What to take to uni

• Bedding isn't usually provided, so you'll need a duvet and pillows, plus a duvet cover set and sheets (get two sets so you can rotate). Check if you need single or double sizes.
   
• Protect the mattress (and your deposit) from any spillages with a mattress protector.
   
• Use a throw and a couple of cushions to transform your bed into a sofa for the day.
   
• Cover up a prickly carpet with a small cosy rug.
   
• Put your own stamp on the place with a few home accessories. Bring photos from home to put up in frames, or display in a digital photo frame.
   
• Coat hangers aren't usually provided, so bring a pack to hang up your clothes.
   
• Hanging shoe storage is a great space-saving storage solution, that can be added to your wardrobe or doors.

If you're moving to catered accommodation, where all your meals are provided, you might just want to bring some glasses and mugs for drinks in the day. If you're cooking for yourself, here are the essentials;

• A kitchen starter set will equip you with all the pots, pans and utensils you need to cover your cooking basics - here are a few useful kitchen gadgets.
   
• Oven gloves & tea towels for safe and tidy cooking.
   
• For crockery, a 12 piece dinnerware set is more than enough to cover mealtimes (you could leave half at home as spares). Starter sets give you knives and forks too, or you can buy cutlery separately. Choose distinctive patterns or colours so they don't get mixed up with sets that your flatmates have.
   
• Food storage boxes that can be put in the freezer are great for batch cooking and leftovers.

• You'll need hand towels and bath towels - take a couple so you can rotate.
   
• A dressing gown and flip-flops are useful if you're sharing a communal bathroom.
   
• A washbag and shower caddy are handy for storing or transporting soaps and shampoos.
   
• Share a hairdryer at home? Now you'll need your own grooming electricals -  remember a heatproof mat if you're using any heated styling tools.
• Not all accommodation comes with a toilet brush.

Wait until you're in your accommodation to see how much living space there is and what's already provided. Consider these once you're there;

• You could club together for a TV (and a TV licence) or games station.
   
• Beanbags or folding chairs are useful if you need more seating space.
   
• You're probably not allowed to redecorate, but a rug and a few home accessories will help make the space your own.

• A large laundry basket or bag - styles with handles are useful.
   
• Keep a folding clothes airer in your room to save money on dryers.
   
• A handheld vacuum will keep your room dust-free.
   
• Your accommodation may already have an iron and ironing board to share, or you could take your own. A handheld steamer is a great portable option for quick and easy wrinkle removal.

• Your most important purchase is likely to be your computer - many choose a laptop for its portability, but if you're into gaming or your course requires it you might want a desktop and screen.
   
• Check if your computer has/comes with the security and application packages you need (i.e. Microsoft Office).
   
• Even with a laptop, you might find it easier working with a separate keyboard and mouse when you're in your room.
   
• You'll have access to a printer in the university library, but it's useful to have one in your room too (especially for late night finishes).

• A good sized bag for your laptop and books.
   
• For lectures and seminars you might want to take a more portable tablet or 2-in-1 laptop.
   
• If you prefer writing down notes you'll need a good supply of notebooks and pens.
   
• Like working to your own beat? Opt for a pair of headphones - models that are noise-cancelling are great for blocking out other distractions.
   
• It's sensible to back-up your work. You could do this via 'the cloud' or save a copy of everything to a USB stick or external hard drive.

In your first week there'll probably be a freshers fair, where you can sign up to any societies that take your interest. Sports, crafts, baking, gaming - you name it, there's probably a group of like-minded people doing it. Once you get into something you might want to get some of your own kit - check out our range of hobby and sport essentials.

• In your first few weeks there'll definitely be at least one fancy dress opportunity.
   
• Need some new outfits for going out out? Check out our latest drop of Tu clothing.
   
• A couple of games are a great ice breaker as you get to know your flatmates.
   
• A good party needs good music - plug in your phone to some portable speakers and start the party playlist.

To keep your mind and body healthy away from home it's important to keep active.

• Take any sport equipment you need to get involved in your favourite activities.
   
• A gym bag for carrying around your kit and equipment.
   
• A fitness watch will help you keep progressing towards your fitness goals.