Things to buy...
I am thinking about all the things I will need to buy him. Has anyone got a helpful list already?
I know it is catered but he will want to cook some of his own snacks as well. Are there any utensils supplied in the kitchens? Will I need to supply all the bedding - if so, what size? Mattress protectors etc So much to think about!
Thanking you in advance x
Reply 1
I am thinking about all the things I will need to buy him. Has anyone got a helpful list already?
I know it is catered but he will want to cook some of his own snacks as well. Are there any utensils supplied in the kitchens? Will I need to supply all the bedding - if so, what size? Mattress protectors etc So much to think about!
Thanking you in advance x
Hi @Supercali123
I know this feeling well! You never want to miss anything off!
I have never lived in catered accommodation, only self-catered, so I'm not sure if it's different as to what is available.
General kitchen things I take include:
•
Cutlery
•
Basic cooking utensils - serving spoons,etc.
•
Chopping boards
•
Toaster, kettle, air fryer if you want to
•
Plates and crockery
•
Glasses and mugs
•
Tupperware and any other storage you feel is appropriate - I bring some baskets for snacks and a fruit bowl
•
Duvet and pillows
•
Bedding - sheets, duvet cover, pillows
•
Mattress protector - some uni accommodations provide these too, but I always take my own
•
Washing basket
•
Bin
•
Clothes hangers
•
Storage boxes - no specific need but just to keep things organised when I get there
•
Towels
•
Dressing gown
•
Slippers/indoor shoes for communal areas
•
Bath mat
•
Decor - I like to bring some photo frames, pillows, ornaments, just to make the room feel more homely
Generally, take the essential things first, and then you may find you need a few extra things when you find out what is there at your accomodation. I had to buy a dustpan and brush this year as I didn't have one in my accom, for example.
I hope this helps! And any more questions, please just ask away! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
Reply 2
I know this feeling well! You never want to miss anything off!
I have never lived in catered accommodation, only self-catered, so I'm not sure if it's different as to what is available.
General kitchen things I take include:
•
Cutlery
•
Basic cooking utensils - serving spoons,etc.
•
Chopping boards
•
Toaster, kettle, air fryer if you want to
•
Plates and crockery
•
Glasses and mugs
•
Tupperware and any other storage you feel is appropriate - I bring some baskets for snacks and a fruit bowl
•
Duvet and pillows
•
Bedding - sheets, duvet cover, pillows
•
Mattress protector - some uni accommodations provide these too, but I always take my own
•
Washing basket
•
Bin
•
Clothes hangers
•
Storage boxes - no specific need but just to keep things organised when I get there
•
Towels
•
Dressing gown
•
Slippers/indoor shoes for communal areas
•
Bath mat
•
Decor - I like to bring some photo frames, pillows, ornaments, just to make the room feel more homely
Generally, take the essential things first, and then you may find you need a few extra things when you find out what is there at your accomodation. I had to buy a dustpan and brush this year as I didn't have one in my accom, for example.
I hope this helps! And any more questions, please just ask away! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
Thank-you Emily. That is very helpful - especially the dressing gown, that hadn't even crossed my mind.
Anyone from Greys, who can help with the kitchen utensils situation?
Reply 3
Reply 4
Anyone from Greys, who can help with the kitchen utensils situation?
Reply 5
Reply 6
I wouldn't iron anything using a college iron
Reply 7
You can keep a few packets of biscuits or fruit in your room.
Reply 8
Reply 9
I am thinking about all the things I will need to buy him. Has anyone got a helpful list already?
I know it is catered but he will want to cook some of his own snacks as well. Are there any utensils supplied in the kitchens? Will I need to supply all the bedding - if so, what size? Mattress protectors etc So much to think about!
Thanking you in advance x
Son started Grey last year. There was really nothing in the kitchen. Got him a few plates in asda and some cheap cutlery…it all disappears/gets used and left dirty if you leave it in the kitchen! Also went for lots of disposable cups. Best buy was one of those washing up brushes you put the washing up liquid directly into. Also needed to buy him some cleaning sprays for the bathroom, a mirror to hang on the back of his door (there was only the one in the bathroom), a rug to cover the nasty stain on the carpet and a small unit to go next to the bed. There is a B &M nearby if you have the car so you can nip out and get bits. Otherwise he will be able to fend for himself and get anything he needs in town - the indoor market has everything plus obvs Tesco/Iceland. The fridge was used by everyone in his corridor and was often the subject of the corridor WhatsApp group …”whose milk has gone off…whoever has left the food in the fridge it stinks….whose milk has leaked everywhere - please clean it up” Some people are very unpleasant out in the wild lol. Also be prepared for silverfish.
Reply 10
Reply 11
🤣. I can't imagine him using an iron, so I am safe there
Reply 12
Reply 13
Reply 14
Anyone from Greys, who can help with the kitchen utensils situation?
And warm slippers - for fire-drill at 3am in November - he'll thank you.
Reply 15
Reply 16
I am thinking about all the things I will need to buy him. Has anyone got a helpful list already?
I know it is catered but he will want to cook some of his own snacks as well. Are there any utensils supplied in the kitchens? Will I need to supply all the bedding - if so, what size? Mattress protectors etc So much to think about!
Thanking you in advance x
Hiii, I'm a PG going into Durham (I didn't do my undergrad at Durham but did live in halls at my first uni) and these are some of the things I bought as a uni student in general when I started my first degree:
•
mattress topper. godsend. Noticeable difference in sleep quality and comfort. I bought mine off Amazon just after moving into my uni room so I knew what size to get (but you might be able to contact Greys and see if they have a standard bed size in all the rooms).
•
crocs or sliders for communal areas (bathrooms/kitchens), personally preferred crocs.
•
dressing gown or robe of some sort, to whack on quickly if required (think 3am fire alarm...)
•
extension cable is a must, uni rooms often do not have enough plugs or the plugs are placed in the most inconvenient locations possible.
•
a good pair of headphones, preferably noise cancelling. Nothing worse than trying to do some work in your room and someone won't shut up, or trying to work in a cafe/communal study area.
•
folder to put important letters, documents and other stuff in (passport, A Level certificates etc) so they don't get lost or damaged.
•
Hangers for wardrobe and some over the door hooks as well, for hoodies, jackets and bags.
•
mesh laundry bags, stopped me losing socks in the laundry.
•
basic first aid kit with OTC medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen, Lemsip etc) because Freshers Flu is *rough*
Reply 17
•
mattress topper. godsend. Noticeable difference in sleep quality and comfort. I bought mine off Amazon just after moving into my uni room so I knew what size to get (but you might be able to contact Greys and see if they have a standard bed size in all the rooms).
•
crocs or sliders for communal areas (bathrooms/kitchens), personally preferred crocs.
•
dressing gown or robe of some sort, to whack on quickly if required (think 3am fire alarm...)
•
extension cable is a must, uni rooms often do not have enough plugs or the plugs are placed in the most inconvenient locations possible.
•
a good pair of headphones, preferably noise cancelling. Nothing worse than trying to do some work in your room and someone won't shut up, or trying to work in a cafe/communal study area.
•
folder to put important letters, documents and other stuff in (passport, A Level certificates etc) so they don't get lost or damaged.
•
Hangers for wardrobe and some over the door hooks as well, for hoodies, jackets and bags.
•
mesh laundry bags, stopped me losing socks in the laundry.
•
basic first aid kit with OTC medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen, Lemsip etc) because Freshers Flu is *rough*
Thank-you, I have added these to the list. He indeed got his place at Durham - will have to persuade him to have a pair of sliders/crocs, lol.
Reply 18
I am thinking about all the things I will need to buy him. Has anyone got a helpful list already?
I know it is catered but he will want to cook some of his own snacks as well. Are there any utensils supplied in the kitchens? Will I need to supply all the bedding - if so, what size? Mattress protectors etc So much to think about!
Thanking you in advance x
For catered accommodation, they’ll still have small kitchenettes where your son can make snacks, but they’re usually quite basic - think microwave, kettle, toaster, maybe a small fridge. No full ovens are typically provided, so if he wants to cook a bit, you might send:
•
Mug, plate, bowl, cutlery set
•
A couple of microwave-safe dishes
•
Tea towel, small chopping board.
For bedding, most Durham beds are single, but it’s worth checking with the college and on Grey’s website here. You will need:
•
Single duvet & cover
•
1–2 pillows & pillowcases
•
Fitted sheet (single)
•
Mattress protector (highly recommended)
Other useful bits I brought:
•
Laundry basket & detergent pods
•
Extension lead
•
Door mirror
•
Coat hangers
•
Shower bits
•
Storage boxes
•
Desk lamp/Decorative bits
•
Reusable water bottle & travel mug
•
Some home comforts (photos, fairy lights, blanket)
Grey is a friendly college, so I am sure he will settle in quickly. The JCR Freshers’ reps are great at helping new students get what they need in the first few days too!
If you have any other questions please just ask. 😊
Durham Rep Mia
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