16 essentials students don't know they need
If your child is starting university this year, you're likely to find that the time between A-level results day and enrolment day is gone in the blink of an eye! Preparing for the big move can be daunting, and it can be difficult to anticipate exactly what they'll need.
Having a comprehensive list of what to pack can help you feel calm and prepared. You'll already know that new students need a duvet, a decent desk light and the knowledge of how to clean up after themselves, but you'd be surprised at the number of essentials that are forgotten about.
To help you along, we've put together a list of 16 university essentials that students don't know they need.
1. Doorstop
You may not have thought it, but a doorstop can make student life a lot easier. Doors are often self-closing in halls of residence, and being able to prop it open with a wedge will certainly be useful when you're carrying boxes in on moving day.
Plus, it's a good idea to encourage your child to keep their door open during Freshers Week so that new housemates and potential friends can pop in and say hello!
2. Extension cable
Your new student almost certainly has a mobile phone, as well as a laptop, speaker, lamps... and there's never enough plugs in a university room to power and charge all of these items.
Get an extension cable with plenty of plugs and a long lead that will reach across their bedroom. You can buy a pack of two from Ikea for £7 if you haven't got any to spare.
3. Tech
Your child's phone is probably glued to their hand, so no need to worry about packing that. But have you thought of the other tech a student will need? Though there will be on-site computers to use, a laptop is useful for completing university work on-the-go and a printer will be really helpful too.
Many of a student's fondest memories will be set to music, so getting them a bluetooth speaker would be a great parting gift. They don't have to cost a fortune either — for a great budget speaker, our tech team recommend this one from Soundcore (£39.99) The battery claims to last for up to 24 hours between charges and the sound can reach high volumes without losing detail.
Headphones are also essential for walks to campus — and to get some peace and quiet while upstairs neighbours are partying! The tech team named Soundcore Q20i the best headphones under £50, but for a noise-cancelling option, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a good option.
4. Laundry fixes
Students are known for their lax hygiene but a laundry basket will give them a place to keep all their dirty clothes — until they bring them home! If they do decide to approach a washing machine, a collapsable airer is easy to store away when not in use and will cut expensive tumble-dryer costs. This one from Minky (£32) was the join top scorer in the GHI tests.
5. Household cleaners
Cleaning is likely to be the last thing on your child’s mind right now. But it’s a good idea to have some basic household cleaners to hand. Even if there’s a regular cleaner as part of the accommodation, they’re likely only going to cover the communal areas, so the bedroom itself will need to be kept clean, as well as any en-suites.
A bathroom cleaner, multipurpose cleaner and glass gleaner, along with microfibre cloths are all good ideas. For eco-friendly options, white distilled vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are handy to have as well. The prior just needs to be diluted to clean glass, while the latter is great for scrubbing grout and deodorising.
6. Kitchen appliances
We all hope that our children aren't just living on ramen noodles at university, and having the right appliances can help them make some more substantial meals. This Breville toastie-maker is compact, affordable and easy to clean.
A slow cooker can be handy if your child is at university all day but wants to come home to a cooked meal. The Russell Hobbes Chalk Board Slow Cooker is a good option for a first slow cooker. You can also write on this slow cooker as it has a chalkboard which will be fun for the whole flat.
Whipping up smoothies and soups in a blender is an easy way to stay healthy, and the George Twist & Go Personal Blender will get the job done for just £19.
For simple food preparation skills, direct your new student to the GH cookery videos — we've got them covered.
7. First aid kit
Freshers' Flu has long been an unfortunate aspect of university life, so it's important to arm your child with everything they need to heal an injury or illness. Cold and flu medicines, plasters, bandages, tweezers, painkillers and an antiseptic product, like TCP and Savlon, will come in handy.
8. Contraceptives
It may be uncomfortable for some parents, but as we all know, protecting our children from unwanted pregnancies and STIs may be worth the awkward conversation. As they say, better safe than sorry!
9. Flip flops
Flip flops and sliders are a staple of student living they can be pulled on for a walk to the shops, a run to the launderette or just as protection against uncleaned kitchen floors or communal showers.
10. Plastic containers and freezer bags
When shopping for groceries on a budget, bulk cooking is essential. Prepare them for a week's worth of spaghetti bolognese by sending them off to university with plastic containers and sealable freezer bags (£9.47).
11. Bike
An expensive (and bulky) addition to your child's packing, but often a good investment. Public transport can be expensive, even with student discounts, and a good bike will keep your student fit and healthy.
12. Dressing gown
It's not uncommon to be stood outside in the freezing cold at 4am because someone has set of the fire alarm, and if this does happen, your child will be thankful to have a warm dressing gown.
Student accommodation is notoriously chilly — and the cost of energy is on the rise as we know — so other warmers like blankets, jumpers and hot water bottles are also a good idea.
13. Mattress protector or topper
At university, both shared and rented accommodation tends to supply a standardised type of mattress, which may be a far cry from the memory foam you child is used to at home. That’s why it’s a good idea to find out the details about the mattress supplied beforehand, including its size and filling, and purchase a suitable mattress topper if necessary beforehand. This can make a world of difference to the comfort of the bed. The joint winners in our tests at the GHI are The Simba Hybrid Essential Topper and The White Company Luxury White Down Topper.
Depending on the accommodation, while a mattress is usually supplied, it’s not always guaranteed to be a new one. That’s why you might want to ask about the age of the mattress at the same time. If it’s not new, you could either look to replace it with a rolled mattress (great for transportation), or you could simply put a mattress protector in place for peace of mind. If your child's a hot sleeper, we recommend the REM-Fit Tencel Cool Mattress Protector. With moisture-wicking fabric and a score of 96/100, it will help them to keep cool at night.
14. Earplugs
Sleep can also be aided by a handy pair of earplugs. These are ideal if your child’s a light sleeper and there happens to be a snorer in next room. We particularly like the Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs which scored 89/100 in our tests. They’re affordable, comfortable and did a great job at blocking out all kinds of noise.
If they’re not a fan of earplugs, then the winner in our tests, the Navly Sleep and Sports Headband, might be more to their liking. This elastic headband plays a calming sound of your choice to help you drift off to sleep, including meditation sounds and white noise.
15. Pins and multi-purpose tack
Uni rooms can look small and sad at first, but with a few fun posters and photos of the family dog, it'll be looking like home in no time. We recommend white multi-purpose tack — you want your child to get their deposit back, after all.
16. Re-usable coffee cup or flask
Who can get through a 9am lecture without a coffee? Buying takeaway coffees can add up, so having a re-usable coffee cup or flask (the GHI rate the Lifeventure Thermal Mug) will help them save a few pounds.
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