University- What stuff do you need to buy?

Congratulations! You're on your way to university land!

Well, at this time of the year (June 2013) you'll only know this with an unconditional offer. However when I was browsing the likes of Dunelm Mill and Ikea for University supplies I never really knew what I needed. So I thought I'd help you all with this by giving you a list of products to buy.

Remember my last blog?

In my last blog http://bethweatherhead.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/five-worst-types-of-flatmates.html I mentioned how flatmates aren't always as nice as expected and may be inclined to steal your things and treat common areas badly. Because of this I would advise you not to focus on sharing your kitchen or bathroom equipment with others. With items like toasters or kettles it may be more beneficial just to buy one between all of you but with plates, mugs and cutlery I'd advise you buy these items for yourself.

The basics.

Here are lists of things I've found I couldn't do without. I was self catered and had my own bathroom. Hopefully some of these things will be items that you've forgotten to consider buying.

The Kitchen

• 4x Plates- I'd suggest two large plates and two smaller plates. This way you don't rely on piling up the sink with your stuff until it's necessary to wash a plate set for a large family. Also, you have an extra set of plates for a guest.
• 2x Bowls
• 4x set of cutlery- So this is 3 knives, 3 forks, 3 desert spoons and 3 teaspoons for use, and one of each type to keep in storage in the case of items of cutlery going missing. I've suggested 3 of each type as whilst cooking you may require them, and this saves you needing to wash them before eating your meal
• Ladle- perfect for dishing up soups and other foods with a lot of liquid
• Serving spoon- for the more controllable foods
• Spatula-  Used for frying, flipping and serving foods like pizza and lasagne.
• Spaghetti server- Unlike a spoon, these will drain excess water before serving as well as gripping onto the pasta to avoid spillage.
• Can opener- At first I kept trying to buy cans which didn't need a can opener, but I kept forgetting
• Vegetable peeler- Inspires you to use vegetables
• Colander- I'd suggest trying to find one with a long handle so that you can keep hold of it whilst draining your food, this way if the sink is full you can still use it
• 2x mugs
  
• 2x glasses
• 2x Saucepans - One big, one small, both with lids
• 1x frying pan
• 2x oven trays - One small one for chips, fish fingers etc., and one large one for pizzas and breads.
• Sharp cutting knife- very handy, if not for cooking then for popping the lid on your microwave meals!
• Set of washing up sponges
• Washing up liquid
• 2x Tea towels- so you can use one while the other is in the washing
• Chopping board
• Food containers- for putting leftovers in the fridge etc.

The Bathroom

• 2x large towels
• 2x smaller hand towels
• 2x face cloths
• Shampoo
• Shower Gel
• Loofah or shower cloth
• Hand soap
• Face wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Razors

  The Bedroom

• Duvet
• Pillows- Only necessary to bring the amount you usually use, possibly one more if you expect to invite a guest round often
• 2x Duvet and Pillow covers
• Clock
• Mirror
• Desk lamp
• Laptop and printer - Even though your university will have these facilities, it's much easier to have these in your room to print off slide notes and reading materials
• Iron
• Clothes would be handy

 

 

For University Work

Obviously for subjects like physics, maths and art you'll more than likely need more specific equipment which your university should tell you about.

• Pens
• Pencils
• Paper (plain and lined)
• Calculator
• Pencil Sharpener
• Folders
• Ruler
• Rubber
• Diary

For mainly girls

• Hair-dryer
• Straighteners
• Make-up

The necessary extras

• Nail Clippers or nail scissors
• Scissors
• Hair brushes and/or combs
• Laundry powder - Most laundrettes will only accept powder or capsules
• Drying rack- May come in useful for hanging towels or drying clothes
• Chargers
• Don't forget to bring cleaning equipment!

  

  Other cleaning products are also available :)

What the university should provide for you

• A kettle- Although ours was disgusting so we bought a new one
• An ironing board
• Bins
• A telephone- you should be able to receive calls on this without costs
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Mop
• Brush
• Some university accommodation rooms have mirrors, some do not, this is where it helps to see your accommodation before applying for it.

What I wish I had during my first year

• Pizza cutter
• A grill pan
• A wok- useful for recipes where you can cook everything in one pan
• Ice tray
• A baking dish and/ or casserole dish with lid

Nice extras to have, but won't be desperately needed

• TV license- So you can watch live television
• A toastie maker
• Place mats
• Coasters
• Biscuit tin
• Container for cutlery items
• Cushions
• Posters
• Plants
• Mini fridge for your room- may not be allowed in some university rooms
• Oven Gloves
• Baking equipment
• Measuring jug
• Scales
• Kitchen scissors (you can always just wash and use your general use scissors instead)
• Kitchen tongs
• A vase to put flowers in (perhaps fake flowers will be a cheaper option)
• Candles (I wouldn't light them though)
• Small whiteboard
• Air fresheners
• Storage boxes
  
• Television (remember you'll need a TV license to watch television)
• Doorstop
• Rug
• A railcard for cheaper travel
• A bus pass- this is for if your accommodation is a big distance away from university, if it's recommended that you need one then the university should tell you.
  

Hopefully you've found these lists useful, if I've missed anything out or you have more ideas then let us all know in the comments

Goodbye for now!