Here are the top 10 things you need before moving to York

As the last few weeks of August roll around (and September lurks around the corner), here is your list of essentials that will help with the move to York. The thought of packing for uni is stressful and scary but don’t worry, we’re here to help. First tip – you don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe, and yes, it is acceptable to bring your entire collection of jellycats.

1. Coat, hat, scarf, gloves

I’m probably biased because I was used to the safety of Kent’s weather forecast, but York in the winter is seriously cold. So bring the layers, the fur coats, and warm clothes – you will not regret the comfort of a coat and gloves on the treacherous ride or walk to campus in minus degrees at 9am. Everyone begrudges paying the £2 to put your coat in the club cloakroom but despite the potential beer blanket I can confirm that the trek to the city without a coat is brutal.

2. A railcard

A more practical element to the list but nevertheless essential. Train tickets to York should be illegal. I remember looking at Trainline when I wanted to go home for the first time and had a heart attack when it cost 60 British pounds for a three hour journey. This one is particularly for students who are trekking from down South. It is safe to say travelling to York requires you to take out a small mortgage. However, purchasing a railcard has quite literally saved my bank balance!

3. Clubbing shoes

Going through three pairs of white Nike Air Force in first year alone was enough incentive to buy one pair of trainers solely to be used for club nights in York. It gets pretty packed in the clubs, so make sure you buy or use only one pair that you don’t mind getting dirty. Never wear heels to the club – the colour of your feet when you get home is not worth the cute outfit.

4. A doorstop

Something people often forget but definitely needs to be on the list. The uni hall doors are fire doors so they tend to be very loud and heavy, so this will save any passive aggressive messages into the flat group chat. Leaving your door open during the first day of living in halls is also such a good way to make friends and meet your flatmates. This probably is not the best idea if you’re a crier. My first impressions didn’t hit off to a brilliant start with my flatmates as I stood sobbing in the doorway for approximately three hours.

5. Slippers

A home comfort but also specifically needed for the uni kitchens. Those floors really go through it. They’re also just really handy for walking around halls and doing your laundry.

6. Speaker

Music speakers are a must. You will never find yourself not using one at uni. They are great for pres, annoying the flat above you, and for those picnics around campus in the summer at York. Be prepared for everyone to take over the aux, 12 people in a flat with different music tastes is a tricky one.

7. Drawing pins

Although random, drawing pins will definitely come in handy at York. Most, if not all, first year accommodations have boards in the bedrooms to pin photos up. It’s a great way to make your room cosy and feel like home. Though I did find myself having slight regrets at filling the entire wall when I had to move out (it took me a good hour to remove all the photos) but I maintain it was still worth it for the aesthetic uni room.

8. Teabags

You are living in Yorkshire after all. If I have learnt one thing living up north it’s that a cup of tea goes a long way. First rant with your flatmates? Crying over your ex? Hate your course? All can be resolved with a cup of tea, I promise.

9. Card games

Who knew a pack of cards could bring students so much fun? I can confirm some of the best pres have consisted of drunk card games. Whether it’s the classic Cards Against Humanity or Ring of Fire (get ready for this in Freshers’ Week), card games are an absolute must-have at uni. There are also some great ones for the girly nights in, We’re Not Really Strangers and Let’s Drink to That are some of the favourites.

10. Costumes

I think I’ve spent most of my student loan buying costumes for socials and halloween weekend at York. So, dig around in your lofts, cupboards, and dad’s wardrobe before you come to uni to find any costume bits you can. Trust me, it will save you so much time and money for all those social nights and fancy dress events. The queue outside the fancy dress shop in town at halloween is not fun and a bit stressful to be honest.

Related articles recommended by this author:

•A letter to York freshers, from a third year: How to make the most of your time at uni

•Inside Uni of York’s colleges: We asked for your honest opinions on first year accom

•We asked Uni of York students for their best advice for incoming freshers