list for university

maskedmannequin

Savvy_Sue wrote:

The answer to the blu-tak / white tak problem is Gripping Stuff. The University authorities probably won't like it any more than blu-tak, but I'll just say that blu-tak is banned in this house, gripping stuff isn't, and our walls are intact.

haha...ok...my mind skipped over the "or other coourd equiv" ...:D! oops

homealone_2

thanks everyone, i have made a new list covering some valuable tips from you alll and the once a month shop has been cancelled

Savvy_Sue

Bumped for those who've just shared the joys of good 'A' level results ...

Savvy_Sue

Also note that there is an excellent thread started by Galtizz for an Emergency Food Tin which I intend to adapt for my son! As well as pointing them to the stickies on the Old Style Board!

lellie

things that I used/took with me in my first year:

* cheese grater - essential for pasta!
* Toaster!! - they didn't provide them in my halls.. and our grill didn't work properly so this was essential.. - they don't generally provide kettles either so make sure someone in the flat brings one!
* my doggies (toy doggies - makes sure she takes any teddies with her - don't think you'll look silly - everyone does!)
* my PC (and internet) - you don't need a laptop at uni - a desktop is fine and much cheaper.
* my own double duvet cover - lots of unis supply single duvets but I love my double duvet too much!
* posters/pictures - make room look nice - I got loads of digital prints done of old school mates and my boyfriend to decorate the room - used up a load of free prints from photobox.
* under bed storage boxes - if you've got space under your bed - which if in halls you will do as they always use metal camp bed type things then get some boxes - ideal for storing towels and things as you won't have enough storage.
* academic diary/address book for contacting old friends and things.
* blu tack, scissors, string, etc
* fairy lights..

NellyLock

ok...i was thinking about thigs that would be useful to most people (some from a techie viewpoint)

a usb memory stick... i would advise getting small size ones and perhaps a couple(in case they get lost!). that way files can be transfered easily too and from uni and they only need to be small in storage size because i doubt many people will write essays bigger than say 32/64mb in size!

also take a stack of bland cd-r/and a couple of cd-rw its amazing how quickly you can build up you music collection and also for copying photos etc.

i would also recommend taking some tools (mainly screwdrivers - i had a 30 piece screwdriver set and a LOT of people used it)


will add more when i think of them!

lady_lucan

Phone facility - payphones in Uni are extortionate. PAYG not particularly cheap and it can be difficult to get money together for new cards - perhaps a low minute deal on BT contract, which permits 1000 mins 'quick calls home'?

A TV licence! I got busted for this and it's not funny - the inspectors gleefully hit student halls/residences early October each year and cash in.

A pinboard and drawing pins - solves the marking walls problem.

Load up her photocopying card - this runs out soooo quickly, and consider an inkjet printer if she's got her own pc ~ great for late-night essay stress, and again much cheaper than the Uni's charge.

Washing tabs/liquid - again, extortionate in the Uni launderette.

A keyring with a screwdriver and bottle opener on it.

An iron, if she wears clothes which need it. Sometimes it's important to look smart.

A really good quality corkscrew - I've lost count of how many of those plasticky ones I and others have broken.

Sadly, an attack alarm. Attacks on students increase every year.

A decent sized tote bag for carrying files and books. The library charge you if they get damaged. And a strong reusable(string?) bag for food shopping - I remember many crushed hands.

A colander and sieve - most students live on pasta and rice, and the ones in halls get minging.

Vitamins - cheap from ASDA. Most students won't spend money on these.

An HC1 form - get it filled in early, and register with the uni doctor/dentist. I got my wisdom teeth out in 2nd year cos I didn't want them to interfere with my finals. Saved a fortune on dental work.

More as I think of them. Oh, and let her do her own food shopping. University of life and all that.

Savvy_Sue

I am thinking that some of those big box shaped check bags with zips and handles you can get in Poundshops could prove useful for carting lightweight stuff around, they are c. £1.50 for big and £1 for small. And I am trying to persuade DH that one of those fold up boxes on wheels would be useful but haven't convinced him yet, even though I saw one at a service station today for £10.

But on Saturday I had a wonderful session in the clearance section of Lakeland in Cardiff, and got a clothes airer for £4 and 3 packs of 4 Gripping Stuff noticeboards half price! don't rush off, none left by the time I'd finished, sorry! There were other useful bits and pieces reduced generally, even online I believe, so if you're near a Lakeland it could be worth a look, some of their stuff is overpriced IMO but when reduced it's OK.

Funnily enough my son is distinctly umoved by my excitement at the bargains I have bought for him! He needs to remember that if I don't stop shopping soon there won't be room for him, both his parents AND all the bargains in the car, and as I can't drive at the moment he might be able to spare himself a very fond and public farewell from his doting mother at the other end!

Oh yes, I picked up a very cheap small coolbag - bigger than lunchbox size but not huge family size - in a charity shop, it's bright orange so he won't lose it in a hurry, ready for his shopping trips.

My sister is packing him a 'treats' box as his belated 18th birthday present! Choccy biccies etc.

juno

I think the most useful thing you can give them is a first aid kit. I was ill when I was in York, and my dad was useless when I phoned him! If any of us had had basic stuff then we'd have been OK

jojo2004

Really useful thing is one of those clothes-horse whatsits for drying clothes on - either one that hooks over the radiator (good for towels) and/or a free stading one - assuming she does laundry...
They're quite expensive to buy (c. £10 in Asda, as I recall) so that would probably be welcome.