Calling all 2023 freshers: Here are the top nine items you should bring to uni

Congrats for making it into uni! Now it’s time for the stressful part… deciding what to pack. At the end of the day, nothing is going to stop you from over packing and bringing your entire wardrobe, but just make sure you at least bring these nine essentials too. Also remember, shops do exist in your uni city, so it’s not the end of the world if you forget your toothbrush.

1. Sliders

Trust me when I say this, you do not want your bare feet touching any inch of flooring in your uni accommodation. Years worth of students have lived in those four walls and you won’t want to imagine what some of them have been up to. Sliders, crocs or even flip flops will do the trick.

2. Charger extending lead

This will save you so much time when you have a lecture in 30 mins and your phone, laptop and headphones have all died.

3. First aid kit

You can buy mini first aid kits for a pound or two in some shops. This will save you more time if you can deal with minor injuries yourself. Obviously take yourself to the hospital if it’s major!

4. Only bring a few kitchen items

There is not enough storage space to store your 16-piece cutlery set, or your six pans, or your snazzy new kitchen utensil set. You will find you only need around two pans and a few pieces of cutlery. Remember, if you forget anything, someone in your accommodation is bound to have it so don’t worry!

5. Containers

Your freezer will become your best friend. Make sure to bring cheap Tupperware containers to store any spare food in and freeze for whenever you need a quick meal. This also works well with meal prepping!

6. Door stop

This will come in handy especially on the first day when you want to keep your door open to move items in. It also works well for easily socialising with your housemates who are walking by.

7. Chopping board

Trust me you do not want to be using the kitchen surface to chop your food on, and don’t use your brand new plates as you will destroy them with scratches.

7. Sponges

I would suggest using the washing up sponge with a handle. This way you can put your washing up liquid in the handle, and save you having to constantly pour washing up liquid on your dirty dishes.

8. A kitchen outfit

This may sound strange but trust the process. You do not want to be cooking in your day clothes as uni kitchen smells are a combination of every person’s meal. Have an outfit, whether it’s joggers or even a dressing gown, that you constantly wear for the kitchen, otherwise all your clothes will stink of whatever dodgy food you or your housemates are cooking.

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