Packing for university is equal parts exciting, nerve-wracking and stressful. You will inevitably forget something and will probably still have a few items by the end of first year that you’ve never used. You will definitely end first year with about a quarter of the cutlery you began with and you’ll somehow acquire another person’s equipment and lose a frying pan. So here’s somethings I’d recommend that you bring with you.

1. Personal touches. They should be the first thing you put up in your room and the last thing you take down. It’s things like posters, photographs and cheesy decorations that will make your university room your own.

2. Storage boxes. Normally university rooms have a lot of storage crammed into them but you’ll always find there isn’t quite enough. Bring additional boxes or pop up shelves with you that can sit in the bottom of a wardrobe or under a desk.

3. Kitchen nicnacs. Don’t forget about things like a cheese grater, a tin opener or plastic Tupperware boxes. But even if you do forget, it’s likely that someone else in your accommodation will have them.

4. A door stop. Having your door open is a useful way of encouraging interaction in your flat.

5. Flipflops. Sharing a shower with an entire flat of people can make some people feel a bit uncomfortable so having flipflops to wear whilst you’re in there can make life a bit easier.

6. Hangers. Lots of hangers.

7. Fancy dress costumes. There will be many opportunities for dressing up that go way beyond freshers’ week and Halloween. Bringing a few props or accessories with you can put you in good stead for whatever themed socials you might encounter.

8. A mini sewing and first aid kit. Be ready for those sudden wardrobe malfunctions and the onset of freshers’ flu!

Ultimately whatever you forget to bring you will be able to buy or borrow from other people but it’s always good to be prepared!