Just my stream of consciousness

Toothbrush/Paste, Toothbrush holder, floss & Mouthwash | Obviously these items are essential and you definitely can't forget them. But, the main thing most people forget is a toothbrush holder (well I did anyway). Its much more convenient than storing it in a cup, and some are super small and cute!

Hand wash | Everyone needs to wash their hands after the bathroom!

Shower Gel/Cleanser | You may want to invest in an extra cleanser for your shower as getting out of the shower and grabbing your cleanser (wherever it may be in the bathroom) can be tedious. However, some people just always leave their cleanser in the shower, which I personally find a tad weird ._.

Shampoo & Conditioner | It can be extremely obvious, but often we tend to overlook the things we take for granted!

Bath Rug | This is extremely convenient just so you're not walking around with wet feet, however in some circumstances it is not really absolutely necessary.

Toilet Paper |  The same as the shampoo and conditioner..you can't be too careful can you?

Storage/Hooks | Some universities may not provide hooks or small showering shelf thing (ha!) in the bathroom. Self-adhesive hooks are easily available so you can hang towels, bath robes, jackets etc!

Mirror | Surprisingly, some unis do not provide you with a full length mirror (well...there is always the bathroom mirror). By maybe having a mirror, small or big, it can be quite convenient. Especially on a night out..how else are you going to conclude that your outfit is perfect?

Lamp/Lights | A bedside lamp will be handy for whenever you're in bed, as some unis do not provide a light source for above your bed! Plus, some of the lights at university are blindingly bright/yellow, so a small lamp would help greatly. Fairy lights are perfect as they are both practical and decorate your room subtly. It is not over the top and they come in a variety of different style. I currently have some lanterns on my notice board and I just absolutely love them, and definitely recommend them for any room.

Ornaments/Plants | This may seem a bit silly seeing as it is at uni, which is only temporary but, these small bits n' bobs look adorable (you do not have to have a giant statue in the corner of your room). Some universities even have little stalls at the start of term selling posters and plants just to decorate your room! Also, a cactus may or may not absorb computer radiation..doesn't hurt to try does it? Plus, they are low maintenance, so no need to worry about watering them.

Pictures | A definite must are pictures of your friends and family. Whether it be in a photo frame on your window sill and bedside table or little polaroids hung on a string, both are cute and easy! It may also help you feel less homesick!

Curtains | Now buying curtains for your room may seem a bit unnecessary but if you are a light sleeper, you will definitely get awoken by the sun which passes through university curtains (whats the point of having curtains when they barely work?) Anyway, thicker curtains never hurt anyone. However if you don't really want to buy curtains, sticking posters on your windows will also help block light..even though you can't see outside your window. You win some, you lose some hey?

Boxes | Yes. Boxes can be used as decoration. Maybe you can pile your printer on your boxes of there isn't enough room on your desk, or they can serve as extra storage seeing as some universities lack in storage spaces in student rooms. Utilise everything!

Rug | Carpets are pretty horrible and cheap, so its either slippers or a rug..I say get both.

Candles | Pretty much every single uni accommodation bans the use of candles, but what they don't know, won't hurt them right? But, you may want to invest in an air freshener and I personally do not recommend the sprays as they barely work. A plug-in one is much more effective and lasts much longer. Ambi pur - White Petals = <3

Cushions/Extra Pillows | More than likely you will have a single bed, although some unis claim their beds to be either bigger or longer than the average. So its best to have a few extra pillows and cushions, especially if you're expecting visitors.

Glasses/Cups/Mugs |Cups and mugs are a must seeing as you're going to be drinking a lot of tea and coffee! Also having a travel cup is useful for lectures you plan on going to at 9am. Glasses are also a must seeing as you will also be drinking a lot of alcohol...or water.
Plates & Bowls | You need these to eat on! It is also important to buy more than just one plate and bowl just incase some go missing (plus you can store spares in your room).

Cutlery | Forks, knives, table spoons, teaspoons are all a must! Buy in excess because it is better having more than none at all. Ikea sell cutlery for super cheap but you get a lot in return!

Pots & Pans | My parents and myself were in the mind set that seeing as I would only be cooking for myself, I would not need big/medium pans, and that small pots and pans would suffice. I was wrong, is pretty ridiculous buying a tiny frying pan because you're not going to be able to cook much apart from half an egg!  You should try to get regular sized pots and pans because its quite easy to cook way more than you intended and if you do, you can freeze that food for the future! Being a student is hard...

Kitchen accessorises | These include; Oven mitts, baking trays, spatulas, wooden spoons, colander, chopping board & kitchen towels. Funnily enough, you can disregard these items prettily easily, however, they are essential..even if you are just cooking chicken nuggets.


Salt & Pepper | Not just salt and pepper. Maybe some spices, stock cubes, sugar? At least pretend you're going to be cooking so your parents aren't bothering you about you eating nothing. (sigh)

Toaster & Kettle | Usually university kitchens come with these but some don't. (a kettle is usually definitely provided) So it is a good idea to have these, also if you're moving some to an area which typically uses soft water to an area which uses hard water, you may want to get your own kettle because limescale is a bitch.

Washing up liquid | Don't forget your gloves and sponges! (stuff like this will get stolen/used up so quickly!)

Cooking Oil | As before...at least pretend you're going to try to cook yourself some nutritious meals?

Laundry Basket | Yes. You will be doing laundry. Yes. You may shrink half of your wardrobe. But, by having a laundry basket (I'm not implying that it will help unshrink your jumpers ha) you will have a much cleaner room, seeing as you aren't throwing your dirty clothes all over your floor, plus it is much easier to transport to the laundry room.

Clothes Rack/Storage boxes | Depending on your bedroom size, you may want to consider some extra storage as some universities do not offer sufficient storage space. They can also be used as decoration if you obtain super cute boxes. By being in possession of a clothes rack you can hang clothes which required to be hung and you also have more space, therefore more clothes!

Bedding | Majority of universities do not provide; duvets, pillows, duvet covers, pillow covers, pillow protectors, mattress protector (a must!) So you must bring these. The beds at university generally are single, however, I personally have a double duvet with a single bed and it's SO comfy.

Books & Bookends | Every good student needs their core module books as well as other books to occupy you during stressful times. Surprisingly, I found out that personally, during university you obtain a lot of free time (after you acknowledge: lectures, practicals, socials, coursework etc.) usually between lectures, where you can read a nice book. Bookends are also awesome to have, as they keep books up on your shelf rather than all over your desk and floor...no one likes to be awoken at 3am by books falling over. Its pretty terrifying.

Rug | This is completely optional, but university carpets tend to be pretty horrible, so having a big rug to cover it up it always good and it adds subtle decoration to your room, this will make your room much more homely and less foreign.

Hangers | Need I say more? Last time I forgot hangers and I ended up chucking my coats EVERYWHERE.

Mirror | Some but not all universities provide a mirror within the actual bedroom (In an ensuite room there is usually a mirror), so a mirror could be handy for; taking pictures, seeing if you look presentable for a lecture, seeing if you look presentable for a night out etc. Plus, it would be a big shock going from having big mirrors at home, to small mirrors at uni

Slippers/Robe | As a consequence of living in university accommodation, you have the inevitable fire alarm, so it is extremely convenient to have a robe that you can cover yourself up with, especially if the fire alarm goes off at 3am and you're in your jammies. Slippers are also nice to have because I really doubt you will want to be walking barefoot into the kitchen.

Towels | Not just body towels...but, hand towels, face towels, hair towels..
Tissues | You will get ill and you will need tissues. Having a bedside box of tissues will save you a few trips to the bathroom to get toilet roll.

This post may be a little out of place seeing as the majority of people have already finished their first term in uni, so all of these decorating/making your room feel more cosy may be a bit useless! But, alas, to the people out there who leave things to the last minute...I feel you and I am here to help :)