Moving can be particularly daunting. It involves change and moving out of your comfort zone. However it should also be an amazing and exciting time. Being prepared can help you and we’ve got advice from students and top tips about what you really need to bring.
What’s is moving really like?
“During my first year at The University of Manchester, I moved into halls. I was in Richmond Park, Fallowfield. I was in halls with seven other people (flats of eight), and I had self-catering accommodation with an en suite.
I remember how I felt in the weeks and days leading up to my move. I was filled with excitement and nerves and I wasn’t entirely sure how my university experience would play out, but I knew it would be life-changing, and that’s exactly what it turned out to be.
After two years of university, I am definitely a different person than I was before I started, and I have changed for the better. Living independently in uni halls is wonderful because it means that you can study, socialise, celebrate, and experience university life.”
What you need to bring
Every year we see so much waste created as people arrive with too much stuff – things that just won’t be used or that everyone brings when really you only need one or two for the flat.
To help you save money (and create less waste) we recommend you bring only the basics and work out what else you need when you get here. Be prepared to buy some things jointly with your new flatmates to avoid wasting money (no flat needs 7 spatulas!)
This is a good list to start with:
Bedroom and Bathroom:
- Duvet/quilt and pillows (make sure they fit your bed size)
- Bed covers (make sure they are the right size!)
- 2 bath towels
- 2 hand towels
- Small bin for your bedroom
- Pedal bin for your bathroom (if you have an en-suite)
- Washing/laundry basket
- Clothing hangers
- Extension lead(s)
- Washing detergent and fabric conditioner
- Bathroom cleaning supplies
- Bedroom cleaning supplies
Kitchen:
Two:
- Knife, fork, spoon
- Glasses
- Mugs
One :
- Bowl (microwave proof)
- Plate
- Chopping board
- Cooking knife
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
We recommend you look at buying these things as a flat:
- Fish slice/spatula
- Measuring jug
- Grater
- Scissors
- Tupperware
- Colander/sieve
- Oven tray
Top tips to make things easier
- If you’re sharing a kitchen try and buy distinctive kitchenware to avoid it getting mixed up with the rest of your flat’s belongings.
- Look up whether you need to buy a kettle, air fryer toaster, or microwave and be prepared to buy one as a flat and split the costs.
- Remember to personalise your space when you move into halls! There’s nothing worse than moving into a small box-like room and having bare walls with no personal touches. Think photos of loved ones, posters, battery powered fairy/LED lights, etc.