WHAT TO BRING TO UNI

Refreshers is fast approaching! You might be arriving to campus in the next few days so we thought we'd give you a quick breakdown of some handy items not to forget! You don't need to raid Ikea but it might be an idea to pop out there; use it as an excuse to get some meatballs! Remember you're coming to halls for a year, not moving to the moon permanently, so don't go overboard.

So, what should definitely be in your suitcase for university?

ALARM CLOCK

If your phone dies in the middle of the night it isn't going to wake you up for your morning lectures. An alarm clock could save you a lot of trouble! 

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS

Try and set up a student current account before you arrive. You'll get a whole range of benefits, some even give you free Railcards, etc. If you use a card reader for setting up new payments and direct debits, don’t forget to bring it! There are loads of offers on setting up new accounts for students so remember to shop around! 

BED LINEN

Nothing makes you feel better than lying in your own sheets - they're also a great way to tie your new room together. We've all just spent various months locked at home, checkout home-improvement TikTok for some great finds! 

BOTTLE OPENER

You'll be the legend at pres with this handy item. Even better, a bottle opener keyring is always convenient and it definitely is safer than using your teeth!. 

CHARGERS

We all love our smartphones and laptops so don't forget your chargers! You also will probably need an adaptor cable for wall sockets. Just be sure to grab one before the last of your juice runs out!

CHEWING GUM

With all the people you’re going to meet, it’s nice to have fresh breath. Also, what better icebreaker than to offer someone you’ve just met a piece?

CLOTHES HANGERS

How else are you going to hang your clothes?

COFFEE (OR TEA)

If that’s more your, um, cup of tea. A nice hot drink might wake you up in the morning and keep you awake when writing your reports. It’s also nice to make a cuppa with a flatmate if you’re both at a loose end.

CONDOMS

Don't be silly, wrap your willy; make no mistake, cover your snake. If you do meet that special someone once you're here make sure you stay safe. We even offer free condoms through the Advice Hub's C-Card service!

COOKING STUFF

A couple of pots and pans, frying pans and baking trays should do you well. You can get decent sets for about £20-£30 from some supermarkets which will last you ages! 

DISHES

You'll only have a cupboard or two in your kitchen so don't bring your 4 piece dining set. A couple of plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, knives, forks and spoons should be fine.

DOCUMENTATION

Paperwork can be a bit of headache but it's one of the most important things on this list! Don't forget all the important pieces like your offer of accommodation, your course acceptance letter and your student loan/financing confirmation.

DOORSTOP

Keep your door open on the first day at least, but as the weeks go on, and you need some quiet study time (or time with that cutie in the other block), this can come in handy. 

DRESSING GOWN

Be the envy of everyone when there’s an early morning fire alarm and you’re in your snuggly dressing gown. Plus, it's Scotland - you'll be wearing this through until May...

EXTENSION CABLE

You might be lucky and have a plug next to your bed for charging your phone, but more likely it'll be in a really inconvenient place. Make sure you can always get a charge with an extension cable.

FLAGS AND JERSEYS

If you’re coming from overseas or from down the road, flags are a great decoration for your room. They’re also particularly useful when your home team is playing!

FOOD

If you're lucky your parents or carers will take you for a food shop before or after you check into halls! Make sure you stock up on student essentials like pasta, baked beans, eggs, Pot Noodles, etc. Various supermarkets and independent food shops around Edinburgh also stock imported food. Check out ones near you and grab some familiar home-comforts! 

HEADPHONES

If you want to listen to music or a movie in peace (or don't want to disturb your flatmates). Also, if you're looking to buy up some new tech for Uni, check out student discounts! 

IDENTIFICATION

Make sure you have a passport or a provisional/full driver’s licence with you. Edinburgh is pretty strict with ID and you'll need this for places serving alcohol. You'll also need this for registering as a student with the university.

LAPTOP

Nowadays, there's just no other way of completing your coursework. Laptops save you from going to the library to find a computer, let you go paperless in tutorials/lectures (most slides tend to go online) and give you something to Netflix and chill on. Remember to check out what student discounts are available to you, too - you can really save some money!  

MEDICATION

Some paracetamol and other cold/flu remedies will be useful when those hangovers strike! Don't forget any other medication you usually take too! There is a Health Centre on the Edinburgh campus as well for anything else.

MEMO BOARD

What else are you going to hang your polariods and fairy lights on?? For real though, having a dry erase memo board for the kitchen can come in handy when keeping track of whose turn it is to put out the bins, who needs to buy the next pint of milk, and can even be used to keep track of each other's phone numbers during Refreshers Week too!

NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER

You'll need this if you decide to apply for a part-time job or internship. If you're interested in how to find work as a student or soon-to-be graduate, the University's Career's department can help too! 

PLANTS, PHOTOS AND POSTERS

Make your room YOUR room! Some photos of friends and family from back home will help make your room feel more personal. If you're sticking anything to the wall just make sure you don't leave a mark! (WhiteTack works wonders!) Something green will also help improve the air quality in your room and help you concentrate!

STATIONERY

Some pads of paper and pens are a good place to start - you can grab loads of quality stationery for a good price at the Union's shop in High Nesbit Building.

Stuff to share on day one: Whether that's a crate of beer or some biscuits (or a marker pen, as my flatmate offered me) - bring something along to dish out to your new flatmates and say hello!

TOASTIE MAKER

Toasties are a student’s best friend. You can pretty much put anything in a toastie maker and they're cheap to make. Share with your flatmates and they’ll love you even more!

TOILET ROLL

There's none provided when you move in! Don't get caught short. Just don't go buying it all up and starting a shortage again...

TOWELS

Again, these are not included so bring a few along with you. Your roommates won't appreciate you air-drying in the kitchen!

WASHING POWDER/TABLETS

You'll have to do some laundry eventually when that big pile of clothes mounts up in your room!

WASHING UP LIQUID

Between you and your flatmates, you’ll probably end up with at least five bottles, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Either way,  don't worry - it happens all the time. This way you've got it spare for WEEKS!

If you remember nothing else in this guide, remember this: don't put in washing up liquid in with your laundry. It will end in disaster. 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Might be an obvious one, but you don't want to miss Refreshers Week, so make sure you're following us on Social Media so you know what's happening and when!

...better start packing up the car then?