If you’re about to move to university, it may be the first time you have ever lived away from home and experienced true independence. Whilst this is a super exciting prospect for many, it can also be nerve-wracking! This is completely understandable, and makes being prepared all the more important to avoid last minute stress.
You may have an idea of what to pack when moving, such as the classics: bedding, cutlery, toothbrush and shower gel. However we want to highlight a list of things students often forget they they might need in the midst of packing.
The Often Overlooked Essentials
In your new bedroom, you may have slightly less room for clothes storage than you are used to. An easily forgotten essential to help you adapt to this is coat hangers. It is unlikely that coat hangers will be provided with your room, and they are needed to keep your room tidy.
An extension lead is also a good idea if you want to plug in your laptop, phone, or any other electricals at the same time. Extension leads also ensure you can watch films on your laptop in bed!
Although you may not have used batteries for years before moving to university, there will likely come a time in your first year that you realise you need them right that second. You may need them for flameless candles (as most accommodations don't allow real candles), fairy lights, or maybe kitchen scales if you're wanting to bake, and to avoid this frustration make sure you bring a pack or two in your suitcase.
Kitchen and Cleaning Must-Haves
Easily forgotten, tea towels may be overlooked when packing or buying new supplies. However a tea towel will become essential as you get used to your new kitchen; most accommodations don't include dishwashers and having a tea towel on hand to dry dishes after washing up will make the process quicker and less messy.
Whether it's for a celebratory drink after exams or just a casual evening with friends, a bottle opener is something you’ll want to have on hand. It’s an item that can end up being very annoying to go without - especially if you are a beer drinker. The likelihood is, most of your friends will have forgot one too, making you a hero for the night!
Canned food may become a staple in your kitchen cupboard as they’re cheap and have a long shelf life. But without a tin opener, you’ll be staring at that can of beans or soup with no way to get it open.
A washing basket to store clothes that need washing in your room, and a washing basket to carry your clothes to the laundry room and back will not only help keep your room tidy but also make doing your washing a much simpler and more organised experience.
Whilst being well-prepared for university life is important, this is potentially a huge change in your life, and you are bound to forget a few things here and there. Don’t be hard on yourself and remember there will be shops where you move for you to go and grab anything you forget, or of course online shopping to have delivered to your new accommodation.
Everyone at Unipol wishes you the best of luck with your new adventure, and if you are wanting more advice you can follow our social media: @unipolhousing on Instagram, TikTok, and X, or contact The Hub.