So you’re going to University…
It’s that time of year – exams have finished, results have been received. With any luck, you’ve got the grades you needed to get into your first choice of university, and you’re ready to fly the nest. Before the fresher’s week fun starts in full swing, it’s time to get prepared for some of the essential items you’ll need for university. Read on to find out more…
Before leaving home:
Before leaving for university, it’s a good idea to spend a week or two learning how to live as an independent adult. Learning how to cook, clean and look after yourself is vital for the rest of your life, and will be important for these upcoming next three years. Whilst you’re learning these things, make a list of what equipment you need to do these tasks – from this list, you can make sure that you have everything you need for your university experience. Becoming known as the person in your halls or house that can cook a delicious meal is a sure fire way to make new friends. Learning to make your favourite home cooked meals can also help offset any homesick feelings. You could go one step further, and learn to make a few classic cocktails – such as the White Russian, Sex on the Beach or Mojitos. These are sure to be the start of a great night out!
Doing more in-depth research on the local city and the university itself can be a great way to find fun, exciting things to do with the new friends you’re sure to make!
Your bed:
You can’t learn well, or enjoy the social aspect of university life without a good night’s sleep, so it’s important to choose high quality bedding. Whilst most university accommodation will provide a bed frame and mattress, it’s a good idea to check with your student accommodation or landlord to confirm this. You’ll usually be expected to provide your own bedding. A good duvet and pillows are crucial to get the best night’s sleep, to help you prepare for that upcoming stressful exam or recover from a big night out. Duvets are usually filled with hollowfibre or feather (either duck or goose feather). Hollowfibre duvets tend to be cheaper, but slightly less luxurious than duck or goose feather. If you can afford it, it’s worth spending a little extra for the luxury. The tog rating of a duvet will determine how much heat your duvet stores. Most people have two duvets – a higher tog duvet for the winter months and a lower tog for those hot summer nights. Whilst this might sound like a stretch to your student budget, the extra warmth of a higher tog duvet is sure to save on heating bills.
There’s a wide range of pillows available – from the traditional feather and down pillow, budget hollowfibre pillow or a modern, luxury latex Dunlopillo, there’s a pillow for everyone.
You can find out more about ensuring a good night’s sleep by reading some of my articles here and here.
Of course, a duvet and pillow are important to get a good night’s sleep. But what about when it comes to wowing your new flat mates? A unique duvet cover set is sure to impress any friend in your halls. Whether you’re interested in a novelty design, or a more classical floral pattern, there’s sure to be the duvet cover for your new bedroom available in our store. Choose a reversible, machine washable bed set which is ideal for student life. Consider purchasing a spare duvet cover set and sheet set for when your first set is in the wash. A matching fitted sheet is an essential – it’s worth going for a higher thread count polycotton percale set, to increase the longevity and durability of your bedding. Accessorising your bedding with a filled cushion or cushion cover will make your bedroom perfect for relaxing in between lectures and studying.
Making your room your home:
Student halls or rented accommodation are often plain, with neutral colours. This makes an ideal canvas to turn your new student digs into a home away from home. Posters can quickly turn a bland wall into a gallery of your favourite bands, movies or TV shows and are a great way to show off your taste and personality. Throws can be a great way to keep warm, whilst marking your space as your own. There’s a wide variety of colourful contemporary rugs available, which can really tie a room together at a bargain price. In shared accommodation, choosing uniquely coloured cotton towels is perfect to distinguish your towels and bath linen from your roommates’. A door stop is an often overlooked item of furniture – keeping your door open is a great way to show how sociable you are, and to meet people outside of parties or nights out.
As I’m sure you know, university isn’t all studying! Fancy dress parties, usually with a theme, are a common part of fresher’s week and the first year of university. A plain white flat sheet makes the perfect start for many outfits – from the iconic toga costume to the classic Halloween ghost.
2nd and 3rd year
If you’re a second or third year student, moving from student halls to a shared house, you might want to consider purchasing new bedding or accessories. Even just a few key changes can make your new room feel fresh and unique, and is a great way to mark the new student year. Throwing a housewarming party can be a great way to bond with your new house mates, and to introduce them to your friends from first year or your course.
Cleaning your new home and general housekeeping will become more important, both for keeping your deposit, and for keeping your new roommates happy. Using a rota to divide the more boring tasks of cleaning shared rooms, such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room will maintain both a cleanly house and a harmonious relationship between you and your roommates.
Remember – there’s no reason you and your house have to meet the stereotypes of a student house. You don’t have to live in a dirty, run down house with takeaway boxes and empty bottles left over from the last party. Household items such as a laundry basket or hamper, recycling bins or waste paper baskets will help keep your home away from home clean and tidy, and you and your landlord happy.
During exams and coursework periods, you’ll want to split your time between your home and the university campus and library, to make the most of your revision time. During this time, you’ll want to make sure you eat well – prepare meals at home and bringing them with you can be healthier and cheaper. You’ll also want to ensure that when you’re not revising or working, you’re relaxing and de-stressing from a hard day. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to this. Make sure to strike a balance between other commitments such as any part time jobs or socialising – whilst these are important, you’re at university to get the best possible degree you can.
Moving on Up, Moving on Out
Finally, at the end of your degree you’ll graduate. This is a time that you’ll be celebrating your hard work over these last three years with your friends and family. However, before you graduate, and after your final exams, you’ll be moving out of your student house. At the end of any of your tenancies, you’ll need to ensure that the property you’re leaving is clean, tidy and that all your possessions have been removed. Your landlord or university will
check the accommodation you’re leaving
for this, and any damages caused during your tenancy. The cost for fixing these will be deducted from your deposit, so it pays to ensure that you care for your house, and it remains clean and tidy.
Being prepared with some of the ideas above will ensure you enjoy the next three years at university. Think we’ve missed something, or want to share your opinion? Why not let us know in the comments section below?
