Essentials for living alone?
Reply 1
Hi @vetscistu,
I think the best way to plan what to bring is to think through all of the things that are involved in your day-to-day living now (even if you aren't involved in all of it such as the cooking or laundry etc.). Then think if you have the items to be able to maintain that lifestyle away from where you currently live. Of course, you won't be able to have all of the luxuries that you may have now but this should help you to not miss out any essentials! I would also make sure to include some photos of friends and family as well as some room decorations to make the space feel a bit more like its yours and not too new. Keep in mind that if you forget something it isn't the end of the world as you can always head out and buy it when you are there!
I agree with the comment above
Things I found helpful but were mostly my Mum's ideas were things like a some string, needle and thread, spare shoelace, spare shoe inserts, and batteries (also spare batteries for kitchen scales). I never did do any sewing but the needle proved useful when my phone's USB port got blocked with some dust and wouldn't charge 
Other stuff which I found handy were:
- a desk lamp (uni dependent as to whether this is provided)
- fan
- hangers
- hanging fabric wardrobe organiser
- wash bag, in case you have a weekend away/abroad
Reply 3
Hiya,
Here are a couple of things I found super helpful to have when I moved to uni!
•
vacuum bags to store extra clothes under my bed and make it easier to bring them all to uni
•
fairy lights/blankets/plants/pictures basically anything to make your room comfortable and a nice place to be in
•
tupperware that you can freeze leftover food in or meal prep food for the week in
•
disinfecting wipes for cleaning stuff quickly
•
flip flops for communal showers and slippers for the kitchen because the floor can get very gross
•
extension cord because sometimes the plugs in accommodation can be in weird places
•
a small toolkit comes in really handy in ways you wouldn't even expect
-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
Reply 4
Hi @vetscistu ,
I would recommend buying over door hangers as these are great for hanging up coats ect. Extension leads are also great as plugs sockets are limited can be in weird areas of your rooms. I would also recommend bringing any equipment that relates to a hobby your want to continue at university, this might be sports equipment, a musical instrument, baking or crochet equipment etc. depending on what hobbies your interested in.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
Reply 5
Hey @vetscistu,
Congratulations on starting your university journey so soon! 🎉
I remember being your shoes last year - being so nervous and excited to move into my accommodation!
When it comes to essentials for living alone in a student accommodation, here are some of recommendations -
•
Laundry basket (preferably with wheels)
•
A small-first aid kit
•
Pictures, pillows, rugs and room decorations to make your room more cozy and comfortable.
•
A diary or a planner
•
Cards or boardgames (to play with your flatmates or friends)
•
Snacks and comfort food
•
Small cleaning supplies
•
A reusable shopping bag
•
A powerbank
My advice would be to contact your student accommodation and check what kitchen appliances (like toasters, kettles, etc) and other essential electronic appliances (like iron) they provide. This will help prevent overpacking. And don't worry if you forget to pack a few items - you can always get it after you have moved in! Personally, amazon was a big live safer for me.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)
Reply 6
Reply 7
Hi!
In addition to the things listed by everyone else, I would add:
•
A laundry basket as this will be so much easier to take all of your washing to the laundry room in. One with handles is best as I will be easier to carry.
•
Blankets are always good as it can get quite cold in student accommodation so blankets are great for the winter months when it will be cold outside.
•
A shower caddy is really helpful for putting all of your shampoo, soap etc in as there usually isn't a shelf or anything in the shower. If you are sharing a bathroom, it's helpful for carrying all of your things to the shower as you might not want to keep all of your things in the shower.
•
Slippers/sliders for you to wear in the kitchen as you won't want to be going in there barefoot!
•
If you like reading, bring a book. You will be doing lots of reading for uni but it can be really nice to just read for fun too so if you like this then bring one!
•
Bring medicines too. Make sure you have some things for cold/flu, also regular painkillers too as if you get ill you will be very thankful that you already have these things in!
Even though people have already said these things, I would also say that these were really helpful to me:
•
hangers
•
extension leads
•
photos of family and friends
•
tin opener
•
cards to play with flatmates
•
Tupperware
•
first aid kit
Also, when buying plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses etc, try and get some that are coloured/pattered as this way you won't get them mixed up with anyone elses as everyone will have very similar looking plates and cutlery!
I hope this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador
Reply 8
Hi @vetscistu,
That sounds very exciting! I remember when I moved out and it was a range of emotions including excitement. Hope moving in goes as smoothly as possible for you! 🙂
You have had some great replies already but I will add some of my personal experiences into the mix. I think having something from home or that reminds you of home is great, it helped me a lot with the transition.
Being organised with storage is a great way to avoid clutter. For example, vacuum seal bags for storing clothing that you may not need for a while and over the door hangers are great too.
Lastly, I wouldn't get everything before moving as some things are too bulky etc. I took the essentials with me and then once we unloaded the car, I went to b&m to get some of the heavier/bigger items and some plants of course. 🙂
Hope this helps!
Jakub- Fashion promotion graduate
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