What’s needed for self catered halls?

[fedup21]

We are writing a list of what is needed-any tips gratefully received!

Kettle
Toaster
Toasted sandwich maker
a couple of plates/bowls/glasses
mugs/knives/forks/spoons
Saucepan
Frying pan
Chopping board and sharp knife

Will depend on the halls, on what is already provided, the type of stove and the amount of storage space. I would avoid buying anything but basic cutlery and plate/bowl/cup x3 until you have confirmation of halls. You Can then speak to people who have been in those halls to get an idea.

Do you really need a kettle, toaster & sandwich toaster? You may be sharing a kitchen with around 12 others and I don't remember seeing everyone having their own when I went to open days last summer. There is a really good book called Nosh for Students which guides you through essentials.

Kettle and toaster are normally provider plus microwave, and there may be restrictions on others like sandwich toasters. Basic pots, pans, plate/bowl, glasses, mugs and cutlery. Tea towels, oven gloves, small storage containers, chopping board and sharp knife, peeler.

They have kettles and toasters etc and wouldn't let you use your own anyway due to PAT testing.

If you know what halls specifically someone will know more.

I clean student halls in my city and they all have kettles, toasters and microwaves etc but no cutlery, pans and crockery.

Ours had water heaters, so no kettle needed. Don’t get a toaster either, they will have a grill and you may find someone else has one already - no point in every flat mate bringing their own toaster. If no one has one you can always get one when you arrive - there’s bound to be an Asda or Tesco’s or something relatively near to campus.

Similarly don’t get loads of pans or anything, just the basics. There isn’t likely to be much cupboard space if my halls were anything to go on. If you find you don’t have something, you can get it when you arrive.

A couple of tea towels won’t go amiss though, those are always needed.

Are you making a list in February for what might be needed in September/October?

Oh and scourers, washing up liquid and antibac spray.

Don't bother with kettle/toaster - will more than likely be provided. I'd also leave off the sandwich toaster unless you plan to keep it in the bedroom as if you leave it in the kitchen whoever else is sharing it will use it too. Tupperware/tubs for freezer are useful for freezing portions of curry/chili/Bolognese etc, dependant on freezer space. A crate/box for tinned/dried/non-fridge items that can go under the bed, especially if you plan on doing a big shop on moving in day - cupboard space will likely be limited.

I'd add also a spatula, a grater, kitchen scissors, stirring spoon to that list also.

Things that stack together inside each other are ideal - wilko do some good space saver ones.

There are quite a few sites that sell student packs which should contain all the essentials. If you'd still rather buy/supply all your own stuff just copy their contents list.

Wooden spoons. Wok. Door wedges. Can Opener. Bottle Opener. Kitchen Scissors. Small baking tray. Tupperware for food storage and packed lunches. Mugs.

My DS definitely didn't need toaster, kettle etc. Those were provided (and between his flat mates they have 3 sandwich toasters and 2 smoothie makers!)

2 plates
2 cereal bowls
2 coffee mugs
Drinking glasses
Cutlery
Frying Pan
Couple of pots
Chopping boards
Knives
Egg lift, wooden spoon, tongs
Small cheese grater
Colander
Baking tray / pizza tray
Pizza cutter
A few Tupperwares
A couple of casserole dishes
Roasting tin
Dishcloths, drying cloths, sponges, washing up
Gloves

Store cupboard ingredients:
Herbs and spices, rice, pasta, oil, tinned veg & soups, baked beans, cereals, pot noodle, tea & coffee, curry paste, tomatoes sauce, marmite, ham, peanut butter etc.

Extension cord with extra plug sockets
Duvet & bedding
Pop up Laundry basket
Small Drying rack for clothes
Towels
Small dustbin
(Lava lamp, posters, photo frames?)

Blue tack
Drawing pins
Door stop
Laundry detergent etc.
Toiletries

And finally:
Shot glasses and a bottle if something
Poker set
Playing cards
Vitamins & medicine for freshers flu
Condoms

Someone on another thread suggested buying a basic box set of crockery and another of cutlery in the sales & giving them a couple each item, then replacing them as they inevitably get broken.

there may not be much if any freezer space
I think kettles toasters microwaves generally provided you will not have much space think maybe 1 cupboard or even one shelf in a cupboard and half a shelf in fridge
sharpie for naming your milk etc
frying pan that will also act as a wok etc, 1 saucepan chopping board sharp knife wooden spoon/spatula, tin opener (though most tins have pulls now, corkscrew kitchen scissors 2 of dinner plates & cereal dishes knives forks and spoons, 2 drinking glasses and 4 mugs small cafetiere if they like real coffee there won't be a pod machine, lunch box tupperware
biscuit tin though if you actually want to eat the biscuits yourself I suggest it is kept in room

Are you making a list in February for what might be needed in September/October?

Yes .

In the same way that someone might write a list of things they need to buy for a baby when they are in the early stages of pregnancy. I was just trying to get my head around what was needed.

Apologies if I offended you with my list.

Toastie maker, home bargains have them so cheap, you can’t Go wrong!

I went to catered halls (long time ago) and there was a communal kitchen with a mocrowave. But I loved having a travel kettle and a small George Foreman grill. It was amazing!

My ds uni (Lancaster) sent out a list. Think about room things too - bedding, towels, coat hangers, clothes dryer, washing basket etc

B&M is aladdin's cave for uni stuff

DD2's flat has kettles and toasters as well as proper ovens, freezers and microwaves. She has a couple of pans, a colander, a small grater, sharp knives, a chopping board and a couple of pyrex dishes. I bought some stacking tupperware-type boxes from Wilko that she can use in the freezer or for lunches. Wilko also had cheap crockery and matching cutlery sets which we picked up over the summer.

It is worth checking though as some places don't have proper ovens or freezers. At DD1's college in Cambridge, she only has access to a freezer and oven now she is in a college house in her 3rd year. Previously, it was a 2-ring hob and a microwave. I bought her a slow cooker and she has enjoyed creating various meals in that too.

It's unlikely a kettle, toaster or toasted sandwich-maker will be allowed. These would have to be portable appliance tested, which the university probably won't be prepared to do. Most self-catered halls will have a kettle, toaster, microwave and iron provided in each flat/unit.

It does seem early to make a list like this. Does your son/daughter know for certain already which hall he/she will be in?

I was at uni many years ago.
One thing I should have taken was a lock for my food cupboard as food was always going 'missing'
Sticky labels to put name on milk/fridge items etc would be good.

Recyclable Paper plates / bowls / cups/ plastic cutlery if you know in your heart of hearts they are likely to let dishes pile up.

If it’s allowed a mini fridge / kettle / microwave in their room along with late night revision supplies and to use just in case the room mates are total slobs.