1. Plug Extensions - you may find there is a shortage of plug points in your room. It is a sensible idea to bring multi-plug adapters and extension leads so that you are not restricting yourself when it comes to essential student entertainment and lighting.
2. Decorations - let’s face it, no student room is complete without a few posters and photographs of friends and family. To ease those homesickness blues, why don’t you take yourself down to the plant and poster sales to cheer yourself and brighten up your room? Flamboyant coloured bedding and chic dressing gowns won’t go amiss either!
3. Laundry Basket - if you have considered cleanliness and hygiene for your first year then a laundry basket will have been near the top of your list. They are great for dropping off dirty laundry and when full, hauling them down to the laundrette to give everything a clean now and then. Collapsible and stylish, they are fantastic space savers in your rooms
4. Fancy Dress - dressing up as your favourite Disney character, superhero or villain is part and parcel of university life. Until you have tried it, don’t dismiss it. What’s more, where else would you see a crowd of rugby players dressed as nuns? Every Tuesday, the LCR holds its infamous fancy dress night where all sorts of characters appear from the world of fantasy to amuse, scare or simply freak you out. A list of the different themed nights will be given during Fresher s’ Week. If you want to stay ahead of the game, a superman outfit and your old school tie probably won’t go amiss.
5. Television - a TV is not an essential item to bring to university. But if you cannot live without one then bear in mind some of the following: the reception in halls does vary so a powerful aerial will be needed as well as an accompanying TV License. (link to the TV license website) While a TV and video games console is a great way of making friends do remember that they can be noisy. Something to consider is the free watch -again services available online for most TV channels . Likewise, you can always head down to the Union Bar where they play all major league matches and entertainment channels.
6. Computer - if you own a desktop computer, laptop or netbook then it will certainly be worth your while bringing it to Uni. All halls are hooked up to free broadband access and there are WiFi hotspots around campus. Alternatively, if you don’t own a computer then a 24/7 IT area is open for your convenience. Network cables will be provided in your first week for a small fee.
7. Utensils - most flats will provide a kettle/hot water dispenser and a toaster. Grills and microwaves come as standard. You will have to bring your own frying pan, saucepans and cutlery but other utensils such as tin opener, spatula, ladle, whisk scissors and corkscrew/bottle opener shouldn’t be overlooked.
8. Padlock - keeping your food and valuables safe can never be too important. You’ll be given a locker when you arrive in halls to store your food. Anything that is not put in the fridge can go in your locker.