What you really need to take to University or College: Packing list - University Series

Now we're into September and University term begins imminently I think it is time to delve properly into this University Series (for other posts in this series click here). What better place to start than with what you really need to take with you on your first adventure into the world of university life! I hope this is useful and helpful to freshers (and returning students).

1. Dressing gown
Sounds silly but this is going to be a godsend. Chances are where you live as a student is generally not all that warm. But with a trusty dressing gown instant warmth can be imparted, even over a fully dressed fresher! Aside from its heat benefits it also helps with modesty. I initially lived in halls where the bathroom was shared between 12+ people. Therefore a skimpy towel just doesn't cut it. Also useful if you have an ensuite when unexpected visitors venture in to your room after a heavy night out!

2. Flip flops
Ok ok I know this sounds odd. I know its heading into autumn and the cold, wet weather BUT flip flops are a super useful uni staple. Again if you share a bathroom they are brilliant for running too and from the bathroom. Also awesome for the hygiene conscious for middle of the night loo runs etc. You may be thinking "but its autumn and I'm going to look like a weirdo" but I can assure you there are some people who partake in this footwear choice come rain or shine!

3. Photocopies of driving licence/passport/phone contract/bank statement
This may seem obvious or boring but it really is an important one. Accidents will happen in uni, be that losing ID, bank card or phone (or everything at once). With having copies to hand you can quote numbers down the phone without having to totally rely on mum and dad. Along with this I'd really recommend getting some insurance for at least your electric valuables, I swore by Endsleigh.

4. Photos
When you're away at uni it is only natural to be homesick. Some will be more so than others (I was real bad!!). Putting photos up of family, friends and pets can really help make a room feel more homely. Halls have a tendency to lack personality so bring some with you. I was really lucky to have been given amazing collages from my friends for my 18th and 21st which were extra awesome because I didn't have to deal with the retribution of using bluetack or pins.

Special 21st birthday present from my best friend Alice 

5. Fancy Dress
Throughout uni you are going to be dragged along to the odd fancy dress event. Buying a costume can cost a bomb and lacks the homemade touch. I'd really recommend bringing along some easy options, for example  a school tie can be turned into: school uniform party/Hogwarts/Britney. Other good ones; Hawaiian lay, feather bower, tutu.

6. Tool Kit and Sewing Kit
Back on a boring one here but I was one of the only ones in my halls to have both. I bought a neat tool kit in Ikea which did me for the whole 3 years and saved our butts when a game of corridor football got out of hand. The sewing kit is not only useful for you but can massively help out others and can be used in the production of fancy dress. Neither have to be overly complicated or expensive but they can really be life savers.

7. Airer
This is another thing that you'll probably only need to buy once but will last you your time in uni. I got a brilliant one from Dunelm and it saved me a small fortune in tumble drying.

8. Fairy Lights, Bedding and Flowers
Going back to the unhomely-ness of halls, most have horrid florescent lighting which immediately makes it look like a public library. To combat this I'd suggest fairy lights. In my hall we weren't strictly allowed them but I had battery powered ones (Primark have the best) and they were ok. Also lamps can make a massive difference in making your room feel homely.
The first thing my mum did when I moved into my room was to make the bed. I think this instantly makes a room feel more lived-in and homely. I'd recommend finding out what size bed you have before going away and to get a spare set for emergencies or for those CBA to wash my sheets moments.

I also brought a bunch of fake peonies and a pretty jug which always made my room feel girly and cute. I did attempt to have real plants but always managed to kill them. My boyfriend has a rather impressive crop of cacti which may be a good option if you want some greenery for your room.

9. Fruit Bowl
My mum bought me a fruit bowl and filled it when she came up after Christmas in first year. This was in part because I was constantly getting colds and she thought I was lacking vitamins, but it was also a super clever move. By keeping a fruit bowl in your room it acts as a constant reminder to eat some healthy stuff and stops you from eating crap (I definitely just ate crap and everything in my fruit bowl).

10. Medical Kit
I bought myself a zip bag from Ikea which housed all my medicines for the whole three years. I'd recommend bringing paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold and flu, plasters, anti-septic cream and condoms (if they're not used by you then they can be massively useful for someone else!).

11. Bottle Opener
Last and very not least... a bottle opener/cork screw. Because at the end of the day you're a student and that will probably involve some drinking!

I hope this is helpful. Now go forth, be freshers, be safe, be you and have fun!!

**Taken to show the importance of a bottle opener! First year (very drunk) Scribbles by C!