Leaving home for the first time to go and live up the student life in a new city is an exciting way to jump headfirst into your first years as an independent adult.
Courteney Sheppard, UCAS’ Head of Customer Contact says: “It can be tempting to buy lots of new things, but you’re likely to have limited space and your whole lifestyle is going to be different, so focus on the essential things you really need and will use regularly.”
Knowing what you need for your first stint in student accommodation can be daunting. However, knowing what not to bring is a great way to narrow that down.
8 – Kitchen appliances
According to Tom Davies, principal at David Game College in Liverpool, most student halls are equipped with fully furnished shared kitchens and already have items like toasters, kettles, and microwaves.
Some residences may even have full ‘kitchen packs’ and supply cutlery, crockery and pans.
However, if you know your flat mates, it may be a good idea to have a chat with them to decide what the home needs.
“If there are seven of you, do you need seven cheese graters? Maybe share out who’s going to buy what,” says Tom.
7 – Too much stationery
Splurging out on stationery before heading off to your first year of university is an unnecessary expense, warns personal finance expert Julian House, MD.
“Files, folders, highlighters and rainbow sharpies simply won’t be necessary for the vast majority of university courses, and you’ll be throwing money into the wind,” Julian stresses.
“Take a few pens, a notepad and a USB stick – anything else that you find you may need during your stay can be easily purchased online or in local stores.”
6 – A printer
While printing is important for many courses, a printer will not be necessary. University libraries are equipped with printers while some accommodations have their own facilities open to residents.
5 – Course Books
The National Union of Students (NUS) assures that incoming students should not be overwhelmed by lengthy course reading lists or stress about all the books they are asked to buy.
The NUS says that university libraries will stock most of – if not all – essential texts and that students can pick up most reading materials second-hand and potentially save hundreds of pounds.
Julian House says: “The complete reading list from a journalism course in 2012 cost a student a whopping £244 before even stepping into their first lecture.
“These books can be borrowed at university libraries, sourced online or shared among friends.”
4 – Lots of food
While having enough food and making sure you are eating right is important, you do not need to waste space and weight “taking all your food with you” says Davis.
The NUS also says that the first few weeks of university can be quite spontaneous and that it is best not to waste precious money on food that might go off.
3 – All your clothes
Think carefully about the clothes you bring as most rooms only have a small wardrobe, advises Davis.
“Pack what you need with a few outfits for all seasons,” says Davis and leave enough room for any clothes you buy with your student discount while studying.
2 – Lots of toiletries
Buy basics like shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel once you arrive as “these items are heavy and take up space” you must save for other items on your long journey or flight to university, says Davis.
1 – Candles and wax burners
Candles and other forms of naked flames are banned at most student accommodations as a safety precaution.
According to Davis, “there have been residence fires caused by careless handling of candles, and you could be evicted or fined heavily if caught burning anything.”
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