The University Checklist

From Fresher Nerves to Campus Confidence: Let’s Get You Ready

So, you've got the grades and have accepted the offer to study at your first-choice university. You're looking forward to Freshers week and having your own space away from your parents...When suddenly you realise you have no idea what to take, what you'll need...and no clue how a washing machine works. Don't fret, our guide will ensure you'll have everything you need to survive the first year and beyond...just don't ask us how a washing machine works.

How to Make Your Room Feel Like Home Without Spending a Fortune

Let's start in the one place you'll be spending most of your time. Sleeping, Studying & Partying are the three main points in the Venn diagram of university life and ensuring your bedroom has everything you'll need is top of the list. So let's start with the most obvious...The Bed.

Investing in a proper duvet and pillow set will see you through to the end of the year as well as a couple of sets of bed linen so you can rotate when you do your laundry...emphasis on when. But if you get a couple of sets with reversible designs, that's essentially 4 sets of bed linen #GirlMath.

If like me you struggle to get out of bed first thing in the morning and need to set at least five alarms to get out of your bed, then an alarm clock, while annoying, is the best way to ensure you'll be somewhat awake for that 9am lecture. While most people do use their phone these days, would you want to run the risk of your phone going flat while you're asleep because you forgot to plug it in the night before? Having an alarm clock will ensure you won't oversleep and have to run to catch the lecture before it begins...or in some cases ends.

We've got to talk about laundry. While some may take enough clothes to last the entire year without having to do a single load and bring it all back for mum and dad to do, most people will be trying to figure out what all those different symbols mean on the clothes tag. To keep everything tidy, a handy laundry basket can keep all your laundry in one place, because no one wants to see a pile of dirty laundry strewn across the room. Of course, getting it dry will be your next problem. While most things can go in the tumble dryer (FYI if you throw something in the tumble dryer and then wear it, you won't need to iron it...plus who the heck irons anymore) there's always that shirt or dress you love to wear but takes AGES too dry as it can't go in the dryer. This is where either an over-the-door airer or, if you're fancy splashing out, a heated airer can help make laundry become quick and simple. It'll seem less of a daunting task in no time at all.

Let's talk about making your dorm room a little bit more homely. If you want to add a bit of plant life without worrying about keeping it alive, then an artificial plant is ideal. You won't have to worry about watering it or feeding it plus if you don't tell your flatmates that it's fake, they'll think you're a gardening god. Adding a few photo frames with pictures of family and friends is always a nice touch, especially if you do start to feel a little homesick, plus you can always fill it with new pictures and memories as you go through the year. Command strips are ideal for hanging up your favourite pictures or posters as they won't leave a mark when it's time to take them down, meaning you won't lose anything from the security deposit.

Now, I have it on good authority that a proper mirror is a must-have in any dorm so you can get yourself ready for a night out and not have to crowd around the only mirror in the shared bathroom. If you're also gifted height wise it's going to be an added bonus as you won't have to crouch or bend down to see what you're trying to do.

Right, that's the bedroom covered...now let's see if you can cook more than a Pot Noodle & Beans on Toast.