Let’s start with the kitchen (because let’s be honest, we spend most of our time thinking about food). You don’t need to go too crazy on kitchenware as chances are you’ll be sharing and you can mix and match with housemates. Two saucepans, a roaster or oven tray, a chopping board, knife, grater, utensils and a sieve or colander is a good shout. Think about a wok if you’ve a penchant for stir-frys. Use tea towels and oven gloves to add a pop of colour to your set-up.
A dinnerware set is a great value way of getting everything you need. Don’t forget cutlery, some glasses and a mug that’s instantly recognisable as yours (everyone likes having a favourite). Fancy coffee equipment will earn you instant friends, as will handy kitchen gadgets made for simplifying tricky meals (think egg poachers!).
Your room gives a chance to add your stamp of personality. Invest in a great duvet and pillow as you’ll keep these well beyond your student years. Keep bedding neutral and add impact with a luxe, textured throw and printed scatter cushions. A lamp is a good idea and towels and a laundry bag are obvious essentials - use your towel to add simple pops of bright colours, which are so much easier to keep cleans than bright whites.
A great bag with space for a laptop is a lecture essential. Remember a reusable water bottle and lunch box for those long library sessions, and a beautiful notebook and stationery will make light of hard work.
Got those? Let uni commence.