That inevitable time of packing for university has finally come. You’ve put it off for long enough, having at last succumbed to your mum’s cries of remembering to pack enough socks and pants. Some of you will undoubtedly (as I did) forget to even pack stationery for the next stage in your academic career. But here is a list of 10 things that you perhaps didn’t think about taking with you, which will definitely be useful at one stage or another.
1. Door Stop
As mentioned in our guide on How to Survive Fresher’s Week, a door stop is the greatest way to welcome your new flatmates into your university room. With your door propped open, it is an invitation for your flatmates to stop and say hi as they walk past your door.
2. Clothes Horse/Airer
Clothes washing/drying facilities should be available in all student accommodations, however if there isn’t, a laundrette is likely to be in the surrounding area. Prices for such equipment fluctuate and over time can really add up, so taking a clothes airer to university will really help in saving those pennies otherwise used on tumble drying.
3. Laundry Basket
To avoid the arduous task of carrying your clothes back and forth from the washing room in your hands, having a laundry basket to hand is highly recommended. Not only does it help to keep your room in a semi-reasonable state, you eradicate the risk of losing your favourite Bugs Bunny socks on your washing room travels.
4. Student Bank Account
It’s important to point out that incurring debt is never a good option if you can help it. With that lecture over, it’s time to advise you on the best way to tackle a situation that is likely to arise for many of you. With most banks offering student accounts with an interest free overdraft, it is a good idea to make the most of this rare opportunity. Don’t spend your whole overdraft on fancy dress outfits and the likes, however it may come in handy if you come up a little short when it comes to paying bills. It’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid delving into an overdraft that is going to incur serious interest fees! Most of the big banks will also offer other benefits such as a discount on various insurance policies for your possessions and travel and protection against online debit card fraud.
5. File Box
You never know when you may need your passport/ health insurance number for that spontaneous charity hitch to Amsterdam. So make sure you keep all important documentation with you and stored in a reliable, safe place. It is also a good idea to house those precious A-level certificates you have just received, as well as any important banking information in one place.
6. Extension Cord
Here’s a situation for you – It’s your first night at university and you’re about to go out to a glamorous location such as Oceana or Gatecrasher. You’ve just had a shower, and you’ve got a glass of cherry lambrini to keep you company while you get ready. When suddenly, horror strikes! You just don’t have enough plug sockets in your room to have everything powered at once. Do you risk taking your phone out on only 40% battery? Forget using your hairdryer or curling tongs? Or do you simply sit in silence because your laptop has died, thus not allowing you to listen to your ‘gangsters paradise’ playlist? Taking an extension cord will eradicate all these fears.
7. Printer
For those of you who have a spare printer to hand, it has the potential to save you both money and time. Your university is likely to give you an on campus printing allowance, however once this dries up printing costs can be expensive. You are also skipping out on the mad rush for printers that come with a coursework deadline. In 40 years’ time there will be ex-students still showing off bruises and scars from such showdowns. Don’t be caught out by ensuring you also have these gadgets to hand.
8. Alarm Clock
An alarm clock is likely to be dismissed by a lot of you who will use their phones to wake them up for their morning lectures. But be warned, you don’t want to run the risk of waking up late for an important practical or exam because your phone ran out of battery, therefore failing to wake you up. Even if you use it as a secondary alarm for those important blissful 9am lectures, you can sleep sound knowing you won’t run into your lecture half way through with half a slice of toast in your mouth.
9. Fancy Dress Box
One night you might be the cowboy from the YMCA, the next, Captain America. If there is one thing university has an endless supply of fancy dress opportunities (particularly if you join a sports team). Having a box of costumes and props will always come in handy. Just a handy tip – If you own a prop that you think you will definitely never need, you will need it at some point or another, so bring it along.
10. Alcohol
There is nothing better to share with your new flatmates and help to make friends then the introduction of alcohol. Be prepared so you can share accordingly when you arrive at university. This will make you a hit amongst your new neighbours.
The last thing you want before departing for university is that horrible feeling that you’ve left something behind. It’s best to make sure that you are prepared and with these 10 items in tow you can put your mind at rest knowing you have packed accordingly for the next few weeks at least. Being prepared with the necessary items at university will stand you in good stead for the future. Organisation is one of the key components recruiters look for when it comes to spring and summer internships, as well as graduate jobs.