, apply and see if they can claim the cost back. If you haven't provided the form they probably won't think to do it.
secretsquirrels there tends not to be much room in student fridges and they don't all have freezers so any home sent food may have to be eaten rather rapidly. Still it's another way to make friends......Home made rich fruit cakes that will keep a while are popular. We gave our child a neat fold up shopper - don't think it was ever used as they had dozens of carrier bags in their room when we collected them. Some people might suggest a shopper with wheels to bring home the booze shopping.
Quite a few parents take their child off to the nearest supermarket when they arrive. Don't overdo it, taking up all the storage in the cupboards is not a good start. We supplied a pack of emergency food rations - canned soup, pasta, sauce, rice, baked beans, biscuits, breakfast bars, cereal and long-life milk, dried fruit, small bag flour (for pancakes and cake in a mug), small bottle cooking oil, coffee, dried herbs. We thought finding the supermarket might be a bonding experience 
. If they are self-catering you can always order a delivery of food for them. Some recipes, including cake in a mug, are useful. If they don't already cook they need to learn.
The student room list posted above is a good checklist but they don't need the lot! The chopping board we provided was still in the wrapper 6 months later.