1. ALARM CLOCK
An alarm clock is a must-have if you don’t want to miss your classes. It’ll definitely save you the awkwardness of strolling into lectures late and distractedly passing in front of your course mates to get to your seat – plus it will save you from the wrath of your professor assuming you’re irresponsible.
2. FANCY DRESS BOX
You’re more than likely to attend a fancy dress party or themed event during Freshers’ Week. Especially seeing as tomorrow it is animal fancy dress at ROAR, and school disco themed at CORP. You may even hold your own fancy dress party at some point during the year – so prepare with some good basics.
3. LAUNDRY BASKET WITH HANDLE
You can’t expect to take laundry home to mum to wash for you at the end of each term. Purchase a laundry basket with a handle so that it can easily be carried up and downstairs to the launderette to avoid the awkward situation of your underwear strewn everywhere in front of your flatmates! Even better, if you choose to purchase a pop-up or foldaway laundry basket that zips or folds flat when not in use, you can save floor storage.
4. ALCOHOL
Stocking up on alcohol this week is a good way to see the local shop offers, and also bond with your house-mates on trips to buy pre-drink. Remember not to overdo it, or you’ll end up missing most of the first week in bed with a hangover (not how you want to start your university career!)
5. CONDOMS
Stay safe. Avoid unprotected sex without thinking of the consequences. Minimise your risk of sexually transmitted infections or becoming pregnant by carrying condoms with you on a night out, whether in your handbag or cigarette packet. You’ll be relieved in the sober light of morning!
6. EXTRA MUGS
You’re more than likely to lose your fair share of mugs during freshers, so we recommend stocking-up on extras this week. Spare mugs are useful for offering to do tea or coffee rounds with your new friends, and they can also double-act as a pre-drinking glass should you lose your favourite wine glass before a night out.
7. POSTERS
On arrival, your new room will be basic and plain, so it’s essential to decorate the bedroom walls with posters and photos of friends and family to make the room homely. Visit the poster fair held on the concourse this week, you can purchase three posters for £10 (bargain!)
8. NOTICEBOARD
The majority of student accommodation does not provide a noticeboard, so get one this week before University and begins. Useful for displaying your new timetable, theatre tickets, coursework reminders, takeaway leaflets and fliers for clubs. Don’t forget your drawing pins!
9. DOORSTOP
An essential to guarantee new friends in your first year. The doorstop acts as an icebreaker during the first week of living in halls. The open door policy not only allows all your new housemates to know you’re in so they can make conversation and get to know you as they pass your door, but it will also create a welcoming atmosphere along the corridor.
10. CLOTHES HANGERS
A must-have item, as the majority of student accommodation does not provide clothes hangers – as you may have discovered. Get rid of any draping clothes on the back of your desk chair or piles in the corners of your bedroom and head down to buy a cheap pack.
11. NUS CARD
An NUS Card is an essential if you don’t want to miss out on exclusive student offers and discounts! With an NUS Card, you can obtain discounts from retailers such as Topshop/Topman and ASOS, as well as driving lessons, cinema tickets and even your food bill.
12. SKYPE
Not only is it free to download, but Skype’s a great way to keep in contact with friends and family while you’re away at University.