University Bedroom
Your bedroom is a really important space and making sure you can sleep, work and socialise in there is important
Key tips
Take Photos of Your Room - On your first day take photos of your room, the bed, the doors, the desk, the window, etc. This is because if anything is damaged before arrival, the Uni can't try charging you when you leave. Also, if you do damage something, you shouldn't and this is wrong, but you could take a photo and re-date it to the day you arrived so it looks like it was damaged before you arrived.
Don't Clutter - Don't bring too many things. Uni rooms aren't the biggest and there is usually limited storage space. If you're considering it, you probably won't need it.
Clean Your Room - Bring cleaning products (wet wipes, toilet cleaner, surface cleaner, etc). You don't want to be that person with the dirty room. Plus you spend lots of time working in it, so keep your desk clear.
Keep Your Door Open - Especially during your first couple of weeks, have your door open. Everyone says this and it's true. It's hard trying to meet your flat at first because everyone has nerves. No one wants to awkwardly knock on a door. Keep it open, let people in your room, and help the process.
Make it your own - Decorate your room with printed photos, tapestries, plants, LED's, etc.
Bed
Uni beds are generally uncomfortable, mainly because of the mattress. They are usually cheap, old, worn out, and uncomfortable, with a few springs breaking.
What you need
Mattress topper - They make a huge difference to the comfort and coziness of your bed.
Mattress protector - Needed to protect the topper and mattress.
Bed Covers - They play a big part in the style of your room. It's probably best to throw your childhood covers and get something more stylish.
Pillows - x 2.
Blankets and small pillows - Make it look nice and cozy.
Ear Plugs - Get some noise-cancelling earplugs for your time in Halls. It is always loud, people shouting, music playing, bottles smashing. Having earplugs will help you get a good night's sleep.
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Bathroom
First, work out if you have a shared or En-suite bathroom. It makes a difference to what you want to be left in there.
Shared
If you have shared bathrooms you need to understand a few things.
If you leave toilet roll in there it will be used/taken.
The same goes for shower products.
Whoever you share with, invest together in a bath mat. Everyone showers so the floor will get soaking if you don't have one.
Air freshener - Very needed if multiple of you using the same bathroom.
En-suite/own bathroom
Obviously nicer/convenient.
No worries about other people's mess, stuff being taken, etc.
Make it nice. Buy shower hooks, bath mats, nice holders for your toothbrush.
Air fresheners to make it smell nice.
Bathroom Cleaner - toilet cleaner/bleach and brush.
Must-haves
Towel - 2 is best in case you go out to the beach, river etc.
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, charger if electric, retainers, mouthwash.
Nail clippers.
Hand towels.
Shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, conditioner.
Essential Extras
Needed items that make your room come to life.
You live in your room for at least a whole year, so make it your own.
Plants - Everyone has plants. They bring life and style into a room. Fake plants are practical as they don't need looking after. But good realistic fake plants can be expensive. Living plants are cheaper and look better but may die as you will forget to look after them (holidays).
Scent Diffuser - Look great especially if LED and it makes your room smell nice.
Wall Art- Adds character to your room and helps fill the blank walls.
Lighting - Important for the vibe of your room. LEDs are perfect for all moods, relaxed or party. Desk lamps are great for the evening when the main light is too bright.
Door Stop - Simple, keep your door open and make friends. It also helps air your room.
Extension Leads - Plug sockets may be in random places and there may be a limited number of sockets. Extension leads are useful.
Desk Tidier - They help bring style to your desk and are useful for keeping your desk organised (stationary).
Laundry bin - Don't throw your dirty laundry over your chair or floor. It also helps moving your washing to and from the washing machines.
Clothing Hangers - Your room won't come with them.
Laundry
Where you wash your clothes
Your University will most likely have a laundry block, near or within your halls that you can use.
They are expensive (4-5 pounds on average for a wash and dry).
A lot of the washing machines are run by a company called Circuit laundry which has an app that allows you to add credit and use the machines.
Using the Sink - You can wash your clothes in your sink if you need. Fill the sink with hot water and add your washing fluid/gel/powder, not tablets. Put your clothes in the sink and mix, then leave for about 10mins. Then take the clothing out, twist it to drain the water out, and then air dry on a drying rack.
Choosing Your 2nd/3rd Year House
When
People start choosing who they want to live with around November. That's very soon since you start the academic year.
This is because the houses get taken so quickly so you need to be on it when deciding who you want to live with.
Once you know who you are living with you then need to research the best student areas to live and then which houses you like the look of.
What to look for in a house
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want?
Where is the best student area to live? Are you close to the shops, the Student Union, Town/City?
The rent price. Is it rented by the room or overall house? The rent prices change for the area and type/condition of the house.
Bills - does the rent include bills or do you have to set up your own bills separately? - You normally need water, utility, and gas.
Once you know what you want, have a look at local real estate websites and start to book some visits to houses you like the look of.
You need to visit the houses before you agree to the contract of moving in.
You want to put a deposit down on the house you want either before or soon after the Christmas holidays.
