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Image of a girl with a laptop on her lap sitting with her feet up on a table

What students really need to take to university

(by first and second years who’ve been there, done that)

Jess Spiring,-Deputy Editor

Plus top tips for freshers’ week, most wished for student kit and the brilliant basics that will make settling in less stressful

The students

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Ruby, 18, a fresher studying acting at RADA

Samuel, 18, studying professional dance and musical theatre at the Urdang Academy

Anna, 19, a second year studying English literature and German at the University of Edinburgh

Olly, 19, a second year studying history of art and English literature at the University of Edinburgh

Freya, 18, a first year studying film and television at the University of Nottingham

Image of a girl with a laptop on her lap sitting with her feet up on a table

The brilliant basics

1. Shower-proof shoes‘I recommend bringing a pair of shoes for the shower and walking around the dorm that aren’t outdoors shoes,’ says Anna. For Samuel it’s all about the Ugg Tasman Puffer Slippers. ‘As a dancer they will be lovely to slide my feet into after a long day’s rehearsals,’ he says.
2. Wireless speaker‘Essential for “pres” before a night out,’ says Anna. ‘You must be prepared to party at all times,’ agrees Freya. ‘I actually already have this Sony one and it’s great, charges very quickly and is small and portable.’
2. Go-anywhere speaker‘Essential for “pres” before a night out,’ says Anna. Freya agrees: ‘You must be prepared to party at all times. I actually already have this Sony one and it’s great, charges very quickly and is small and portable.’
3. Wireless headphones‘These Apple Airpod Pros (or any wireless earbuds) are perfect for walking around campus and going to the gym,’ says Freya.
4. Table lamp‘I’m looking for a lamp for my desk to make my room feel more like home and maybe even encourage me into actually doing some work,’ says Freya.
4. Table lamp‘I’m looking for a lamp for my desk to make my room feel more like home and maybe even encourage me into actually doing some work,’ says Freya.
5. Hi-vis utensils‘I want to make my kitchenware as distinctive as possible so I don’t lose anything,’ says Ruby.
6. Stand-out towels and bold bedding‘Likewise with my linen, I want a distinctive pattern and colour on bedding and towels so I can spot them in the wash,’ says Ruby.
6. Distinctive towels and bedding‘Likewise with my linen, I want a bold pattern and colour on bedding and towels so I can spot them in the wash,’ says Ruby.
Image of a student on a laptop
Image of a lots and lots of cups of tea on a table in random mugs
Image of a toastie maker and a student painting smily faces with ketchup on their cheese toastie

The little luxuries

1. Air fryer‘I dream of owning one of these – it can cook a whole range of vegetables and meat with the push of a button,’ says Samuel.
2. Petite printer‘This would be really beneficial as I could print work from where I’m living straight away,’ says Ruby. ‘This one is compact and wouldn’t take up too much space.’
3. Toastie maker‘This is perfect for making a tasty, quick and easy lunch or dinner,’ says Ruby.
4. Scent diffuser‘Lots of universities don’t allow candles due to the fire hazard, so an oil diffuser can be a great way to keep your accommodation smelling great,’ says Freya.
4. Scent diffuser‘Lots of universities don’t allow candles due to the fire hazard, so an oil diffuser can be a great way to keep your accommodation smelling great,’ says Freya.
5. Cocktail shaker‘This has different recipe measurements marked on the side so you can learn to make something new,’ says Freya.
6. Matchy-matchy crockery‘People sometimes borrow my kitchen things without asking, so having a bold and colourful set would make it easier to signpost them as mine! Having matching stuff of my own would be perfect for cooking for a group,’ says Anna.
Image of a student on a laptop
Image of washing at the launderette
Image of a student wrapped up in a stripy duvet

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