Newbie at uni

I had my results back from university and I have got a place. The University Im going to has done a couple of livestreams about accommodation, support and other stuff. I’m looking for people that who are currently in years 1, 2 and 3 if they can give me advice at university and accommodation and list essential things I may need for uni or accommodation.

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

Also looking for advice from people who have learning difficulties

Reply 2

WolvesRep2

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi @anonymous #1,

Congratulations on getting your place at university!

Some essential things which you will need for university which you might forget are:

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Extension lead - sometimes in halls plugs aren't always in the most convincing of places/not that many plugs

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Coat hangers - my accommodation didn't come with any so I recommend taking some with you incase this is the same for you

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Laundry basket with handles - getting one with handles/easy to carry is so helpful because is easier to carry it too and from the laundry

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Clothes airer - I saved so much money in my first year at university by not having to pay to tumble dry my clothes all the time

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Something to decorate your room with - this can be really helpful if it's your first time moving away from home because it can make your room in accommodation feel more homely.

My advice when first starting university and moving into halls is prop your door open for the first few days if your just sitting in there and try spend time in the kitchen with everyone else, this can be a great way of making friends with the people within your flat. But remember don't worry if you don't get along with the people in your first year flat, this happens to so many other people. You can make friends in so many other ways; by joining societies, on your course or in other flats.

A lot of universities once you have got an offer create group chats (mine was on Facebook) which lots of people join before starting, this is a great way of making friends before you go/finding people on your course/ in the same flat as you.

I hope this helps🙂
Louise - University of Wolverhampton Rep.

Reply 3

Liverpool Hope University

Official Rep

Hi there!

Congratulations!

I would definitely recommend things like baking trays, tea towels, mattress protector, shampoo/conditioner and chargers. Even simple little things that everyone always needs people forget when they're caught up in the process of moving! I'd also remember things like pens and paper. It's not the end of the world if you forget a couple things as it can be a good way to break the ice with flat mates!

Oh don't forget anything personal that reminds you of home- make your flat a home from home especially if this is your first time leaving home. It can make the transition feel a bit easier.

Have a look for societies that your university offers and have a think about which ones you might want to join as a way to make friends outside of your flat and course mates!

Have a lovely time at university!
Daisy- Graduate Advocate 😊

Reply 4

UCLan Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on getting into university! The first thing I would do is join Facebook groups relevant to your course and accommodation so you can meet your course and flat mates. This is a great way to get to know people before moving to uni and building connections early.

In terms of essentials of what to bring I would recommend making a list of what you need based on what you have at home and what you use the most but also checking this link:
A list of absolutely everything you need to take to university or college | Undergraduate | UCAS

When you arrive at your university, I would recommend spending some time in the kitchen with your new housemates or having your door open whilst you’re unpacking or even for the first few days.

I hope this helps and wish you all the best 😊
Jakub - Fashion promotion and marketing student

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi there,

Firstly, congratulations on getting at place at university, you will have a great time!

Some things that I think are good to take for your course/uni lectures are:

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A good rucksack to fit all of your things in. If it is a better quality one, it might last all three/four years which will be good, however it doesn't matter what brand it is as I've found that nobody is really bothered about things like this at uni. As long as it fits all of your things in and is comfy then it's perfect!

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A laptop and charger. Again, it doesn't matter what laptop it is as long as it works and make sure you have chargers too and bring them to your lectures and classes with you.

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A notebook and pen in case you want to take any notes on paper or if you do any activities that require you to write things down. It's also handy if your laptop was to die in a lecture at least you can still take notes.

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I would also take a water bottle to uni that you can reuse every day as having water with you will be really good and will also save you from buying a bottle of water every time you go to uni.

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If you haven't already, find out how you would go about getting your student ID card. You might not be able to do this until after results day or nearer the time but make sure you do this before you start uni!

Things that I think are good for taking for your accommodation:

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Hangers! Lots of people forget these but you will need them on move in day so you can hang all of your clothes up.

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A clothes airer/clothes horse. Doing your washing in student accommodation can be really expensive so I would always dry my clothes on an airer in my room to save money and also so nothing shrunk in the dryer.

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An extension lead as you won't know where the plugs are in your room and you might want to plug things in closer to your desk or bed so it's good to have one of these.

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I found using a dishmatic or similar thing for washing up was really handy so I would get one of these too as it saved a lot of time, especially when you re only cooking for yourself and there might only be a pan and a plate to wash rather than lots of pots.

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Bring pictures from home too as these are good to make your room feel more like home and stop you feeling homesick.

This is just some things that you might forget, people have posted good links to lists here too so have a look at these and make a list of everything you might need so you are prepared. I made a list and divided things up between each room - kitchen, bedroom, bathroom so I could see exactly what I needed and where it was going to go.

Some of my general advice for uni would be to make sure you get involved in things like societies as they are great of meeting people and making friends.

I would also say to attend all of your lectures and classes as this will obviously help you with your work and your overall grade, but it is also a good way of meeting people and talking to people that aren't just your flatmates!

Don't be afraid to ask people to go out or do things with you- everyone wants to make friends and people will say yes if they are free so make sure you put yourself out there and ask people.

It's okay if you feel homesick - you are allowed to go home if you need to and there is nothing wrong with doing so. Try and stick it out as long as you can before you go home as this will help with the homesickness and you might start to feel better without going home.

I hope some of this helps and good luck at uni! :smile: