Surviving University: How Much Stuff Can I Fit In My Dad's Car?

Two weeks after returning from university for the summer, I have finally unpacked. At least, I've unpacked my clothes. And my books. I'm just trying not to think about the rest....

During your time at university, you will accumulate a lot of stuff, enough to fill two bedrooms - your university room and your room at home - with more stuff on the side. Living in halls is a step between living at home and complete independence, and it brings a lot of baggage with it - literally! 

For me, buying/acquiring my university clobber was liberating. I felt emotionally ready to move away and try out independent life, so the long afternoon we spent in the IKEA market area, searching for teaspoons and kitchen knives, was surprisingly exiting. Nothing tells you that you've become a grown-up quite like the moment when you realise you're excited about buying a colander. 

In my last year of sixth form, I thought that I'd become relatively independent, and wouldn't have any problems adjusting to living away from my family. I knew how to boil pasta, and could, hypothetically, use the washing-machine - I was sorted! Unfortunately, living alone isn't quite as simple as that. Washing-up doesn't do itself. Clothes become unwearable if you forget to hang them up after tumble-drying them; dust accumulates into thick carpets of grey fluff; a week of 'don't feel like cooking' can easily become a month. It sucks, but part of being independent is making yourself get up before midday on a Saturday to deal with the mountain of washing you've left yourself, or doing a Tesco run for toothpaste and washing-up liquid. (Tesco's own is cheaper than Fairy, by the way.)

I'm not writing this to scare you, if you're about to leave home for the first time. What I really want to tell you is that all this domestic stuff is manageable, and learning to do these things is an achievement. When I was younger my aspirations for the future usually involved becoming some kind of superwoman. I'd be a key person in the fight against poverty, become a missionary or an MP, publish books of poetry which would put me on the shelves in Waterstones (next to Gerald Manley Hopkins), maybe act in a West End show or two, with a few kids and a husband thrown in for good measure... One year into university, I haven't done anything unusual or world changing, but you know what? That doesn't matter. I got stranded in France a few weeks ago when the French Air Control Strikes meant my plane was cancelled. My friends and I managed to get to Toulouse, catch the only plane still flying, a domestic flight to Paris which had been delayed, navigate our way across Paris via the french Metro, catch a eurostar to London, and find a bus service which would take us over a hundred miles across the country in time to move out of our university accommodation for the summer. So whilst I might not have saved the world yet, I'm slowly, slowly becoming a competent adult. And that's something to be proud of. 

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If you're not sure what to buy/take with you, here are some suggestions!

Kitchen Stuff

• 2 Saucepans, with lid
• 1 frying pan
• airtight container 
• freezer/sandwich bags and plastic clips for sealing packets
• colander
• cutlery, including a tablespoon (often required in recipes)
• vegetable knife
• small chopping board (look in IKEA. Optional though, you can do this on a plate)
• Bowls & plates - go for 2, maybe more if you have space.
• A small selection of mugs/glasses. Theoretically you only need 1 of each, so don't go crazy, especially if you are a natural mug hoarder like me. I have 8 mugs and a porcelain travel mug at uni, and I love them dearly but they take up a huge chunk of my desk... Okay. Back to the list. 
• Oven tray/dish. These can also be used in grills, but not microwaves. Make sure your bowls/plates are microwavable. 
• Wooden spoon
• 'Fish slice' - this is a big, flat metal spoon type thing. You can get right-angled ones for mashing potato, and the normal one is great for cooking meat, chips, or flipping pancakes. 
• Tin foil & clingfilm
• Kitchen roll, washing-up liquid, washing up cloths
• 2 tea-towels

Practical Stuff

• Check whether your accommodation provides irons, a kettle, or a toaster. If not, you may want to purchase them, but here I recommend waiting until you get to uni, as someone in your flat may have brought something. Most accommodation types do not allow kettles in rooms. 
• Lamp/fairy lights: Essential for making strip-lit uni digs bearable. 
• Books and DVDs: Try to pack light, and keep it to the essentials. I wanted to take the entirety of my 200+ book collection to university, but my parents (knowing me!) restricted me to just 12. Arriving home 7 months later with around 50 books, I understood why...
• A ringbinder, and a hole-punch to go with it. 
• A see-through pencil case for exams. Try the supermarket or WHSmiths. 
• A couple of canvas bags or bags-for-life; these will come in handy for shopping, or packing up your excess stuff to go home!
• If you own a bike, it's worth dropping by Halfords and picking up a few basics. My bike repair kit contains a bike pump, spare inner tube, screwdrivers, and a high-vis jacket. Check your pump works with the type of valve on your bike. I also recommend a D-Lock, as they significantly reduce the risk of your bike being stolen. It is also illegal to cycle on the road without bike lights. I bought my lights and D-lock for £15 from the university, so it's not expensive - and far less expensive then replacing your bike.
• Insurance. Some accommodation offers insurance, with conditions; some offer it as an extra. Some household insurance deals will partially cover your property. I hate dealing with insurance, and am dreading sorting it out for next year, but as I learnt after getting stuck in France with no travel insurance, it's a must. Endsleigh advertise themselves as 'the student insurance company', but their quotes are quite high, so shop around. 
• Set of small screwdrivers. Strangely useful .
• Blu-tack, envelopes, sellotape, push-pins (the type that go into noticeboards). Easy to forget, but all things I used on a weekly basis. Paperchase do some really cute animal pins, if you're that kind of person.
• A diary. I recommend this for two reasons. Firstly, you're going to be properly organising your own life, and life at university is busy. There are no regular hours, like at school, and if you miss a seminar or a society meeting nobody calls you and asks why you weren't there. Secondly, you're going to have a fabulous year, doing all sorts of weird and interesting things; no two weeks are the same! Keeping a diary with a note of where you've been will be a great keepsake in the future. 
• Towels and bed linen. Also, check whether your accommodation provides pillows and a duvet; my poor Dad had to drive around Norwich, looking for somewhere to buy bedding, as I'd assumed it would be provided...
• A couple of 'luxury items'. Whilst you should try and keep your packing minimal, and make reductions where you can (for example, only take clothes appropriate to the season etc), university has to feel like home! A few of small photographs or ornaments will really help make your room feel homely. I had a couple of framed photos, a squishy TARDIS, and some lovely bunting, handmade by a friend for me. I also took a rug and a small cushion from home, but again, check the rules. Rugs were technically banned in our residences, but no-one ever told me off for it...
• An alarm-clock or radio alarm. There's nothing worse than missing a lecture because your phone died in the night. 
• A laundry bag - IKEA bags are just the right size! Some friends of mine gave me a tub of small change for the washing machines, which I occasionally added to myself. 
• Washing up liquid or powder. I recommend liquid tabs, because they're effective and easy to use. And they smell nice. 
• Coathangers!

It sounds like a lot of stuff, so try and be minimalist where you can, and pack efficiently. I got all of my clothes into a camping rucksack by rolling them up tightly. 

Where to get your stuff

Supermarkets often do 'starting university' sales in late August, or early September, and this can be quiet a cheap way to pick up a few things, like bed linen and kitchen equipment. If you know someone with a Costco card, you could bulk buy a few food staples, but don't go mad - and keep it to non-perishable goods! IKEA, of course, is the king of cheap student living, but before you risk the temptations of the 'Market Area', it's worth asking around family for second hand kitchenware, or other bits and bobs. My kettle, plates, some of my cutlery, and pans where all second-hand or unwanted gifts from my kind family! Don't be embarrassed to ask - they'll be pleased to help you out. 

For books, try www.bookbrain.co.uk - they compare prices on all the big online book retailers to help you find the cheapest way of purchasing your course books. Amazon do a good student discount with the NUS Extra card, which is worth the £12 purchase if you're a regular Amazon shopper. It includes discounts in various restaurants and shops, but many shops will accept your university card for student discounts, so don't feel the NUS card is necessary. 

If you're using public transport to get to university, look into student discounts with bus and travel companies. The 16-25 railcard, which I have , takes 1/3rd off all rail travel, if bought in advance, and comes with free YHA membership. I bought a 3 year railcard for £65, which I think was a good deal for me. National Express coaches also do a student deal, but before committing yourself to it, find out if Megabus run the same route, as they tend to be drastically cheaper. At present I don't have a National Express membership, but it's something I'm considering. Travelling off-peak and buying tickets in advance will help you save money, and is a more pleasant way to travel. 

Food shopping at university can also be very expensive. It's easy to fall into a pattern of regular 'top-up' shopping, picking up oddments from the nearest Tesco Metro, but this is actually the most expensive (and unhealthy!) way to shop. If you can, try and keep this kind of shopping to the bare minimum. My suggestion is that once every month or two you go out to a big store and buy frozen food and non-perishable goods, like dried pasta and rice. It can be hard to buy for one person, so try and buy things that can be frozen or divided; for instance, I buy sliced bread and defrost it as I need it. Buying frozen veg is also a lot cheaper than buying fresh vegetables, although you should try to do this too! 

Meat is also very expensive, and being vegetarian has saved me a lot of money this year. Cheap meat is a false-economy; if you're going to buy meat, buy good quality but not too often, and don't let it go off. Meat can't be refrozen or reheated, so if you're buying something large, divide it up before you freeze it. 

If I think of anything else, I'll add it on - any suggestions welcome :)

J.R. 

Surviving University: Choosing Your Accommodation

Life in halls is amazing. You'll meet some incredible people, many of whom will probably become your closest friends, and even housemates for the years ahead. You'll learn drinking games you'd never imagined before, share plenty of weird and wonderful moments, and become closely acquainted with the cleaners, security, maintenance staff and regular fire drills... It's an unmissable way to start university, and although I'm looking forward to moving into a house where all of the hobs work, I will miss my 'house' and the 42-odd people I live with, two of whom I will still be living with next year!

I chose my halls for three reasons. Firstly, I wanted my own bathroom, which narrowed it down to 'Ensuite Premium' and 'Ensuite'; secondly, I couldn't afford Ensuite Premium; and thirdly, I'd read about accommodation choices on the student room and seen lots of positive comments. All halls have reputations attached to them, and every university has one accommodation type which has a reputation for parties! The word that came up most often in describing the Village, (the name of my halls), was community, and it was a good description. There's a kind of family connection between Village residents - and a friendly rivalry between the houses!

As a general rule, you can't go wrong with university accommodation. Most universities seem to have renovated their accommodation or built new blocks in the last ten years, and standards are high. Even if you end up in somewhere 'a bit scabby', you'll be sharing that experience with a group of bright and lively people who make the experience enjoyable!

Price is obviously the most important factor, but look at other things too. Flat size, location and facilities are important. Catered halls will save you the hassle of cooking for yourself, but will restrict you to rigid meal times, including very early dinners. Self-catered allows you more flexibility, and even if you're not a natural cook (like me!) I would definitely recommend self-catered over catered if you have the choice. 

Location is the other big factor. At my uni, halls are located on three sites. Most of the accommodation is on campus. These lucky people can roll out of bed 15 minutes before their lectures, and still have time to shower. My halls, the 'Village', is down the road, about 8-10 minutes walk from the centre of campus. Although further away from the uni, we're nearer to Tesco's and the Co-op, and we have our own stream and park area hidden at the back of the village. Plus we have our own laundrette! The third location is a good half hour's bus ride away, in the city. The smallest hall group, it's generally acknowledged to be the worst accommodation offered by the uni. If the accommodation is good enough, the distance might not matter so much, but it does distance you socially from other students.

Some things you should consider:

- Where are the halls? 

- Will I be able to park my car (if you have one... not likely) or store my bike?

- Are there any bus routes nearby, and is there a bus route to the university?

- Are there any shops nearby?

The best way to choose your accommodation is to visit the university and talk to existing students, but if you can't get there, go online! Many universities offer 'online tours' of accommodation or comparison charts, and the Student Room is quite good for consulting current students. 

The Confusing Bits!

Private Halls: There are some companies, like UNITE, who own private halls in various cities, especially London. As a general rule these halls are more luxurious and more expensive. They may house students from a mixture of universities. If you can, go for university-owned halls rather than private halls: the university will offer you more protection and support, for a lower cost. If something goes wrong and you can't pay your accommodation fees, the university will see you as a student first, tenant second: to a private hall company, you are a tenant first. 

Contract length: Residence contracts are usually 38, 40, or 52 weeks in duration. As an undergraduate, you will only need the shorter length (except students on health courses). Avoid contracts which requite you to move out at Christmas/Easter (although these are rare). 

Bills: Water, gas, and electricity will all be included with your rent in university-owned properties. Normally internet will also be provided. Not all halls have wi-fi - I'm using a data cable right now - but you'll adjust to that soon enough! In private accommodation, bills are almost always paid separately. 

Insurance: This is not usually covered; it may be offered with your accommodation offer as an optional extra. Endsleigh advertise as a student insurance company, but their rates are actually quite high - it's cheaper to get contents insurance with the company your parents use at home. Your current insurance plan may already partially cover you! Do insure things though, especially electrical gadgetry and musical instruments; if something is stolen from your university room, the university is not obliged to pay for replacements. 

University accommodation is usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't delay on getting your application in and accepting your room offer!

Blog on living in halls coming soon...

J.R

Surviving University - Budgeting

Today's post may be one of my most thrilling yet - it's on budgeting and finance...

I'll start by summing up the basics, all though you probably already know this.

Whilst you are at university, your expenditure will fall into three areas:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation fees
• Living costs

For UK students, studying in the UK, there are three types of loan; it works differently for EU and International students. Scottish students studying in Scotland don't pay tuition fees, either.

• Tuition Fee Loan - This is paid directly to your university, and you don't have to worry about it. 
• Maintenance Loan - This is paid to you at the start of your term, and the amount you receive depends on your household income and whether you are living at home/away. Students in London receive a higher loan.
• Maintenance Grant - This is a sum of money given to students with a lower household income. A full table showing how much money you can receive can be found here.

For more information on loans and fees, this link will take you to the Government website. 

Repayment

All loans have to be repaid, but not at once! You only pay back:

• When your income is over £21,000 - and if your income drops below this, you stop repaying (until it goes up again!)
• With interest, but this depends on how much you are earning
• Monthly; the repayment rate is 9% of the portion of your income ABOVE £21,000 - so if you earn £25,000 pa, you pay back £30 a month. 
• and if you get stupidly rich, you're free to pay it all off at any time, of course...
• For a maximum of 30 years - after this, any outstanding debt is written off. 

It sounds like a lot of money, and a lot of debt, and this is worth considering when deciding if university is for you, or if you are going to take our a loan. However, the repayment scheme means that your university debt will never place you in an untenable financial position - if you can't pay, you don't pay! 

Budgeting

Looking after your finances at university isn't too difficult if you're organised, and keep track of what you're spending. Here are some tips for staying in control!

• Don't leave your student finance form until the last minute!
• Keep a budgeting spreadsheet. Make a note of what you spend, and how much you have left. Set yourself a weekly budget - mine is £80 - and try to stick to it. 
• Don't include any hypothetical jobs in your predictions - until you have a job, don't plan to spend the money from it...
• Don't divide your loan by 52 and spend that much each week. Set a weekly budget which will leave you some money left, if you can. This will be your fund for unexpected expenses, holidays, and savings. 
• Set up an online banking account! This allows you to check your balance, manage your accounts and transfer money from your bedroom. Talk to your bank if you don't have one.
• Debit cards are better than credit cards - you can't withdraw money you don't have on a debit card!
• Look into student accounts. You do not need to have one - I don't - but they do include things like an overdraft and included NUS extra membership, which you may want. Each bank/building society will offer a different deal, so check out more than one. ISA accounts offer good amounts of interest for long-term saving, and other accounts offer shorter term savings accounts: it is probably worth having a saving and a 'spending' account, if you haven't got these already. 
• Decide if you need an overdraft. This is a system which allows you to temporarily get out more money than you have in your account, without being charged extra. You do not need to have one, especially if you are careful not to overspend, but it's better to have one set up than to spend 20p over and face £20 fines. This may be useful to people who are paying larger sums from their main account, like accommodation fees, and so are likely to have lower sums in their account at any given time. 

Living within your means...

Everyone will have different financial circumstances, so the important thing is to make the decisions that are right for you. The best thing is to get into good habits. Doing big shops for longer life food, like pasta and rice, will save you money; top-up style shopping at the nearest Tesco's looks cheap, but the 'good' deals may tempt you into buying things you don't need, and buying more often than you need to. Stick to your shopping list! If you don't trust yourself, get cash out and leave your card at home...

One of the most important things about university is the social side, and it is worth investing money in the experience. Sports memberships, day trips and evenings out are, in my opinion, good uses of money - you are meant to live at university, not just survive. However, you can have just as good a time watching a movie in someone's room or messing around in the local park, so be creative! Bring and share picnics/meals are cheap and fun, and it's well worth exploring the parks and free places in your area. Look for student deals, films at odd times of day - you are a student, normal sleeping/eating hours are not obligatory - and society social events, which are often free or subsidised by the union. Having a good time doesn't have to be expensive!

Above all, don't worry. ALL universities offer support services, who will be on hand to help you through any problems you may have, answer your queries, or even offer emergency loans. Money can be stressful, but with a little planning and discipline, you will be fine! 

J.R. x