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Heading off to uni this September?
Whether you're diving head-first into Freshers Week or returning to your mates after the summer break, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the things that you might have forgotten to take with you. From household items to handy stationery to set you up for success for the year ahead, these are the must-have items that you seriously won’t be able to get by without at uni - and they won't break the bank either.
1. Bedding
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Don’t make the mistake of just bringing one bed set with you to uni. Let's just say, you’ll soon regret it when you put it in the wash. This bestselling set from Dusk currently has 60% off and thousands of rave reviews, with people loving its cosiness and 'designer' look for less.
From just £20, the Portofino duvet cover is a purse-friendly option that will make even the saddest of uni halls feel a little more like home. Made from 100% cotton in a stylish waffle design, it’s available in a range of classic colours, and will last through first year and beyond - this is one mum will certainly approve of.
If you’ve already got your bedding ready to go (well done, you), don’t forget to bring a cosy blanket for the colder months ahead. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a few home comforts can make.
2. A mattress protector
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While on the topic of bedding, we kind of dread to think how many people have slept on the mattress before us, so this super inexpensive buy will help you sleep easier. This one from George at Asda has thousands of great reviews.
From just £6, this is one of the most affordable mattress toppers on the market, and is guaranteed to be the best money you spend this term. Made from a lightweight microfibre material, it’s easy to wash and can be tumble dried on a low heat (what every student likes to hear). It’s super soft and quilted too - making those early morning seminars even harder to get up for.
3.A cordless vacuum cleaner
No one wants to spend their Sunday afternoon cleaning when the pub is calling. So, get the job done quickly and efficiently with a handy portable vacuum cleaner.
4. A small air fryer
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If there's anything that will make cooking easier, we want it. Case in point: a good old air fryer. We had a quick check and most unis will allow you to bring a small air fryer with you but always double check their website, just in case. This option from Salter is a compact size while still allowing you to cook a decent amount of food. It also has the added benefit of being half price at the moment, making it less than £25!
At a two-litre capacity, this air fryer won’t take up much room in the kitchen, and can be hidden in your cupboard from jealous roommates. Don’t be fooled by its size, you can fry, bake, and grill all sorts of dishes in a matter of minutes with temperature control ranging from 80°C to 200°C. Beans on toast won’t know what it hit.
5. An extension lead (or leads)
Think how many things you’ll need to charge every day. From the necessities like your phone or laptop to a fan, heater or TV, make life so much easier for yourself by bringing an extension lead or two with you.
6. A combined fan and heater
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Speaking of heaters and fans, get yourself a combined one, that way when it’s too warm in the warmer weather you can keep your room cool and it will certainly come in handy over the colder months.
This one is a bargain at less than £30 and comes with a nifty handle so it's easy to carry from your room to the telly.
7. Notebooks
Even though some of us will prefer to take lecture or tutorial notes on our tablet or laptop, you can’t go wrong with some good old-fashioned notebooks. This three-pack has thousands of five-star reviews and you can even dedicate one to each class or subject to make flipping back through them when you’re studying or writing an essay all the more easier.
8. A laundry basket
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Whether you’re used to doing your own laundry or not, having a washing basket will keep your room so much tidier and make transferring it to the laundry room a significantly more dignified affair. This one is less than a fiver and can be folded away if you need to make some room (or you end up taking your clothes home for mum to wash).
9. Earplugs
Whether you’re trying to get in the zone and block out background noise or are finding it tricky to drift off at night, especially if you’re living in halls, we’ve heard nothing but good things about Loop Earplugs.
The Quiet 2 Plus Loop Earplugs come in five colours with customisable ear tip sizes for a snug fit. They offer powerful noise reduction with double-stacked ear tips if you need extra protection when your roommates are playing their music too loud. They come in a handy carry case too so you won’t leave them at the library.
10. A first aid kit and medication
This is just good common sense and when you start to feel the after effects of a late night at the student union or a library all nighter, you’ll be thanking us for packing painkillers and vitamins. Plus, colds and flus can be pretty common over the winter months too.
At just 20 quid, this handy pack covers everything, from cuts and grazes to burns, breaks, and strains. With glowing five-star reviews online, customers are raving about this absolute bargain, so be sure to hurry before it sells out.
So, how many had you missed out from your initial list?
Ellis Cochrane