by Amy Carlon
If you’re a first-year, it’s probably your first time moving out of home, away from your parents. You’re also probably not sure what to take with you. Studying and living on campus for the first time can be overwhelming when you have no idea what to expect (don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time). To make moving easier, here are a few essential items you’ll need to get through the year.
Kitchenware
If you’re living in self-catered accommodation, you’ll need a couple of pots and pans, plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. Toasters and kettles are provided, but a sandwich press will come in handy when you’re looking for a cheap dinner.
Laundry
A laundry basket, pegs, clotheshorse and washing detergent are obvious essentials for your laundry. But if you’ve been living at home your whole life they might not be that obvious.
In the communal laundry areas you’ll find clothes dryers, washing machines and clotheslines – these will save you quite a bit of money.
Furniture
Most on campus accommodation has all the furniture you need. However, you’ll find that most students bring a bedside table and storage draws for bathroom products. Particularly if you have an ensuite, but these aren’t essential.
Linen
Don’t forget a blanket and pillow, as well as a change of linen. These aren’t supplied in on campus accommodation, but you will get a mattress protector.
Decorations
There are no rules telling you to decorate your room. But nothing makes a place feel like home more than photos and personal items.
Cleaning products
Cleaners will assist cleaning the communal areas in some accommodation. But it’s important to keep on top of the cleaning, so pack some Spray ‘n’ Wipe and cloths to make the job easy. You’ll be responsible for cleaning your room and ensuite (if you have one), so you’ll need these products.
Class supplies
Don’t forget your folders, books, pens and textbooks. After all, what are you here for? If you do forget to pack these, head to your nearest Co-op book shop on campus. They have all the supplies you need.
Other
A printer might come in handy for those late night assessments. However this service is provided by CSU print at a small cost, which you’ll find in the Library.
If you’re a movie lover or like to binge watch TV shows, then you might want to bring a small TV for your room.
Coat hangers, pins for your pin board, magnets and whiteboard markers are great to have on hand as well.
