Tuesday 26 November 2013

Freshers: Heading to University - Part 2

Hello my lovelies!

So we've got up to you having your lists sorted with what you think you need to get. Take a good long look and just think, 'Do I really need everything on this?', I sure didn't. Sometimes it can be better to wait and see what's already there. The kitchen may already have that toaster, kettle and microwave you're so desperate to take up room packing. Think logically. If you're in self-catered there will be provisions, there won't be those extra things though like blenders, toastie makers etc. Also, if you plan on taking such things it would be best to check that your university or landlord allows them in the accommodation, you don't want to be getting in trouble!



The best piece of advice I was given? Don't take your entire wardrobe. You won't really know what kind of storage space there is and you don't want to be living out of your suitcase all year. Take enough for 3 weeks max, you're going to need to learn to use a washing machine if you don't already and you could always take a trip home to get more clothes if need be. That's another thing, make sure you don't forget something to put your laundry in.. Can't have those flings walking in to your room and seeing dirty underwear everywhere! Make life easier for yourself and see if you can find one that has a double holding space so you can separate darks and lights as you go along.




Don't go crazy buying stationary either and certainly don't go buying every single book on your reading list right away. Most courses only really focus on one or two books on your list and they can cost up to £30, sometimes more. If you're lucky your Uni might offer a scheme such as Aspire (which runs in most John Smith book stores) where each student is given £50 on their student card to spend in the on-campus book store (comes in real handy at Chester!) or there may be a second-hand book sale during freshers week where you can pick them up for half the price. 


It's also a good idea to pick up a large holdable box or bag for your wash kit and other bathroom essentials. I was given a Soap & Glory box set which came in a vanity case (pictured below) for Christmas in 2011 so I tend to use that as it's large and waterproof so any spillages are contained. And don't forget about a laundry bag if you have to use a communal laundrette - you should be able to pick up something at local garden centres most of the year round. 













Once you've got everything sorted it's time to pack it in a way that's going to be travel friendly. I recommend using one or two suitcases/roller bags/holdalls then putting everything else into boxes or crates. You'll be able to pick up plenty of plastic boxes for a friendly price from pretty much anywhere around August/September time as all the shops will have their stock suited for students. I was able to pick up some cute pink boxes (which also came in white or blue) from Tesco for around £5 each depending on what size you want. It's a good idea to have boxes because you can use them for extra storage once you arrive and what you don't want can be stacked in to a smaller pile to go back in the car. 
Something I would recommend doing as soon as you know your accommodation is get on to Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites and find your house mates/room mates/flat mates or people in the same building/block/street as you. It's always good if you can get to know the people you're going to be living with for the next year before you even get there. Check for any groups that may have been made (I had University of Chester: Church College Close 2013-2014 but yours may be less complicated and lengthy) and make sure that you're on them and active. Post a message saying hey and start arranging your first night out on Fresher's week! 


So that's about it. Everything you really need to do before you leave home. The only thing left? Packing that car, saying goodbye and getting yourself to your new home. Next week I'll be posting all about your arrival and getting over those last minute nerves.

Got any questions? Leave a comment or get in touch - all of my contact details are on this page

Love you all!

T xxx

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