What to pack for University
By Maggie Wilkinson
You need to consider the size of your room in your Lancaster student accommodation, before you write your list of what to pack, because sometimes university rooms are smaller than the one you have left behind at home, and you may not be able to take everything.
In some cases, the rooms have to be cleared at the end of every term, because the accommodation is let for the holidays, in which case you will want to keep your list fairly minimal. You may not need to pack for a whole year; chances are you’ll be home for Christmas, so just focus initially on the first three months. If that’s not the case for you, you will need to think about clothes for all of the seasons.
For a couple of weeks before you set off to university, make daily lists of the things you find you can’t do without, things you’d really miss if you didn’t have them. It might be a clock, a painting, photos of your family and loved ones, there may be a cuddly toy…
You may like to take some of your favourite recipes from home; that will be something your Mum will love to collate for you. She will realise that having the tools to make a nice meal will not only feed you and your soul - it could snag you some friends too!
Think carefully, because the list of what you take isn’t just a survival guide, what you take needs to keep you happy, as well.
Here is a basic checklist of stuff that will carry you through
Clothes for autumn and winter weather - and hangers for them. Take what you’re comfortable wearing and a smarter outfit for a special occasion. Make sure you have a good coat and waterproof outdoor footwear, as well as indoor footwear.
Student housing doesn’t come with bedding, this is a common mistake by new students. Ensure you bring. Bed linen x 2 sets, towels, pillows, and a duvet.
Personal toiletries and some basic medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, some plasters, antiseptic cream, maybe antihistamine. Don’t forget any prescribed meds, like inhalers and regular drugs you normally need.
Kitchen utensils are vital for your accommodation in Lancaster university and some easy foods to prepare, until you know where the shops are and then go shopping with your flatmates, it will be much more fun. Plus you don’t want six kettles and twenty saucepans!
Doing your laundry at Lancaster Uni, means one thing - you need supplies. Laundry detergent, multi-surface cleaner and duster, dishcloths, tea towels, washing up liquid.
Don’t forget Laptop, charger and cables, extension lead, socket adaptor if applicable, USB stick, mobile and charger.
Stationery, notebooks, file paper, files, pens, pencils—all the things you like to work with.
Take a pocket address book with all your contacts, in case you lose your phone. Take your keys for home.
Games are a must and if you’re sporty, don’t forget your own sports equipment.
It may be warm and sunny in September, but in Lancaster you will need an umbrella in the winter months.
But whatever you take, it won’t matter if you forget something. Shops will not be far away from your Lancaster student housing, and the postal service works a treat, so any lack can be remedied easily enough.
