So, you’ve made it through your first year of university, and are going to be moving into your first home with your best friends. It can be a little daunting when you suddenly have a whole house to yourself, but it’s also an exciting time that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. To make things a little easier when moving in, here’s our quick guide to the non-furniture essentials you don’t want to forget for your new home. Some of these you will be able to split with your housemates…
Kettle - Because you can never have too many cups of tea.
Toaster - Grab yourself some breakfast before your early lectures.
Plates & Bowls - A set of large dinner plates and a set of bowls should see you through all meals.
Knives & Forks - If you have a big house, these can easily go missing. Stock up with a couple of full sets of cutlery.
Mugs & Glasses - Stock your cupboards with glassware for your pre and post night out drinks.
Saucepans & Frying Pans - With a couple of saucepans and a frying pan, you can cook almost any dish you want to.
Cooking Utensils - If you like cooking, you’ll need at least a wooden spoon and a spatula.
Colander - Just what you need for draining pasta and rice - your cupboard staples.
Tea Towels - From mopping up spills to drying dishes, a couple of these are always handy.
Scissors & Tin/Bottle Opener - If you buy no other utensils, make sure you have both of these. You’ll be amazed how often you use them.
Baking Tray - A cheap baking tray is perfect for cooking quick and simple dishes in the oven.
Tupperware - Save on costs by taking pack lunches and leftovers to eat during the day, or batch cook and store the leftovers in these.
Chopping Board - Essential for protecting your kitchen tops from knife marks and stains.
Oven Gloves - Unless you have asbestos hands, we recommend these!
Beanbag - Essential for relaxing after a long day of lectures and watching re-runs of your favourite show.
TV & Console - Just what you need when you fancy a night in with your favourite film.
Side Tables / Stools - These are handy for keeping drinks off the floor.
A Lamp - Keep electricity costs down and create a cosy, ambient vibe with a couple of lamps.
Mattress Protector - This is a great idea if your student accommodation provides you with a mattress.
Duvet, Pillows & 2 Sets of Sheets - Make sure your duvet will see you comfortably through the summer and winter, and keep a spare change of bed sheets handy.
Bedside Table Lamp - Perfect for a spot of bedtime reading and as a second option to your main light.
Under Bed Storage Boxes - Make use of the space under your bed and keep your bulky, hardly-used items neatly organised.
Clothes Hangers - Your warbrode or hang rail is no good without these!
Towels - If you buy two sets, you can use one while the other is in the wash.
Printer - Save time and computer room queues by printing work at home, especially as you move into your final years and dissertation.