So you've been accepted for University, you're moving in September/ October, you're nervous/ scared perhaps, but you're ready!
When I moved in last September it was a horrible rainy day. I didn't think so much about portability and getting there early; the result of me moving in was a lot of wet books, clothes and linen.
First, you must make a list. I found a list off a website and ended up bringing more than I needed. Only bring what you need. This might sound like the simplest thing you can think off but sometimes you really do not need a coriander, a ton of book and a selection of other rubbish from your room. Of course you want to make it your room (later in the series I'll look at how I did this) although you want to have space.
Here's a list of useless things that I brought- when in fact I didn't need them!
- A coriander- buy a sieve.
- A pile of folders- unless you're an organised student you just won't need them- use files instead to save space!
- A memory stick- Most University's provide one for you during freshers fair! This is more about not wasting money rather than space.
- Books- I brought HALF of my books. This was just not needed. Bring the books you are most likely to read/ want to read. And don't forget your academical books- very important.
- Several frying pans- My family was one of them families that when I moved out it was like a house warming. I had about five frying pans and none of them were good. Invest in ONE good frying pan is my advice!
- Lamps- Most (good) Universities will be nice enough to provide you with a lamp. Unless you love your lamp that much and just can't live without it this is the only time it's a good time to bring on.
- A random pile of junk- Just because it's on the floor of your bedroom doesn't mean that you will need it. Try and de-clutter your room before University starts, believe me you'll find a lot of treasures! I however wasn't insightful enough with this and ended up bringing a pop up tent, a selection of empty photo-albums and a soap dish. YOU JUST DON'T NEED IT.
When moving in, you want to take the time to think about how you will move everything. Also, check the weather- rain is the worst when you have cardboard boxes. When it comes to books put them in a suitcase as you can move it easily and quickly. In terms of clothes put them in big laundry bags- you can get these off a lot of markets, and they are VERY useful for ... you guessed it laundry. In terms of other things you can not fault a bag for life, they are so sturdy. I also used canvas bags as I was given a lot from student events that I attended before hand; so in went all my light stuff.
When you get there, do not just throw everything down. Or it'll end up looking like this:
Complete mess!
You want to take the time to actually clean up your mess and organize your room. This was a big step for me, organizing my room accordingly and taking responsibility for my mess. As I come to my second year I know that I have to look after things better and keep my room to a good standard. If my rooms messy I really can't work so make sure you look after it. I also had room inspections and was charged if I failed!Finally the most important thing to do is HAVE FUN! When you go out shopping with your parents or friends really have fun with it, it's not something you can do a lot and this is the first step to being a scary adult. So do take the time to just enjoy the time you have left at home. University comes a lot sooner than you would expect!
Love,
TSITR.