A non exhaustive list of what they might need in their 1st year at University.
Well the results are in, the offers are on the table and the sites have been visited. That’s it, she’s off to university, just like that, in the blink of an eye and I can hardly believe it. She’s the 1st Scattergood to go to university and we are all very proud of her achievements, despite Covid 19 doing it’s level best to muck things up! Her sister has just tested positive for Covid and we are awaiting her results and keeping everything crossed that she doesn’t miss those all important first few days.
I’m not going to talk about empty nest syndrome, because I have another 2 kids that will require my attention but by golly, I’m going to miss her.
When you become a parent for the first time, you can’t think any further than the next feed and nappy change. The days blur into nights and weeks into months and before you know it, you’re looking at nurseries and thinking about having number 2!
Those milestones that you rush toward in the first instance are suddenly all a distant memory and the thought of this now fully grown adult going out into the big wide world by herself terrifies me. I think she’s a bit terrified too. Excited, but terrified. This is where I find out what kind of job I did…
I never went to university and neither did her Dad, so we are a bit green when it comes to expectations. We have lots of friends that can support us and her and her two Aunts that will be more than willing to offer up advice, but ultimately, it’s down to the three of us to work it out. I don’t even know where to start! She is on it though, phew. Here are our “preparing to go to university” lists that have been compiled.
Electricals
Mobile phone
Laptop and case
Monitor screen
Printer & ink (although some halls have printer access)
USB memory stick
Ethernet cable (if the WiFi is rubbish)
Power extension lead (we got the ones with added USB ports)
Headphones
Portable Speaker
Games console
USB Stick (Fire / Chromecast)
Device chargers
Selection of batteries
Kitchen utensils
Recipe book (we’ve put together a list of family favourites)
Cutlery set
Plates
Bowls
Mugs
Glasses (plastic wine glasses)
Sharp knife (general purpose)
Scissors
Tupperware and sandwich bags
Corkscrew and bottle opener
Chopping board
Kitchen tongs
Ladle
Spatula
Wok and/or frying pan
Saucepan with lid
Colander
Measuring jug
Can opener
Peeler
Cheese grater
Whisk
Baking tray
Oven gloves
Tea towel
Cafetiere
Washing up liquid
Washing up sponge or brush
Bin bags
Tin foil
Cling-film
Store cupboard essentials
Salt and Pepper
Hot sauce
Mixed dried herbs
Cooking oil
Rice
Pasta
Tinned tomatoes
Tomato puree
Bread
Baked beans
Potatoes
Sugar
Soy sauce
Stock cubes
Onions
Garlic/ginger (we’ve gone lazy as it keeps for ages)
Tinned tuna
Soup
Ketchup
Tea & Coffee
Bedroom items
All seasons duvet with cover
Pillows with cases
Bed sheets
Mattress protector
Coat hangers
Laundry basket
Small mirror
Wall clock
Clothes horse or over door airer
Desk fan
Lock box or small safe
Earplugs
Photos of friends & family
Vacuum storage bags
Bathroom products
Bath towel
Hand towel
Toilet brush
Dressing gown
Hand soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Shower gel
Flip-flops or slippers (communal areas)
Toilet roll
Hairbrush or comb
Hair straighteners
Hair dryer
Make-up and remover
Nail cutters
Tweezers
Small first aid kit, plasters etc.
Razors and shaving cream
Sanitary products (many Uni’s have committed to providing free Sanitary Products)
Contraceptives. Pills and condoms
Paracetamol
Medication
Personal supplies (e.g. contact lens solution)
Clothing
T-shirts
Shirts
Tops
Dresses/skirts
Jumpers
Sweatshirts
Jeans
Smart trousers
Tights
Rain coat
Winter coat
Underwear
Pyjamas
Socks
Gloves
Hats
Trainers
Slippers
Smart shoes or heels
Suit jacket
Tie
Watch
Handbag
Gym kit
Swimwear
Important documents
Valid passport and/or driving licence (Student ID)
University admission acceptance letter
Course acceptance letter
Accommodation contract
Student finance documents
Scholarship or bursary offers
Insurance documents
Passport photos
Vaccination history (speak to GP before you go)
Prescription copies
Bank debit card
Student discount cards
Travel card
Stationery
Pens and pencils
Ruler
Pencil case
Scissors
Stapler & staples
Highlighters
A4 or A5 writing pad
Planner
Document folders
Ring-binders
Printer paper
Blu tack
Sticky notes
Calculator
Course textbooks
Miscellaneous
Doorstop
Rucksack
Weekend bag
Umbrella
Padlock
Cash
Drinking water bottle
Flask
Lighter
Hot water bottle
Bicycle (check if there is storage for bikes)
Iron and ironing board
Fairy lights
Cozy cushion and/or blanket
Musical instruments
Religious text
Playing cards
Booze of choice
Tea, coffee and milk
Box of chocolates or biscuits
Keys for home
Thank you to WoMo team member Jo Scattergood. Jo, we are thinking of you!