Geting and money in general whilst at university, so if you have advice with regards to that – save it for that post. If you can’t view the embedded version you can click over to  Excuse the bad quality – the handyman for our flats was right outside my window at the only time I had to film these videos so I had to draw the curtains and use artificial light. He also knocked on my door to ask if  ‘everything is OK’ – haha I should say, when I was a university I was a financial disaster zone which is one of the reasons A Thrifty Mrs came into being. I wish someone had told me what to pack, what I’d need and what I wouldn’t need before I packed up and moved across the country. I’ve made a series of videos and above is part one – what to pack for university but I’ve also made a list below of what I’d really recommend buying/stashing away.

Here’s what I’ve learnt and what to pack.

Toiletries

Stock up on your favourites now. Seen a great deal? Squirrel them away!

– Toothpaste
– Shampoo
– Shower gel
– Tampons
– Deodorant
– Face lotions and potions
– Condoms – although most unions hand these out for free (well worth having a stash to start with though!)

Cleaning and household

– Loo roll
– Washing powder
– Multi-purpose spray – make your own
– Cleaning sponges
– A few dinner plates
– Knives and forks
– Saucepan x2
– Frying pan
– Baking tray
– Corkscrew/bottle opener
– Wooden spoon
– Washing up liquid
– Tea Towels
– Sharp knife
– Chopping board

Stationery

I’m a stationery geek, I love the stuff but it can really set you back financially. Look at what you already have. Repurpose and reuse things, don’t buy a fancy pencil case – most people just sling a couple of biros in their bag.
It is also well worth checking the reading list before you go and seeing if you can get your hands on a second hand or reduced cost copy of vital books. Buy second hand from eBay, your uni forum or Facebook page and second hand book sites such as.

– Plastic wallets – use your old ones
– Arch leaver folder
– Biros – use old ones
– Highlighters
– Post in notes
– USB sticks
– A4 paper – LOTS
– Coloured plastic wallets

Food

– Your favourite ketchup/mustard/brown sauce etc.
– Spices – add flavour to the most dull of meals
– Part baked bread rolls – once I discovered Aldi sold these for about 30p I was all set for lunches.
– Tinned soup
– Baked beans
– Tinned tuna
– Oxo cubes
– Jelly – so much jelly
– Cheap noodles
– Rice
– Cous cous
– Pasta
– Tinned tomatoes

Your room

– Photos from home
– Lamps or fairy lights
– Posters or artwork
– Blue tack and drawing pins
– Cushions
– Blankets and throws
– Small area rug
– You may want to consider a small clothes horse

Other

– Fancy dress
– 20p pieces for the laundrette or photocopier
– Plasters
– Painkillers
– Cold and flu medicine