University Essentials

So Freshers' Week is almost upon us, and this time last year I was panicking. Did I have enough room for my clothes? What did I need for the kitchen? How was I going to get everything into the car?! It was a squeeze, and we just managed it, but 3 months down the line I found that, of everything I'd rammed into the car to bring with me, there were things I'd barely touched.

This isn't my car but ours was pretty similar!

Yes, there is a lot out there for students wondering what to bring to halls in their first year of university but there is often conflicting information: some tell you to prepare for the very worst and bring everything and the kitchen sink; and others say not to worry and to bring only the bare essentials. In reality you're going to need to be somewhere in the middle - your university is of course going to provide you with some essentials, such as a wardrobe and a kettle, but turning up with no stationery and a single plate, bowl and cutlery set isn't ideal.

When I moved into halls I scoured the internet for these lists and packed everything on them, hoping to cover all bases and be prepared for any eventuality, and I quickly found out that I'd packed the least important things and brought things I used maybe once. I figured that this time around I'd write a list of things that I really counted on last year and made sure that they were the most important things I brought with me.

I also asked my family and friends on Facebook what they thought was important and the response was overwhelming so thank you, all, for responding and bringing alternate perspectives and views from different halls and universities! Their contributions really inspired me to write up 15 of what we considered to be essential items in our first years, and I hope that they come in handy for you, too!

1. Pyrex dish
2. Tea Towels
3. Push Pins
So the first three on the list are particularly kitchen-based, the first being a pyrex dish. As my friend Jay pointed out, at his university they didn't have access to kitchen facilities like many other freshers (including Sussex students) do, and pyrex dishes are super-sturdy and microwaveable so were a must-have for him to cook as much as he could.
Another suggestion was to bring tea towels - fellow Sussex University student Sarah mentioned that all 11 of her other housemates failed to bring one, and - as is the case with many things - you never notice that you need something until it's gone.
Also, most shared kitchens will have some kind of noticeboard or pinboard to share all kinds of information, and push pins came in super-handy last year for pinning notes to each other and keeping takeaway menus easily available. Very useful!

4. Ear Plugs
5. Flip Flops
6. Washing Basket
7. Hangers
8. Blanket
9. Slippers/thick socks

These items came up a lot. Unfortunately you will get groups of people who don't care about making noise all times of the day and night, and I hope that you don't have to deal with them, but just on the offchance I'd recommend you do invest in a pair of earplugs.

You will also have to deal with other peoples' hygiene habits when you share a bathroom, and unfortunately they're not always up to standard. Flip flops were also recommended when traversing communal shower floors, but rest assured there are cleaners at Sussex to make sure it doesn't get too bad, and if you all do your bit to keep it clean you shouldn't have a problem.

You also might want to invest in a washing basket and some hangers - some people do prefer the floor-cupboard approach but it makes trying to find clean and unwrinkled clothes each morning a real pain.

You also might want to invest in a blanket and a pair of slippers or thick socks - each room and accommodation block is different, and some were toasty warm most of the time, but others were absolutely freezing, and I totally back up Kelly and Nadine's points. Trust me, I visited them. Their rooms were cold and the blankets were well-received.

10. Extension cable
11. Pack of cards
12. iPod dock/speakers

I think almost every person I asked mentioned the importance of extension cables, and I agree. How else would I be able to dry my hair while warming my straighteners, charging my phone, playing games on my laptop and blaring music out of my speakers? With our reliance on technology these days we need multiple plugs for all of our appliances, and no-one wants to be forced to choose between charging their phones and setting their alarm for morning lectures. No-one would ever attend morning lectures.

A pack of cards was also highly recommended, and we spent many a night playing Cheat and other card games in our kitchen. It's such an easy way to get to know your flatmates, and we often sometimes played drinking games before going out in the evenings.

As for an iPod dock or a set of speakers, I couldn't say it any better than my friend and fellow Sussex Student Elana:

13. University Standard Calculator

14. Emergency Contact

15. ID

Finally, the most important of our groups of 3: the first of which is boring but so useful - I didn't realize until I got to Sussex that any old calculator just won't do when it comes to exam season, as you can only take in approved calculators to your exams to prevent the risks of cheating. Cue a mad scramble to find out what calculators were approved. You should be provided with a list of approved calculators, but don't leave it til the last minute to get one.

My penultimate point: make an effort to remember your parents' phone number too, as if anything goes wrong they will be your first port of call - even if it's just not being able to afford the taxi home after a night out. You don't want to be in a situation that really calls for knowing your emergency contact and not being able to remember it.

And my last point may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget their ID's in the first week of Uni, and those bouncers won't make any exceptions for you. The Sussex Student ID only works on Campus and I'm sure this is the case with other student ID's, and being turned away because you don't have the right form of ID to prove your age is such a buzzkill during Freshers' Week.

I honestly hope that all of you reading this have a great Freshers' Week, and are fully prepared for your next great adventure. Cheers!