University kit list

[Runningincircles]

If everything goes to plan, my DS will be going to University this September.

I'm trying to spread the cost of preparing for this. I bought a few things from Sainsbury's sale this morning and a I've made a list of things that I think he will need. I will try to get some things from charity shops.
Can you think of any things to add to the list?

Plates
Bowls
Mugs
✓ Cutlery
Pans 2-3
✓ Frying pan
✓ Wok
✓ Baking tray
Pizza tray
✓ Tin opener
Bucket
Bin
Laundry basket
Dust pan & brush
Bin
Knifes
Printer
Printer Paper
Stationery
First aid kit
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Condoms
Duvet
Pillows

We used the list on the website of the uni she goes to. That was after we knew where she'd got in, but you could check the website of where you hope he'll go as similar is probably needed for most unis. Dds halls have induction hobs so the pans needed to be suitable. (Im not exactly sure what induction hobs are as never had one)

He needs a job in the summer and to make his own list. Empower him don’t serve him.

I’ve done the opposite- cut down your list based on what DS needed this year. Don’t forget halls provide a lot of stuff.

I would also strongly recommend you spread the cost by saving some money to give to your DC, rather than buy it for them. It should be their list and their choices with your help, not your list.

Plates
Bowls
Mugs
Cutlery
Pans 2-3 1
Frying pan
✓ Wok
Baking tray
Pizza tray
✓ Tin opener
Bucket
Bin
Laundry basket
Dust pan & brush
Bin
Knifes 1
Printer
Printer Paper
Stationery
First aid kit
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Condoms
Duvet
Pillows

Your DS hall provided him with pillows and duvet? never seen that before

I wouldn't assume your DS will need a printer. I have two student DC and neither have their own printer.

Worth knowing that Dunelm always have a discount after results so long as a uni place can be proved.

Agree unlikely to need a printer.

if you have duvet and pillows then sheets and mattress protector likely also needed, but, check bed size first (presumably if in Uni halls in first year).

likewise worth checking nearer time on what others in their flat may be bringing kitchen wise.

I’d also agree should be your DS’s list.

I think duvet and pillows will be required.
As will sheets, duvet covers etc.
Towels.

Neither of mine use a printer. On the rare occasion something needs printing, uni ones are available.

.

Oh - and yes to a first aid kit. Both mine have used theirs on several occasions.

Agree with this. There will be student forums and social media groups he can join to meet fellow freshers and seasoned students, probably also going to his uni or even course, and he can use these to formulate his own list of what he needs to buy. He's going to need to live independently, help him be ready for this before he goes.

You really only need one pan, and not a pizza tray. Things like buckets and bins, dustpans and brushes, are generally provided in uni accommodation. Get a laundry bag, not a basket, need to lug down to laundry easily. You don't need a printer or paper unless for SEN purposes. Glasses, lots..... they get broken or borrowed. Chopping board and oven gloves, tea towels, and towels. Implements like sieves, wooden spoons, tongs, turners. You may also need a new set of linens depending on bed size, unis can be odd sized.

Microwaveable dishes? Not all halls have much more than basic cooking facilities ie kettle, microwave and maybe a toaster. Bathmat and toothmug if ensuite. Flipflops if shared.

Bedding will need to know Bed size as some single but some are small doubles.
My ds room has room under it for storage boxes which are great for transporting stuff in and storing stuff in.
Printer not needed but depending on course a decent laptop
It's worth waiting till know uni/accommodation as then will know what they provide.
Dunelm normally have most things and offer decent discount post results.
Also remember most unis close to shops so no need to stress about taking every lil thing.
But agree with others yes guide young person but don't do everything for them

Garlic press
Bits of Tupperware for packed lunches or freezing leftovers

I would send with paracetamol. Flu tablets as more than likely will get freshers flu and multi vitamins as won't be eating properly to begin with.

How about you upgrade your stuff and give him your old bits.

You really don't need as much as you imagine at all. Are you in WIWIKAU? That's helpful when they are getting ready to go

Laundry bag with handles - Easier to carry to and from washing machines.
Rug -Protect the floor from stains and more chance of getting your deposit back.
Blanket,
Railcard/Coach card,
Laptop - printer not necessary
Portable Speaker,
Clothes rail

Would advise not to buy pots and pans until you know type of cooker provided.

If you can put some money away to help with initial food shop covering sauces, spices, toiletries and cleaning products

Mine started this year , didn't need printer but has a laptop
Then was just kitchen bits
We made a rough list together and I just bought him bits as I went along, including cleaning stuff.
He has managed to be independent still despite me buying his stuff and was working full time so never went out shopping much , plus we can't afford to pay his accommodation or send him a regular amount so by buying bits he needed and cleaning bits , some kitchen things like foil , black bags etc means we could help out at what was affordable to us and saves him on his shopping etc now
All these saying need to be independent etc I wonder how many pay their kids a monthly sum or all accommodation, some of us can't do that so help in the ways we can
Bath mats and towels we also got him and a couple duvet sets for bed.

Some stuff like towels i gave him our old ones and got new for home
Also he had a george foreman as he lives on toasties and pizza , so pizza tray was a must for us
He has already lost plates and half cutlery to others in halls so don't buy expensive

Mine bought a new mattress topper because sleeping on a used mattress daily was 🤢 plus there's the comfort factor. I can't Imagine not taking a new duvet and pillows but I agree that a lot of your list can be deleted like the dustpan and printer.

The biggest expense was new laptop and iPad. Apple did a promotion after results day which came in handy and paid for new AirPods and part of an Apple Pencil.

I had some stuff that she could take like a Pyrex bowl, towels, chopping board and measuring jug.
With bedding we waited until she chose her accommodation because we didn't know what size bed she'd have. She has a small double but some accommodation is single

IKEA blue bags are great for laundry and we bought a shoe rack at B&M for £6 which was a good deal.

Be cautious about pans - when DS1 went to university the kitchen in halls had an induction hob so the cheap pans I'd originally bought wouldn't have worked.

In fact a lot of things are worth waiting to buy until you see what halls he gets in to. DS1 had a double bed whereas DS2 had a single. DS1's kitchen provided a kettle and toaster whereas DS2's didn't (and we waited until they moved in and they split the cost as the flat didn't need 5 of each). DS1's room had built in low level lighting as well as the main light, DS2's just had the main light so he needed a desk lamp. DS1's flat had a TV, DS2's didn't.

I'd second that a laundry bag is more useful than a laundry basket, mine actually use those big reusable Sports Direct shopping bags as they're strong enough to carry the wet washing back from the launderette. Both have clothes airers in their rooms, which I don't think was on your list.

Mine don't have their own printers, it works out cheaper to load credit on their cards and print on the university printers. Neither of them actually print that much (one studying History and one Politics).

I did a Tesco delivery/click and collect on the day they moved in with cleaning products in as well as food, which saved finding room for it in the car.

DS2 bought his brother an IKEA blue bag for uni, it's priceless.

Also would not buy a bin as they may have one in their rooms (already supplied when we arrived at the halls).

Dustpan and brush - again may not be needed, as the halls where DS1 get regularly cleaned.