10 Things Every Student Needs To Make University Awesome

No matter where you go and what you study, it’s fairly safe to say that university will easily be the best 3 years of your life. However, if you want to amplify that even more, or are getting ready to go to university and want some inspiration for things to take with you, we’ve got it covered. Here are 10 things every student needs for a good first year at university.

1. A TOTUM card

Take advantage of the whole host of high street stores that offer at least a 10% discount on their retail prices by investing in an TOTUM card. This is the new name for the NUS student card and will save you a lot of money during your time at university if you remember to use it! Don’t be shy about asking whether supermarkets, restaurants and events offer discount for TOTUM holders. They often will! You can also check out the TOTUM website and see just how many deals are available!

Read more: 10 student discount cards every student should have.

2. A fancy dress supply

Not a fan of fancy dress? You will be after your first year at university. Your social life will most likely be full of fancy-dress themed events. And you’ll quickly come to learn that fancy dress makes everything more fun – lectures included! By the end of the year you will most likely be able to count the number of times you’ve gone out in normal clothes on one hand. So, a healthy fancy dress supply is a must. Super hero theme, anyone?

3. A good cookbook

Avoid a year of beans on toast by investing in a good student cookbook. You don’t want to be that typical student stereotype who can only make one meal, spending the whole year choosing between your one staple meal or greasy cheesy chips from the local kebab-house. It’s better to head to your new student kitchen armed with a decent cookbook full of simple yet yummy meal ideas to wow your new flatmates.

4. A wok or deep frying pan

To ease yourself into cooking your own meals, you’ll probably want to start with something easy. Having a wok or deep frying pan means you can quickly cook up a storm. Throw a mix of cheap vegetables in with some diced meat and you’re halfway there. Add some noodles or rice and you’ll have a healthy, tasty meal for less than a price of a coffee! If you want to get adventurous, throw in a little spice too!

5. Food delivery apps

…And as a reward at the end of the week for all of that slaving over a hot stove, food delivery is a must so download and use the UK’s favourite food delivery apps (Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat) when you can’t face another slice of the lasagne you made a week ago. But remember to keep this as a treat, as it’s easy to slip into the habit of always ordering in. According to Tom Sanders, a professor of nutrition at Kings College London, you can eat well at home for £12 a week. Considering the average pub meal is the same price, you can make real savings by choosing to cook at home.

6. A onesie

We’re not sure what it is about students and onesies, but all we know is that it’s a match to rival Romeo and Juliet. Oh, and that we want one. Now. You’ll quickly come to realise how perfect onesies are for lounging around your flat. Just remember to throw it in the washing machine every now and again.

7. A student railcard

When it comes to visiting home, you’ll want to do it as cheaply as possible and last time we checked, train tickets weren’t cheap. Therefore, investing in a student railcard will feel like a lifesaver as it entitles you to 30% off standard prices. Or, if you live further away than that, it will at least give you the chance to explore your new country at a fraction of the price!

8. First aid kit

No student house in London, or any other place for that matter, should be without a decent supply of things like plasters and paracetamols, so stock up! With 90% of new students getting a cold or flu in their first month at university, it’s worth investing in whatever will help minimise the dreaded illness!

9. Playing cards

The ultimate fail-safe option for a last minute party; a pack of playing cards. They instantly become a life saver as you can play endless drinking games with them with no preparation which will leave your guests impressed (and drunk). Playing cards also make for a perfect ice-breaker when you’re first getting to know your new flatmates. You’ll quickly learn who can’t handle losing and who’s most likely to try cheat their way to a win!

10. A ‘let’s go for it!’ attitude

The most important thing on the list – always be positive and have a ‘yes man’ (or woman) attitude to whatever is thrown at you. WARNING: may result in lots of fun.

Read more: We Ask Third Years What They Wish They Had Known In First Year

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments! Also, go here for more on student accommodation in London.