The ultimate student survival shopping list as freshers arrive in Sheffield ahead of new university year
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Don’t have a last minute panic and scramble when moving into your new place for university in Sheffield, plan ahead and get prepped with these vital items
It’s that time of the year when new (and returning) students venture to the Steel City.
It can be daunting and nigh on impossible to think of the key things that you need to bring. And whether you’re a Sheffield Hallam or Uni of student, making sure you’re kitted out in your accommodation is of the highest importance.
So whether you’re a fresher of returning for another year of education, we’ve got your covered for those essential accommodation items.
Here is a list of what we think are the most important student survival items that you shouldn’t forget to buy ahead of your move into halls.
Essential day-to-day items
Slides/Flip-Flops
A pair of these are vital and will come in incredibly handy during your first year. In the words of our reporter and recent graduate Casey Peyton, these are “a definite must, especially going into communal areas where the floor can get a bit gross.”
Lovely.
Travel mug
A key item that you’ll use often is a travel mug, perfect for taking your preferred hot drink into lectures. The Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug is available in plenty of colours, it will also keep your drinks hot for up to seven hours and it’s leakproof too. For less than £13, it’s a steal.
Umbrella
One of the most vital items you absolutely must get is an umbrella. Welcome to Sheffield, it will rain (a lot) and an umbrella will come in incredibly handy.
For something small and suitable for all conditions, check out the TUMELLA Strongest Windproof Travel Umbrella. It’s small, compact, available in a range of colours and should hold up well against the inclement weather we have in Sheffield.
Vital for your bedroom
As you settle into your new digs at university, what you absolutely want to be is comfortable in your room (or halls). For the foreseeable it’s your home away from home, and you will want to feel cosy and relaxed.
Bedding
One of the most vital things you need to remember is bedding, duvet covers, pillow cases and bedsheets. You can buy these for reasonable amounts at all the major supermarkets and places like IKEA and Dunelm too.
There are all sorts of other essentials that you really shouldn’t forget but you (or one of your peers) definitely will:
Extension lead
Extension leads are another recommended pick-up, the last thing you need to find out is that the only plug socket is at the opposite end of the room from where you need it, so maybe pick one up with a decent length cable on it.
Also make sure that it’s surge protected, not only for safety reasons but also so that your expensive laptop or smartphone (aka your entire lifeline) are not at risk of getting damaged while charging.
Here’s a good one that you can order now on Amazon, I personally use one of these: DEWENWILS 6 Way Surge Protected Extension Lead with Individual Switches. It’s been great at what it does, and if you need a tower extension cable you can’t go wrong with the Duronic Tower Extension Lead 12 Gang Surge Protected with 2m cable.
Bathroom caddy
Make sure you come prepared with a bathroom caddy, it will keep all your toiletries together so that trip to the shared-bathroom is no longer a frenetic attempt to either keep hold of your towel, toothbrush, razor, soaps and whatever else you need on your bathroom trips.
Something like a portable mesh tote bag will do the job nicely. Here’s a couple that I found:
Towels
Make sure you also pick up a selection of bath towels as well, and always make sure you have a back-up, just in case.
Grab these important kitchen items
Tin opener
A tin opener and bottle opener, these two are essential. Get yourself a solid tin opener such as the Culinare Magican Grey Tin Opener for just £6. Cheap, durable, will probably last well beyond your student days (spoiler: It will), says it all really.
Bottle opener
When it comes to a decent bottle opener, there are literally millions of different types. I would say the classics work the best and last the longest. Take your pick from the Viners Barware Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew, it’s less than £3 and the best tool for any aspiring bar staff member. If you prefer something else, go for one of these, Corkscrew Stainless Steel Multifunctional Wine Bottle Opener. It’s less than £7 and does the job well.
Food storage
It can be great enjoying your first few days and weeks at uni, when eating out and going out. But that can only last so long. When you’re trying to curb your spending and be more cash-sensible, Tupperware/food containers are super-important. Whether meal-prepping, saving leftovers or grabbing some comforting home-cooked meals from your parents, make sure you have plenty of food containers.
These Health and safety items are key
First aid kit
Whatever you do, don’t forget a first aid kit. I was the only one of the boys to bring one of these when I came to university and just two days in we had to use it.
You can pick a basic one up for cheap and just refill used items each term (if you remember), it’s that simple really.
One thing that is inevitable about going to university, you will get ill. Stock up on paracetamol, ibuprofen and cold & flu medicine (you can thank me later).
Gyms
There are loads of gyms across the city, The Gym Group has three close to the city centre with a site in Heeley, Kelham Island and The Moor. From just £16.99 a month, you can start your new fitness journey at one its our affordable Sheffield gyms.
For more student ‘must haves’ and essentials, these retailers are also offering student discounts on a variety of products