For students feeling lost or overwhelmed with the idea of packing for university — we have got you covered with the ‘forgotten uni dormitory essentials checklist’
With most UK universities typically commencing their main academic year in September or October, students are gearing up for a major milestone in their lives.
Going off to uni can prove to be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to packing up all the essentials and moving your life from one place to another.
While students may remember to pack all the essentials — bed linens, utensils, bathroom items, stationery — there are some little-known items which can make a world of difference in your college-going experience.
For students feeling lost or burdened with the idea of packing for university — we’ve got you covered with the forgotten dormitory essentials checklist.
Bottle that reminds you to drink water
In the hustle and bustle of uni life, it’s easy to forget to hydrate yourself. Running from one class to the next and one social gathering to the other can be exhausting — especially if you’re dehydrated. That’s where quirky bottles with markings come in. Bottles that have little markings to remind people to drink water are all the rage these days.
With motivating phrases written at different points on the water bottle, it’s an excellent reminder to hydrate oneself throughout the day.
Plant to brighten up your room
Room décor may not sit too high in the minds of university students. In fact, as far as the priority list goes, students often tend to focus on decorating their rooms at the very end. While it’s okay not to dive headfirst into intricately decorating one’s student accommodation, some plants in the room can never hurt.
Apart from health benefits such as purifying the air in the room, plants are known to significantly boost mental wellbeing in humans, often leading to a calmer overall mental state.
Coat hangers
Coat hangers are lifesavers when it comes to wardrobe essentials — whether in university or otherwise — yet they’re often forgotten in the rush of last minute packing. Having an easy and efficient way to hang clothes, especially when wardrobe space may be limited such as in student accommodations, is a boon. Those heading to university should remember to pack this essential item to maximise their wardrobe space.
Earplugs
Earplugs are the one university essential you didn’t know you needed, and they may well be the most useful. Whether it’s a roommate making noise at odd hours, a dorm corridor erupting with banter, or sound penetrating through thin accommodation walls — earplugs are a university student’s best friend. Pop them in and enjoy a peaceful sleep, uninterrupted reading time, or just a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
Basic toolkit
A small, basic toolkit can prove to be a saviour in many situations for the average university student. Whether you want to hammer in a small nail to hang something or tighten the screws on something else — having a basic tool kit is the mark of a prepared adult. And what better time to be a prepared adult than when you’re off to university?
Mini safe
Carrying a mini safe when one is off to university is a good idea. Simply purchasing a small safebox and keeping it in the dorm room or flat share will ensure valuables are perennially safeguarded — it will also give students peace of mind when leaving prized items behind.