The big move to university is, for many students, the first time you really step out on your own [1]. To do that, you're going to need some essentials. Even if you've been cooking your own dinner and doing your own laundry for years, it's still different when mum and dad aren't there to supply you with everything you need. If you're heading off to uni this Autumn (or you know someone who is), we've compiled a list of everything you need to make that stay in halls or a student flat as comfortable as possible. You've probably already got your laptop, stationery, and uni wardrobe sorted, and you've probably thought about a few cute ways to make your room feel more personal, too [2]. But have you really thought about the basics you'll need to get by day to day? Keep reading for our list of the essentials, plus a few added extras that might just make you the most popular person on your floor.
A Duvet Cover, Sheets, and Pillowcases
If you're living somewhere with access to a tumble dryer, you can get away with just one duvet cover, fitted sheet, and pillowcases, as you can wash and dry everything in just a few hours. If you're forced to air-dry, having two sets is really useful so you can use one while you wash and dry the other. Bedding is one of the easiest ways to add a bit of personality to your room, so don't be afraid to opt for a bold print like the George Green Floral Snake Easy Care Duvet Set [4] (£10).
Top tip: Prints and darker colours also hide spills and marks easier than plain colours, so don't be afraid to stray from classic white.
A Quilt and Pillows
It's worth splashing out on a decent duvet and pillows if you can afford to (you're going to spend a lot of time in bed!), but if you're on a budget, you can't go far wrong with Wilko's Double Quilt and Pillows Essential Kit [5] (£20). The quilt is 13.5 tog which is perfect for the colder months, and the pillows are washable, so they should last more than your first year, even if you're a serial drooler (no judgement).
Crockery, Pots, and Pans
If you're staying in self-catering halls or a student flat or house, you'll need the basics to get a tasty meal on the table. At the very least, you'll need a couple of saucepans, a frying pan, cutlery, plates and bowls, a baking tray or two, and something to drink out of. Wilko's got you covered with its Student Kitchen Essentials Kit [6] (£50) which actually contains full sets of crockery and cutlery so you can feed your flatmates too, if you want.
Gang Extension Leads
Even if you're travelling light when it comes to tech, the chances are your room won't have enough plug sockets. Invest in some decent gang leads with long cables and surge-protection, like the Pro-Elec 5m 6 Gang Extension Lead [7] (£10), and protect your computer, TV, and other tech as much as possible.
A USB Hub
If most of your tech charges by USB, you'll probably find a big USB Hub [8] (£24) is just as useful as a gang extension lead. Plug in one of these near your bed, and use it to charge your phone, tablet, kindle, smartwatch, and whatever else, all in one go. Plus, you can use it to plug in a little USB Desk Fan (£13) if you overheat at night. [9]
Simple Cookbooks
Yes, there's this newfangled thing called the internet now bursting with free recipes, but have you ever tried scrolling on your phone to get to the next stage in the method while your fingers are covered in marinade? A couple of easy-to-follow, basic cookery books will make you a very popular flatmate indeed. Look for ones that make everything as easy as possible — including the washing up — like The Quick Roasting Tin [10] (£11), which is full of one-dish delights you can make in half an hour.
Towels
There is truly no better starter set than the Super Soft Lightweight Towel Bale [11] (£15) from Marks and Spencer. They wash and wear better than other cheap towels, so you're not left with a flimsy, crispy towel by the second term.
A Dressing Gown
You'll get a lot of wear out of a dressing gown, especially if you're sharing a bathroom. Invest in a really cosy one with a hood like this H&M Dressing Gown [12] (£25). You'll be grateful you did when you wake up at 4 a.m. desperate for the loo on a freezing cold night.
Over-the-Door Hooks
You're going to need a place to hang your towels and dressing gown, so if your room doesn't come with hooks on the back of the door, grab yourself a Homemaxs Over the Door Hanger [13] (£12) to add extra storage without having to hammer in a single nail. Just check the measurements before you buy: not all doors have the same depth!
A Valuables Box
Most student halls have locks on bedroom doors, but the same can't be said for a lot of shared flats and houses. If you've got valuables, documents, or private possessions (like a diary) that you'd like to protect from prying eyes, consider stashing a Lockable Valuables Box [14] (£25) somewhere out of sight. It'll also protect important documents from fire or water damage. Just bear in mind that it's not entirely safe from tampering: though it makes accessing things more difficult, someone could still steal the entire box!
A First Aid Kit
There's nothing worse than cutting yourself and realising you have no plasters or antiseptic ointment in the house. You can no longer go running to your parents if you're hurt, so make sure you have a Basic First Aid Kit [15] (£8) at hand.
Top Tip: It's also worth stocking up on the most likely over-the-counter medications you might need, like painkillers and antihistamines, so you don't have to run to the shops when you're not feeling well.
Clothes Hangers
Even if you have some hangers provided at your accommodation, there won't be enough (especially if you're a fast fashion addict) so make sure to pack plenty more. Obviously you can just use old ones you've collected from previous purchases, but if you're short on space, Wilko's Velvet-Coated Coat Hangers [16] (£5) are super compact to transport, and take up less space in your wardrobe, too.
A Laundry Basket
Yep, you're doing your own laundry now, so you'll need somewhere to store your dirty clothes, and a way to transport them to the washing machine or launderette. Your best bet is a Laundry Bag With Handles [17] (£7), which does double-duty.
Top tip: Keep a box of Dylon Colour Catchers [18] (£3.50) close by, and you can wash your darks and lights together, to save on having to sort your laundry each wash day.
A Mattress Protector
Not to scare you, but when you're moving into a shared accommodation, who knows how many people slept in that bed before you. An Antibacterial Mattress Protector [19] (£16) will give both you and your mum peace of mind when you settle in for your first night away from home. If you find your mattress is sagging or uncomfortable, consider upgrading to a memory foam one for an added layer of comfort.
Top tip: Take a photo of your mattress on the day you move in, so you can argue against any charges for a dirty and/or damaged mattress when you move out.
Shower Shoes or Pool Slides
If you're sharing communal showers in a halls of residence, a pair of cheap waterproof shoes like these Iridescent Jelly Pool Sliders [20] (£6) will make the whole experience a bit more bearable, protecting your feet from germs, verrucas, and general grossness. They also make the walk back to your room a bit nicer, too.
A Clothes Airer
Even if there is access to a tumble dryer in your property, with multiple housemates using it, you'll no doubt find there are times when you need to dry your clothes the old-fashioned way (plus, it saves electricity). Bag yourself a good quality fold-up clothes airer like the Minky 3 Tier Plus Indoor Airer [21] (£25) which has enough space to hold an entire load of laundry. You can put this out in the garden in dry weather to speed things up.
Everything in One Place
Can't be bothered to shop for things individually? You can buy ready-made student kits containing everything from bedding to kitchenware. The Uni Kit Out Gold Full Kit Out [22] (£250 with bedding for a double bed) has everything you could possibly need, and since there are no unnecessary multiples, it's a space-saver as well as a cost-saver.