The Great Big Uni Essentials Checklist With Lawsons

The start of the new university year will soon be here and now is the time to make sure you have everything you need ready for the next chapter of your education. If you are moving away from home for the first time then you may find it a bit overwhelming. It can be a little mind boggling trying to work out what you will need to pack, so we have put together this uni essentials checklist to make it simple for parents and students regardless of whether you are staying in halls of residence or private shared accommodation.

For The Bedroom

Your bedroom is likely to have most of the basics covered, such as a bed, desk and wardrobe but you’ll need some of these essentials to make it feel a bit more comfortable and homely.  Be sure to check the bed size before you go. 

• Duvet & Pillows - a must have for a comfortable night’s sleep.  You’ll need all the rest you can get between studying and partying.
• Mattress & Pillow Protectors -  Ideal or hygiene keeping mattresses and pillows protected from spills and accidents.  
• Sheets, Pillowcases & Duvet Bedding Sets - It’s probably a good idea to have 2 or 3 different sets so that you have a spare when it comes to laundry day.  
• Rugs & Cushions - to add a nice touch and a homely feel.
• Clothes & Coat Hangers - You’ll need to be able to hang your clothes in the wardrobe and may like to consider an over door hanger for your bedroom door.
• Small Desk Fan -  useful on warmers days.
• Personal Items - photos and home comforts

Kitchen Checklist

You’ll definitely need some sort of kitchen cleaning spray, even some antibacterial wipes but you’ll probably need some essential cooking equipment and kitchenware to get you started.  If you are sharing accommodation then your housemates are likely to have some equipment that they will be willing to share and some items may be included in the rental of your accommodation.  Otherwise, here are some of our must haves:

• Cutlery 
• Plates, Bowls, Mugs & Glasses -  we have a great choice of simple and sophisticated dinnerware for everyone
• Saucepan Set & Frying Pans - for simple cooking tasks
• Chopping Board
• Baking Trays
• Food Storage Containers
• Utensils
• Kettle & Toaster -  (you may need to check if these are required)

You can browse our full range of cookware here to find all of the basics that you will need.  

Laundry, Bathroom & Cleaning Essentials

Besides your usual toiletries (don’t forget the toilet roll) you’ll need a few other basics to help you through daily life.  These include:

• Clothes Airer - you’ll need somewhere to dry your washing
• Laundry basket - for portability.  Look out for space saving collapsible ones.
• Iron
• Towels - bathroom towels and tea towels 
• Cleaning supplies
• Bin - to keep everything hygienically tidy

Once you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll be able to find out where the nearest shop or supermarket is so that you can stock up on cupboard staples, bread, milk and cleaning supplies.

Electricals

These are probably some of the things that you most definitely can’t live without when starting out with university life.  

• Laptop
• Phone Charger
• Extension leads - especially helpful if sockets are limited in your room.  
• TV & devices
• Headphones

On top of these home living essentials, most of which you can buy from Lawsons, you’ll need all of the usual start of term stationery, probably a wall planner or calendar to stay on track and don’t forget any registration documents. We hope this checklist helps with your organisation ready to start a new year of education.

Sources:

https://www.savethestudent.org/accommodation/what-to-take-to-university.html
https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/big-list-absolutely-everything-you-need-take-university
https://www.ryman.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-ready-for-university