What to take?

One of the biggest questions I keep running into is "What to take to University?". It's a tricky one. I think a lot of it depends where you plan on staying. I opted for Southwell Hall - it *is* a bit posh! Everything is included (more or less) so even if I totally run out of cash I can eat and use the internet!

There is an "items to bring" list on the Nottingham uni website here. So I had a look:

1. clothes -Obviously!

2. towels - Well, yes...

3. coat hangers - To be honest, I'm glad they pointed this out! Coat hangers never crossed my mind!

4. sticky tack - Of course! Although I heard some places insist you use white tack instead of blue...

5. alarm clock - I use my mobile phone for this...

6. toiletries - Only if you plan on washing, I guess!

7. computer - Oh yes! My laptop will probably be the last thing packed and the first thing unpacked!

8. stationery for course - I'm going to wait until I get there to get this. I get the feeling it'll be cheaper with a student discount!

9. tea, coffee, milk and sugar, chocolate biscuits! - Nope. I don't drink tea or coffee, I don't have any means of keeping milk cold, keeping a bag of sugar around for the sake of it seems strange... I might get some biscuits though.

10. mugs - Again, no. I don't drink hot drinks and the only time I use a mug at the moment is to keep my loose change in. I'll probably bring something to drink out of - just to avoid drinking straight from the tap...

11. passport - I don't have one.

12. driving licence - again...

13. money - I've heard of this stuff...

14. mobile phone - didn't really need to point this out!

15. extension cable - Another thing I wouldn't have thought to have brought - but a good idea!

16. TV licence - No thanks! As far as I know, you don't need one if you just watch iPlayer/4OD on the laptop - which is pretty much what I'm planning to do.

17. portable TV aerial - Nope. See above.

18. extension cable - Another one?!

19. lock if bringing a bike - No bike!

20. bedding – 2 sheets, 2 pillowcases, duvet, duvet cover, pillows - Yep! Bought new bedding some time ago!

TSR has a very useful guide as well. It's split into nice, handy sections so you don't get a whole muddle of stuff that doesn't apply to you...

ACADEMIC:

• Reading List (I haven't had one yet...)
• Academic Diary / Wall Planner / Calendar (I've been looking for an Academic Diary and a Wall Planner would be nice!)
• Relevant Old Text Books and Notes (Nope. I doubt I have anything I can use.)
• Dictionary (I use google!)
• Thesaurus (Ditto...)
• Exam results/certificates (Some Universities use these during your induction.) (I'm not sure I actually have any!)
• Voice recorder if you have difficulty concentrating in lectures. (No... I don't think I'd get on with using one!)

So far, so good...

BATHROOM:

• Hand Towels
• Bath Towels
• Flannel
• Wash Bag

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash (all fairly obvious and sensible so far...)
• Floss

• Cotton Buds
• Cotton Pads
• Make-up Remover
• Nail Varnish Remover
• Sanitary Towels/Tampons [For the females among us] - [Or males with nosebleeds] (WHAT? I really hope the gentlemen of TSR know this is a joke... Sometimes I wonder!)

• Soap
• Shower Gel

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo. Look for brands such as Batiste, or if you're well off, Lee Stafford. (Why? For a festival, it's great, but if you've got a shower, surely you can just wash your hair?)
• Hair Gel/Wax (surely if you use this, you'd remember it?)
• Hairspray

• Body Lotion
• Body Scrub
• Razor/Epilator/Hair-Removing Equipment
• Shaving Cream

• Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
• Body Spray

• Toilet Roll
• Air Freshener
• Bathroom Scales (I couldn't be bothered bringing scales! Seems like a waste of space!)

Bedding

• Sheets
• Duvet/Quilt - Most unis sell these on move-in day, but do check if they are provided, as they sometimes are! (I've checked and they're not - I think I'd still prefer to take my own...)
  • Duvet/Quilt Cover
• Pillows
  • Pillow Cases
• Mattress Protector - Not only if you have incontinence issues, but if you have a drunken mishap during the night ;) No drunkenness for me! It's a good idea though - as nice and clean as I'm sure the rooms are, you don't know who's been there before!
• Blanket / Throw

Decorative Items

• Posters - Theres usually a stand at your Freshers' Fair (I'd like to pick up some posters... not sure they'd have anything I'd want!)
• Photos
• Postcards

• Rug (Seems a bit heavy/bulky to carry around!)
• Cushions
• Beanbag

• Cuddly Toys (Hehe!)
• Hot Water Bottle

• Sleeping Bag (I think they provide a bed....)
• Inflatable Bed (I'm starting to wonder...)
• Airbed Pump (Oh dear!)

• Disco Ball
• Lava Lamp
• Plants (What is all this?! Especially the plants... They wouldn't last five minutes!)

I've found a few other lists - I'll post them later!