And so, the exciting and yet equally daunting day beckons: moving to University. Akin to any transition in your life, preparation is key. There’s nothing worse then diving into unknown waters ill prepared- for some it’s the first time moving away from home and so one must assert their independence in the most constructive manner: penning up a University checklist. If your mind has become overloaded with things you need to do, here is a simple and comprehensive list to insure you are fully equipped and leading the line with your strongest foot.
The University checklist can be compartmentalized into the following categories: documents, kitchen, studying, outdoor, healthcare, bathroom, housekeeping, electrical, clothing, style, bedding and miscellaneous.
‘Wow, that’s a lot of categories?’ I hear you gasp- but fear not, this simple procedure will help you break down the feast into bite size pieces.
Documents
Passport, driving license, bank account statement, university documents, exam certificates, NI number / card.
Kitchen
Corkscrew / bottle opener (can be a god send), mugs, glasses, plates, knives and forks, bowls, saucepans, frying pan, tin opener, chopping knife / board, wooden spoon, veggie peeler, sieve.
Studying
Diary, A4 pads, pens, post-it notes, paper clips, printing paper, stapler, hole punch, blue tack, glue.
Outdoor
Raincoat, umbrella, football boots (if you play).
Healthcare
Condoms / pill, plasters, vitamins, Paracetamol (another god send for hangovers)
Bathroom
Bath and hand towels, wash bag, shower gel, soap, toilet roll, razor, shaving cream, hair products, cologne / perfume, deodorant
Electrical
Laptop, network cable (if applicable) hard drives (with CV), alarm clock, printer, mobile and charger, TV and remote, music devices, headphones, plug extension / adapter.
Clothing:
Underwear, socks, swimwear, dressing gown, t-shirts, jeans, spare shoes and trainers, warm clothing.
Style:
Cushions, beanbags, photos of family and friends, blankets, teddy bears / toys, rugs, potted plants, fairy lights.
Bedding:
Sheets, multiple duvets, pillows and cases, sleeping bag, hot water bottle.
Miscellaneous
Alcohol, clock, fan, ear plugs, spare suitcase and bags, inflatable mattress, football or sporting equipment, console and extra control pads, games, playing cards, shot glasses, wine glasses.
Female specific
Make-up, jewellery box, jewellery, moisturiser, nail varnish, hair removal cream, hair dryer / straighteners, tampons / sanitary towels.
This may seem like a lot of stuff, but once it’s all packed up, you’ll be glad when you’re ready to start your tenure in the best possible fashion. Naturally, there are some items on the list and perhaps additional items that can be purchased in and around your campus, but who wants to spend their first moments of Uni rushing around the shops buying saucepans, when there are hundreds of people to meet, parties to attend and places to visit.
Also, when you’re meeting people for the first time, you don’t want to be known as the person who borrows stuff all the time- it may seem trivial, but you’d be surprised how possessive people can get over a spoon.
That being said, with the University checklist in order, hopefully the foray into your new University life will seem all the more manageable.