I’m sure you’ve been told that your university days are some of the best you will ever have. While there is a lot of truth in this, it is hard to accept when you are facing the unknown and are unsure about what lies ahead. The best piece of advice I can give to you is to accept these unsettling feelings, to know that they are there to prepare you for a wider world full of new and exciting opportunities.

 It is easy to become caught up in the minute details of university preparation. In my experience, a lot of the information given to new students is overwhelming and designed to over emphasise the importance of freshers week. I certainly found myself lost in a maze of advice, believing that I needed to have everything suggested in order to survive university life. I soon realised that the reality of university life was much more relaxed and easy-going and that my hoards of things were not really necessary.

The rough guide to preparing for university:

  • Make a separate folder with all your university documentation such as book lists, enrolment information and accommodation details. Include a set of passport photos, which are very handy for ID cards.

 

  • It’s tempting to want to bring everything from home to university, but it’s a lot easier to prioritise the important items. Only bring clothes and shoes that you wear. It sounds silly, but in my anxiety I ended up taking surplus supplies! Fancy-dress outfits are part and parcel of uni life, I’m not a huge fan, but it can be really fun. Your student unions will probably give you a list of themed nights and it’s an idea (if you like to be prepared) to get in a few of the outfits listed. I highlight a few, because there is plenty of time and opportunity to buy costumes at uni.

 

  • If you are going to be in self-catered accommodation, here are a few suggestions on what to bring:

A pan for pasta, a non-stick pan, a wok, a small pan for vegetables/eggs, a couple of baking trays, cutlery, 4 mugs, a set of tumbler glasses, cooking utensils, tea-towels and oven mits, cork screw, cheese grater, egg timer, toaster, kettle and iron.

In terms of food items, it’s good to buy a few basics, perhaps with your parents when you first arrive. Here are a few items that are useful to have in.

Tea bags/coffee, milk, cereal, bread, butter, juice, cheese, baked beans, salt and pepper, pasta/rice, pasta sauce, loo rolls, loo cleaner, anti-bacterial wipes. It’s also a good idea to get in some alcohol for socialising.

 

  • On my first week of uni my best friend from home gave me a present for each day of the first week: wrapping paper to cover the unsightly boards in my room, bunting to decorate the walls, a key ring for my room key, a mug for a first cup of tea, a teddy (because everyone needs one), a notepad and drawing pins, blu-tac and posters! These were really useful and made my room feel more personal. It’s a good idea to make your room colourful and welcoming, it makes it nicer for you but also invites other people in. A vase of flowers really helps, especially in the winter months.

 

  • Above all, the most important thing you bring to uni is yourself. Stuff aside; it is you who will determine your new future and not possessions. Go in with an inquisitive attitude and a willingness to try something new and different – to take a risk and reap the rewards.