Northern Girl, Meet World

The countdown is on for my big move to university! In two weeks I'll have the car packed up and be travelling down the M6 to Cheltenham. I haven't half had a faff trying to get all my stuff together for move in (who knew it would be so hard to choose a frying pan?)

I know I'm not the only one so I thought it would be useful to share with you the list I made of the things I am taking to university with me. The list is by no means exhaustive and is likely to vary for everyone. (please note I did not buy everything new but for things I did buy I will try to leave the links below)

Bedroom

• Pillows and Mattress Protector (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/silentnight-topper-pillows-6 - I was strongly advised to get a mattress topper to add an extra layer between youself and the mattress)
• Single Duvet (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/silentnight-anti-allergy-duvet-12 - I got the 7.5 tog quilt because I get quite warm through night)
• Bedding Set - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/duvet-covers/green-tropical-leaf-print-easy-care-duvet-set/GEM706092,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C02 - I got this one from George at Asda, I know I want a yellow and green colour theme in my room so it fit quite well)
• Fitted Bed Sheet - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/sheets-pillowcases/mustard-fitted-sheet/GEM596718,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C22 - I like fitted sheets but of course that's just personal preference)
• Extra Pillow Case - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/sheets-pillowcases/mustard-yellow-easy-care-pillowcase-pair/050594368,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C22 - this is just because I like to sleep on two pillows)
• Bed Throw - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html - I just like my home comforts)
• Decorative Bed Cushions - (1. https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html 2. https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html )
• Desk Mirror - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bathroom-accessories/copper-marble-base-mirror/050549402,default,pd.html)
• Raskog Cart - (https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/raskog-trolley-white-20382932/ - I'll be taking mine from home which I use for stationary storage)
• Coat Hangers (most university halls do not provide these so its best to take your own)
• Laundry Basket (I have a spare one at home so will just be taking that)
• Laundry Bags (to carry washing to and from the laundry rooms)
• Clothes Maiden ( I got one that you can hang over your radiator similar to this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/JVL-Folding-Clothes-Radiator-Plastic/dp/B003BPPA8S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=over+radiator+clothes+maiden&qid=1567092690&s=gateway&sr=8-3)
• Vacuum Bags - (Really useful to get your clothes to and from university without taking up too much room)
• Suitcase - (will come in handy when travelling to and from home during term time)
• Touches of Home (I've packed some fairy lights and photos of friends and family to make my room feel more at home)

Bathroom

• 2x Bath Towels (I got mine from Primark but these are similar - https://direct.asda.com/Mustard-Super-Soft-Cotton-Towel-Range/SET3784,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M07G07C09)
• 2x Hand Towels (Again, I got the matching ones to my bath towels at Primark)
• Bath Mat (I will just be using a spare hand towel as they're easier to clean)
• Dressing Gown (I literally cannot live without mine)
• Toothbrush Holder - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bathroom-accessories/leopard-print-tumbler/050710060,default,pd.html)
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Shower gel or Soap
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Toilet Roll (you'll have a nightmare if you forget this!)
• Hair Dryer
• Hair Straighteners
• Flannels or Face Cloths
• Hairbrush and Comb 
• Makeup
• Skincare Routine (mine consists of just a face wash and moisturiser)
• Tweezers
• Razors
• Sanitary Products
• Contraception (if applicable)
• Plasters and Painkillers (will be a saviour during Fresher's Fortnight)
• Personal prescriptions

Kitchen

• Cutlery Set (https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/mopsig-16-piece-cutlery-set-00343003/)
• Crockery Set (my parents recently bought a new set of plates and stuff so I'm just taking the old set)
• Glasses (wine glass, tumbler, gin glass, whatever you fancy)
• Mugs (we literally have a cupboard full so I had no need 
• Cooking Utensils (I got this fab set on Groupon with everything I'd ever need and probably more - https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/cooking-utensils-set)
• Knife Set (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/berlinger-haus-titanium-knives)
• Baking Tray
• Frying Pan
• 2x Saucepan (you might manage with just the one though)
• Chopping Board
• Measuring Jug
• Colander
• Scissors
• Cheese Grater
• Basic Foodstuffs (some things to get you by for your first couple of days before you get a chance to go shopping like instant noodles and coffee...all of the coffee)
• Alcohol (only if you fancy though, I'll be taking a bottle or two of vodka for pre-drinks to at least try to save some money during freshers)

Documents

• ID Document (a valid passport, driving licence or something along those lines)
• Acceptance Letter from the Uni (I'm just going to be taking anything have received from my Uni with me)
• Passport Photos (I don't know why, but apparently we need them)
• Bank Card (that's just a given though, right?)
• Student Discount Cards/Apps (got to save those pennies)
• Scholarship/Bursary Letters
• Copies of Personal Prescriptions

Electronics/Devices

• Laptop
• Kindle (Easier than taking all your favourite books with you)
• Extension Cable (will be so useful but never daisy chain multiple extension cords)
• USB Stick and/or Hard Drive 
• Earphones/Headphones (sometimes I need my peace and quiet)
• Portable Speaker
• All your Chargers
• Mobile Phone (surely that's a given)

Clothes

This is where I'm struggling the most so I'm not going to go into this one too much because honestly, take whatever clothes you like. I would advise to take some smarter clothes for more formal events or interviews and also take some fancy dress (although you could get that there) for freshers week/fortnight.

Stationary

I am one of those people that love stationary, it just makes me happy so this might be considered extensive.

• Writing Pens (I love the Muji gel pens - https://www.amazon.co.uk/MUJI-0-5mm-Gel-Ink-Stationery/dp/B00PXZHB8Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=muji+black+gel+pens&qid=1567155057&s=gateway&sr=8-1)
• Coloured Pens (I have so many coloured pens its unreal, my favourites are the Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000UEH9BO/ref=twister_B018I58MIU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 and Papermate Flairs https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/papermate-flair-special-edition-felt-tip-pens-medium-nib-assorted-ink-/3026980060510.html)
• Pencils
• Highlighters (I have the full set of Zebra Mildliners)
• Ruler
• Pencil Case (I don't go anywhere without mine - https://www.kipling.com/uk-en/new-in-c10525/100-pens-84a14e-k0940546y00-999.html)
• Planner (I love my yellow Kikki K which doesn't appear to be available anymore but you can get similar on their website)
• Ring Binders
• A4 Lined and Plain Paper
• Graph Paper
• Calculator
• Notebooks
• Post-It Notes

Course Specific Items (Animal Biology)

• Walking Boots
• Waterproof Pants and Jacket
• Rucksack/Daysack
• Binoculars
• Field/Wildlife Guides
• Water Bottle/ Platypus System
• Textbooks

As I've said this might not apply to everyone but at the moment, this is where I've got to and have decided I'm taking. I'll update if I need to with anything else I can think of. Let me know below if you think I've missed anything.

- Sophie x