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The big 'what you need to sort for starting University' list
Equipment
This can be a daunting and expensive list of things, but look around for student deals, second hand and ask friends and family if they have anything to donate.Bedding, pillows, duvet, blanket, mattress protector
TV, laptop, phone, chargers, extension cable
Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, cutlery, kitchen utensils, chopping boards, can opener, scissors, lasagne dish, colander
Tea-towels, towels, bedside lamp, rug, bath mat, toilet brush, dirty washing bag, door stop, hangers
Box of cleaning products, washing powder, wipes, toilet cleaner, toilet rolls
Pegs, air dryers
Saucepans, frying pan, slow cooker, sandwich toaster
Food – tinned soup, sauces, pasta, rice, tomato ketchup, tinned fruit, beer and Uni Cook Book, box of chocolates to greet and make new friends
Stationery – pens, pads, highlighters, filing unit, desk tidy
Clothes – Coat, waterproof, sports gear etc
First Aid kit – paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, resolve, imodium, germaline, deep heat
Toiletries
Tool kit
Other things to think about
Student bank account
Look into Disabled Student Allowance
Vaccinations (MenACWY) and MMR – make sure all boosters and vaccinations are up to date
Official documents – medical records, passport, driving licence
Find out where their nearest GP surgery is and get them registered as soon as they can.
Find out about medical care as a student
If the student has regular medication or treatment, then sort this with their doctors/clinics as early as possible
TV Licences
Bills - Electric, Gas, Water, Internet
Thanks to @Debbie_Scope for lots of the items in our list, my son is starting university this year and it was a huge help to me in packing and buying for him! Our @Chloe_Scope has also written a great blog post about preparing for university as a disabled student, so do head over and have a read. Let us know your thoughts. What other items would you recommend students take? Do you have any hints or tips to starting Uni?
Senior online community officer
Comments
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Brilliant guide @Sam_Scope.
@Richard_Scope also put together a great explanation about Disabled Students' Allowance here if anyone's interested.Community Manager
Scope -
DSA is brilliant, I got a laptop printer and a voice recorder for lectures which really helped.
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Some places need a tv licence so that needs to be checked. Electric/gas/internet also need sorting especially if house sharing. My daughter also found a small toolkit handy.
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I have added some of these to the list! Thanks guys! Any more?Scope
Senior online community officer -
Flashcards may be useful for revision sessions. Money is also a good idea too. A pen for lessons and a diary. A first aid box just in case. Also a list of phone numbers plus a address book.
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Sometimes it’s good to give a Supermarket Gift Card in the hope that they spend it on food as opposed to cash ?
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Thanks for these! I know people at my uni who's parents used to do this @sheZZa - it makes sense!
Scope -
I used to send my supermarket loyalty vouchers to my niece when she was at uni!
Scope
Senior online community officer
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