A survey of 1,000 university alumni has revealed the items they wish they’d packed for university – and some are very surprising
Despite the excitement of starting university and gaining independence, a poll of 1,000 university graduates revealed that a whopping 80 per cent wished they had been more aware of what student life really entailed and felt better prepared. A survey of 1,000 alumni has shed light on the essential items that made their uni life easier, including a doorstop to encourage a friendly environment and earplugs for uninterrupted sleep, especially during Freshers’ Week.
According to research by EXTRA, must-haves for new students include a laundry basket to prevent the inevitable mountain of clothes on the floor, and cosy slippers to keep warm without having to turn up the heating.
Other suggestions included flip flops for shared bathrooms and a stash of cold and flu remedies to fight off the inevitable fresher’s flu. However, it wasn’t just remembering what to bring, many also emphasised the importance of mental readiness.
The most common stressor for university students, which often takes them by surprise, was keeping up with social events in their first year, and a third found the biggest adjustment was managing their finances.
A third were unsure about which fresher’s societies to join, and 31 per cent were anxious about making new friends.
The chewing gum brand teamed up with student wellbeing advocate, Ben West, to provide expert advice to help ease the nerves during those initial few weeks.
He said: “These simple hacks were my go-to at uni whenever I started to spiral, helping me pause, reset, and actually live in the moment. Even something as small as pausing, chewing gum, or going for a walk can help.
“Starting university is such a huge and exciting step, and with just a few tools in your back pocket, you can quieten the noise and soak up everything it has to offer.”
STUDENT WELLBEING ADVOCATE BEN WEST’S TOP TIPS FOR STUDENTS:
Inhale calm; exhale chaos
Deep breathing activates your body’s relaxation response, helping you feel grounded. Find a quiet corner and spend a few minutes breathing deeply: in for 4 seconds, out for as long as you can, then repeat. You’ll feel less panicked and more present instantly.
A Simple Distraction
Chewing gum can be a small, everyday habit, something familiar to reach for during a busy day. Keep a pack in your bag or pocket, and when you feel like it, pop a piece in and notice the steady rhythm of the chew.
Walk it off
While it may seem obvious, movement helps release feel-good chemicals in your brain, and we can often forget that getting outside does more for us than we think. So step out for a walk and quieten your thoughts, all while getting to explore your new uni, letting your surroundings pull you out of your head.
Tune out the overthinking
When I was overthinking at uni, I’d put the radio on or stick on a podcast. It fills the silence and directs your mental spotlight. Choose something upbeat – a podcast that makes you laugh, a playlist that reminds you of home, or even a random radio station. Let it be the soundtrack to your reset.
Prioritise time with new people
Say yes to hanging out after lectures, going to Halls events or society meet-ups, and keep your door open so you can meet people naturally. The more you spend time with new people, the more you will get into your new groove.
Don’t forget the essentials
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
- Slippers
- Reusable water bottle
- Cold and flu meds
- Mini first aid kit
- Earplugs
- Flip flops for shared bathrooms
- Painkillers
- Extension lead
- Decent frying pan
- Drying rack
- Snacks and hot drinks to offer new friends
- Photos of friends and family
- Bluetooth speaker
- Basic toolkit
- Label maker or name tags
- Tupperware
- Posters or wall art
- Shower caddy
- Air fryer
- Doorstop to keep things sociable
- Blue tack
- Slow cooker
- Lanyard or card holder