Unconventional Essentials: 5 Surprising Items You Didn’t Know You Needed for University

A major aspect of university life involves living independently away from home. For many of us, myself included, it means diving headfirst into the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and self-care for the first time. Whilst we all know the basics such as pots, pans, and laundry baskets, there are some game-changing purchases that never occurred to me until I made them. Here are a few…

1. Crease release spray

I feel the urge to gatekeep this product to prevent it from constantly selling out. Not to exaggerate, but my crease release spray saved my life. In fact it was so good that I didn’t have to iron once during my first two years at Uni. Just pick a shirt, give it a couple of sprays and you’re good to go.

2. Glass bottle for the fridge

Chances are, the tap water in your accommodation is gonna be lukewarm, which can be a challenge for cold water enjoyers like myself. Whilst one option is to buy bottled water and refrigerate it, considering both the cost and the effort of hauling a case of water from the shops to your room, I’ve discovered a simpler, more economical solution. Purchase a single glass water bottle and fill it with tap water. Wait for about two hours, you’ll have magically transformed it into ice-cold water. When you finish it, just refill the bottle, and voila, an infinite cold water hack.

3. Extension leads

University halls are notorious for having very few power outlets. Typically limited to one next to your bed and one beneath your desk. When you factor in all of your devices, heaters, speakers, hair dryers, etc, an extension lead will quickly transform from a luxury to a necessity.  

4. Decorations to make it feel homely

When entering your room for the first time, the experience can be somewhat jarring. To be honest, the sight of my empty flat initially gave off a prison cell vibe. However, with a few posters, lights, and some family pictures, the room quickly transformed into a comforting space. Since your room is where you’ll spend a significant amount of time, ensure you bring along plenty of items that make it feel like a home, rather than just a rented space. 

5. First Aid Kit

Whilst this might sound like common sense, medications and bandages were typically items tucked away in some cabinet at home so it never occurred to me that I’d actually need to purchase them for university. From experience, you don’t want to realize you need paracetamol when you’re bedridden with the flu or find out you require plasters after accidentally cutting your finger while cooking. You’ll never think you need them until the moment you do, so do yourself a favour—get a first aid kit.