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 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 up, 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.

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.

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), there's always that shirt or dress you love to wear but takes AGES to 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 start to feel a little homesick, plus you can always fill them 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.

But if you're a serial packer, then you're probably going to bring a lot more than you can fit in your room. And while Tetris level packing may be advantageous, storage boxes, especially those of the under-bed variety, will help keep those items that are 'essential' all in one place until you need them, without clogging up your space. And don't forget the waste paper basket for all those hastily scribbled notes and that third redraft of your final essay.

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

Because You Can’t Live on Instant Noodles Forever (Probably)

You don't have to be on the same level as Gordon Ramsey to ensure you're eating healthily...well, as healthy as you can. While the takeaway menu and that 'slightly' out-of-date pot noodle (other instant noodle brands are available) does look tempting, learning the basics to at least look like you know what you're doing is always an added bonus, plus it'll win you major points with your flatmates and any potential date you bring over.

First and foremost, grab yourself a cookbook and at least practice before you leave home. Even if it's just basic meals, such as a pasta bake, a classic jacket potato, or an omelette, having the confidence to experiment and dip your toe in the culinary world is an added bonus, even if it's just putting a frozen pizza in the oven and not letting it burn.

A good set of baking trays, utensils, and pots and pans will see you through the entire year. If they're non-stick, it's going to save you time washing up, not to mention if you burn something, it's going to come right off, especially if you leave it to 'soak' for a day or two.

Now obviously you'll need the basics: plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork, and spoon, but don't just get one of each as it'll either go missing or it'll break, and then you'll be in trouble! If you want to be able to distinguish whose is whose when it's all jumbled up, why not opt for a set with a bright pattern or design so you can keep all your bits together?

The most useful of all the kitchenware you'll be using the most is glassware. Pint glasses, wine glasses, gin glasses, and shot glasses (for um....flu medicine) are an absolute must. Having a decent bottle opener and reusable straws is always a nice touch, and if you are confident in your cocktail-making abilities, a cocktail shaker is sure to go down a treat during pre's before you head out...just remember your glass of water before you go to bed!

If it's the morning after the night before and you're running a little bit behind schedule but still need your morning cup of coffee, a travel mug is super handy to keep your coffee warm while you rush to your first lecture, and its always important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, so having a refillable water bottle is a must...plus it'll help you sober up too.

If you don't fancy spending hours slaving away in the kitchen, then batch cooking is your friend. Why spend 2 hours cooking every day, when you can spend it on one day and have healthy meals for the rest of the week? Make sure you've got some microwave and freezer-safe containers, so you can quickly heat up a meal if you're in a rush, or come back late from a mega research session in the library.

So we've tackled the bedroom, kitchen, and even delved into the mystery of the washing machine. That only leaves one room left...the bathroom.

Sharing a Bathroom Without Starting World War Three

Let's be honest, at some point, you're going to have to clean the toilet and bathroom. And while you may have agreed on a rota with your fellow flatmates, eventually it's going to be your turn. So let's get the essentials out of the way. Rubber gloves, toilet brush, and bleach are going to be your friends when the time comes. A sink unblocker and plunger can also help keep your bathroom plumbing in top condition and will help avoid any unnecessary blockages and avert potential floods. Make sure you're well stocked with loo roll as well, as you'll be surprised how quickly six of you go through a pack of 12.

But if it's not your turn to scrub the living the daylights out of your bathroom and you're simply going to use it, a pair of flip flops or Crocs are ideal to stop leaving wet footprints on the floor to and from your room and avoid potential slips, plus they're ideal to wear if you're just wandering around the flat/hall to stop you using your outdoor shoes indoors (Whatever would your parents say!) to stop you treading in mud and whatever else you've trodden in.

No one in their right mind would just take one towel to last them the whole year, so ensure you've got a few sets that you can change out when they start to smell. Plus, there is nothing worse than having a shower and picking up a still-damp towel, so ensuring it's quick drying is a must.

Having a bath mat helps keep water off the floor, plus it stops you from almost falling flat on your back as you step out of the shower. A simple shower mat ensures the same won't happen while you're in the shower too, because trust me, it happens, especially after a few 'shower bevs'...yes, it's a thing.

If you want to keep your toiletries organised and not dotted around the bathroom, then a hanging shower caddy is a great way to keep all your bits together, plus it stops them from being knocked over and leaking everywhere.

If you're one of those who like to take long showers, and I mean long (1-2 hours minimum), then a waterproof speaker so you can listen to your favourite songs and podcasts is ideal, and you can bring it into the communal area so you and your flatmates can get ready in style before you head out for the night.

So there you have it. You are now all set to say goodbye to your parents and begin the next chapter of your life. Sure, you may shrink your favourite jumper or set the fire alarm off while you're cooking, but it's all part of the university experience...just remember to squeeze in some study time too... and maybe some sleep?