Gilly Ferguson
Want to be the legend of your halls? We asked a group of university students for their most practical (and surprising) university packing tips. Here’s what they said…
Laptop. Check. Kettle. Check. Pinboard. Check… So far, so sensible university checklist.
Okay. You’ve got the parent-approved uni essentials covered – those 69 practical items that every student needs. Well played. But what about the other stuff?
What about those not-strictly-essential-but-still-essential buys that will amaze, bedazzle and delight your peers, and bag you some serious kudos come freshers week?!
We are, of course, talking about the friend-makers, the ice-breakers and the memory-makers – the 8 humble heroes recommended by students, for students, from freshers week to graduation day – and for every blurry moment in-between.
Because, believe us when we say, when you get to uni - toasties will become your most valuable commodity, trade wisely…
Pictionary Air Game £16.99
“Among the best uni buys for halls? A great game to play with friends. Sure, there’s Minecraft and Call of Duty for gamers, but don’t underestimate the power of a traditional family game for building friendships.” – Harry, 19. Pictionary Air (think Pictionary, but 2.0) has just the right amount of nostalgia to feel familiar, without making you feel homesick. Take a clue card and the Pictionary Air pen, and get your team to guess what you’re air-drawing. Why not go one better and point the in-app camera at the illustrator? They (plus sketch) will magically appear on the screen of your iPhone/iPad/iOther smart devices are available...
Breville VST082 Sandwich Toaster, £29.00
Ask any uni student, young or old, post-grad or fresher and they’ll wax lyrical about toasters – ye old bread ovens, toastie makers, panini machines, or pizza ovens if you're feeling lah-di-dah. “We literally ate cheese toasties for brunch, lunch and dinner in my first year,” says Charlie, 22. “I did try cooking pasta in a kettle once – do NOT try that – broke my kettle, obviously. But toastie makers are AMAZING. And one of my housemates bought a pizza oven in our third year too – absolute legend!”
Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker with Clock and Alexa Voice Recognition & Control, 4th Generation, Glacier White, £34.99
“I’m studying history and only have three hours of lectures a week. I figured I’d make the most of the spare time and treated myself to an Alexa for our student house - I’m using it to learn how to cook simple, healthy recipes. My housemates love it!” –Debbie, 20.
John Lewis Stainless Steel Recipe Cocktail Shaker, 600ml, Silver/Gunmetal, £22.00
One for any budding bartenders (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail, ask your mum) classic cocktail makers boast all the ingredients for a great night in/out. This stainless steel saucepot includes classic recipes, revealed with a simple turn of the outer cover. With your Tequila Sunrises, Pina Coladas, Grasshoppers and Cosmopolitans covered, all you need to do is finesse your #flairtending. “Don’t drink? Snap up a Sodastream (Ed: another one for your mum) – for all your sparkling water and fizzy drink needs.“ –Rachel, 19
John Lewis ANYDAY Water Hyacinth Pyramid Doorstop, £10.00
Ever wondered what item you should take to uni, the one that no one tells you about? “Take a door stop!” says Sara, 18. “Use it to leave your door open – especially whilst moving in and unpacking, it makes it so much easier to make friends and meet people on your corridor!”
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Espresso Coffee Machine, White, £65.00
Looking for a practical-but-cool buy with zero regrets as standard? “Invest in decent coffee – the stuff in dining halls is horrific!” says Jonny, 19. “I couldn’t justify a daily Costa, so everyone in my halls clubbed together to buy a coffee machine. It’s literally the best thing I’ve ever bought!” Why not pack some home-made cakes for freshers week too? Throw that (plus a whopping bag of tea bags) into the mix and you’re a halls-shaped hero! “My Mum made me a batch of her signature Chocolate Goo too,” says Jo, 19. “It eased my homesickness and helped me to make friends quickly!”
TP-Link KP303 Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, 3 Gang with 2 USB & Surge Protection, £22.00
Shopping for university doesn’t come much more practical than extension leads. Sure, they don’t spark much excitement BUT they’re arguably the number one most useful buy that every student will need at some point. “Having well-placed electrical sockets in halls is rare,” says Sophie, 19. “And your friends will 100% want to charge their iPhones on the reg.” Why not go one further and be The Cable Guy too – HDMIs are great for projecting Cool Runnings onto the TV for (legendary) film nights.
Neom Organics London Luxe Wellbeing Pod, £129.00
Never underestimate how scent can alter or improve our moods. Smells are linked to our memories, to our history, to all our first times. Feeling homesick and in need of a boost? Try ylang ylang and chamomile to help soothe and comfort – or Sicilian lemon (citrus and fruity notes are said to boost energy, helping us to assert ourselves in daily life). Worried about missing your parents? Pinch their perfumes – with permission! – they’ve been part of your olfactory memories since childhood, one sniff and you’re instantly transported home. Also – bonus – all of the above (100% natural) essential blends – plus a diffuser with remote control functionality – will help mask a multitude of uni-based whiffs and pongs.
