A Teacher’s Guide: 50 Things You Actually Need for University (And What You Can Leave Behind)

Posted on by J.J. Hamilton

I’ve been teaching for five years now. Professionally, I’ve learned so much about how to manage behaviour, run a tutor group, and strategies for digitising my classroom. But, once they’ve left our tutelage at the end of Year 13, that’s it; they’re off into the big wide world, to go to University, take on an apprenticeship, or do whatever else it is that people do once they’ve left school.

Some days, it feels like I was only just in the same position. Others, I realise that I started at University ten years ago.

How time flies.

Since then, I’ve returned to University to take on a Master’s in Teaching Studies – which I completed part-time, while continuing to teach full-time. With two degrees under my belt, and having now guided so many students through their A-Levels and into the next stage of their lives, I’ve collated all sorts of experience in terms of what makes for the best University experience.

As a result, I’ve been able to put together this really robust guide to prompt you on what’s actually needed for University, as well as a few things that you can to afford leave behind – as you get ready for Fresher’s Week, studying, and beyond.

Pre-Departure Essentials

If you’ve not put together your list of pre-departure essentials, time to get a move on. You don’t want to get to your new accommodation without these things ready!

  1. Make sure all your forms and documents are submitted online. Can’t study if you’re not enrolled
  2. Student loans: At over £9k per year, University is expensive. Get your finances in order if you haven’t done so already. I’d really recommend against funding it yourself, since you treat the pay-back method as more like a graduate tax than a debt
  3. IDs: passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate (if you’re moving overseas and need it. Otherwise, probably safer kept at home). Make photocopies and take photos for safe-keeping.
  4. Health records: The NHS have got a super handy app which keeps everything you need health-wise in the same place. Get it downloaded.
  5. Budgets: You might have never lived away from home, and that’s totally normal. What’s not normal is the price of cheese; it’s egregious, and something you might not be ready for. Sit down and put together a loose kind of budget, but be prepared for it to change depending on just how much cheese you end up buying.
  6. Setup the student version of your bank account to take advantage of all those sweet financial benefits, like a free overdraft.
  7. Emergency fund: When you’re working full-time, you need to aim to save up 6 months of expenses in the case of an emergency; if you lose your job, you’ll still be able to afford to live. While you’re a student, a small amount for unexpected costs should do just fine.

What to pack: a practical checklist

Print this out and carry it with you while you try and pack everything but the kitchen sink into the car.

For the bedroom:

  1. Duvet, pillows (two = better than one), sheets, mattress protector (to ensure you get your deposit back after inevitably spilling things all over your bed)
  2. Decor: photos and fairy lights are all you’ll need. Chances are, freshers’ fair will provide plenty of opportunity for you to buy posters to decorate your new place
  3. Storage: can never have too much in a small space
  4. Essential furniture: desklamp, desk chair, other desk related things

    For the bathroom
  5. Toiletries and towels

    For the tech:
  6. Stick to a laptop, unless you’re on a creative course and need a tablet, since some Universities will ask you to use specific programmes that might not be available outside of Windows or MacOS. If you can afford it, something like an iPad might do wonders as a second screen or a more portable device to take into lectures. Check out my guide to work out which one you should treat yourself to.
  7. Chargers: The ‘s’ in ‘chargers’ is intentional: bring one for your room and one for your bag, plus another if you’ve got a car. You’ll thank yourself later.
  8. Extension cords: your room probably won’t have anywhere near enough sockets, so turn one socket into seven.
  9. Headphones: you’ll need a pair for walking into Uni, doing chores and staying focused. Combine them with my study tips and you’ll be laughing your way to a great degree.

Preparing for the academics

You’re at Uni to make friends, expand your horizons, and get the chance and scope to do nearly everything you’ve ever wanted to. At the end of the day, though, you’re there to work towards a degree. So, here’s what you’ll need to get the most out of your Higher Education.

  1. Notebooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes. Can’t make notes without the stationery to make them
  2. A diary, planner or Bullet Journal to stay on top of all of your to-do lists
  3. Making physical notes? Get a ring binder
  4. Making digital notes? Bring your iPad
  5. Books. If you’re reading for a humanity or social science, you’ll need to bring with you a bunch of books. I got a couple before moving in and a couple more from the local book shop on campus. If you can, use these last few weeks to get a head start on what you need to know.

Social & Wellbeing Checklist

How can you focus on your studies and social life without taking care of yourself and getting to know others? Set yourself up for success:

  1. Ice breakers: a pack of cards or a fun board game are a great way to pass the time with your flatmates and get to know them
  2. Home comforts: things to remind you of home, like a favourite blanket or special mug, should help to reduce those feelings of home sickness
  3. Register with a GP: nobody wants to travel halfway across the country for a regular checkup or, worse, an emergency
  4. Sports: you don’t need to get involved in a team if you don’t want to, but it’s important to stay fit and healthy, whether that means playing tennis, going to the gym, or something more left-field, like martial arts or bouldering
  5. Mental health resources: moving away is hard. Universities all offer mental health services to help you to look after yourself. Familiarise yourself with them once you’re settled in, but before you need it

Above all else, the most important thing is that you don’t overpack. Anything that you don’t bring, you can simply see if you miss it while you’re away from home, and then go and collect it if and when you go and visit your folks. Equally, if it’s something small, like a water bottle that you need, but forget to bring, it should be pretty easy to grab one on campus.

The most important part, though, is that you don’t stress and focus on the incredible journey that you’re about to embark upon. Just don’t forget to double check your list before you go.

What else are you planning to bring to Uni? Sound off in the comments below. I’ll be adding to my Teacher’s Perspective on how to start out University life in the next post.

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