Here’s 9 essential items to pack if you’re going to Cardiff Uni this year

Results are in. University’s confirmed. You’re officially on the way to becoming the student you always dreamed of being. Congrats!

But, before it’s time to become a Cardiff resident, you’ve got to get through the dreaded packing. From a student who’s been there, we know just how overwhelming it can feel. And that’s why, luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of the ultimate essentials to ensure a successful transition to uni life.

If you want your future self to thank you in these coming months, make sure these eight items get added to your notes.

1. Fairy lights

Ahh, the perfect tool to turn a somewhat-prison-cell-looking dorm into an Ikea showroom. This is the number one uni essential to create a cosy room. Fairy lights are super cheap, easy to use, and can transform your bedroom instantly into one you are happy to call home. The warm ambience makes the first few weeks in a new city seem a little easier – every little helps!

2. A pack of cards

The ultimate ice breaker: 52 cards and so many possibilities. Having a pack of cards to hand is essential for breaking the ice between you and your flatmates and can provide endless hours of fun. Did you even do Freshers’ Week if you don’t have a Ring of Fire horror story? It’s the perfect pub companion and a great way to bond with new people. Those 52 cards can even make great drinking games, so never underestimate the power of an Ace.

3. A Freshers’ first aid kit

You’ve heard it before, and the rumours are true…fresher’s flu is real and no, you are not immune!

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Don’t wait until you’ve been hit with the cough; act quick and be prepared. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and Lemsip will be your best pals to get you through the inevitable sickness. Nobody wants to be the one coughing at the back of the lecture hall.

4. Slippers/Kitchen shoes

Slippers should perhaps take the number one spot of must haves to survive your first year accommodation. You will NOT want to enter the kitchen without full foot PPE. Nobody is cleaning amidst the Freshers’ chaos, and so slippers will protect your feet from the remains of last night’s pot noodle that somehow ended up on the floor.

5. An umbrella

Cardiff sees more rain than you can imagine and whilst it’s all fun and games walking to the freshers’ fair to collect your free Domino’s, it isn’t as fun soaking through your last pair of clean jeans. Save yourself and your clothes and invest in an umbrella or two to protect against the Cardiff storms.

Side note: An endless supply of bin bags also works against the rain on a Wednesday night.

6. A sturdy shopping bag

The walk from your room to the shops will feel like the longest stretch, especially if you don’t have an appropriate shopping bag. Embrace the embarrassment of lugging your weekly shop home in a shopping trolley and save your shoulders! A sturdy bag to carry your shopping is the answer to all your problems. Sincerely, a girl who broke her back every time she went to Aldi x

7. Pics from home

The first few weeks of uni life are a whirlwind of emotions, and with all the Freshers’ Week excitement it’s important to take a moment to remember where you came from. You may find yourself needing comfort in the strangest of times (especially when you’ve been knocked down by freshers’ flu) and having loved ones from home on your wall is a great way to feel closer to them. Bonus points as it makes your room look aesthetically pleasing.

8. A speaker

First impressions matter and what better way to impress your peers than providing the best pre-drink playlist. Gearing up for your first Wednesday night would not be complete without blaring music to hype you up. Pre warning: Having a speaker will mean fighting to connect to bluetooth, so may the best playlist win!

9. A clothes dryer

Last but not least, a clothes dryer is a forgotten charm but an absolute must have. Circuit laundry will drain your bank account and your will to live, so having this set up in the flat will save you a little bit of money and time (and protect your clothes from shrinking 10 times the size by using a tumble dryer). A dryer is also a great way to channel your inner adult and feel somewhat responsible, ready to tackle uni life head on!

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