What to take to university checklist 2017
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This year's A-Level results are nearly in which means thousands of teens will face the reality of moving out for the first time ever.
If you end up getting the results you want and accepted your offer it's probably time to start packing - as Fresher's week will be just around the corner.
And, it's a tough world out there. Think laundry, washing up and cooking your own meals, but, don't panic, we've got a handy guide to make you're well prepared for your first term away.
Scroll down for tips, checklists and deals on everything campus-related, including student bank accounts and what you'll need to invest in quick.
If you're disappointed by your results, don't worry. Thanks to the university clearing system you can still secure a place elsewhere - see our definitive guide to clearing for all the advice you'll need to find a place.
What's in our guide?
1. What essentials to take - and where to get them from.
2. Where to buy cheap tech - or read our cheap laptops guide.
3. Student discount - or read the top 10 places to score BIG student discount savings.
4. Student finances explained - or click to read our definitive guide to student finance.
5. House hunting - or read our guide on university house hunting.
1. The essentials: what you need
Not sure what 'essentials' you'll need?
Check in with your halls guide to find out what the university will be accommodating you with and what you'll be expected to bring.
Most dorm rooms will come kitted out with a duvet, bedroom bin and very basic kitchen essentials, but if you're heading to a student house, you may need to start from scratch.
Retailers to watch for some of the best bargains:
For homewares...
Wilko.com for cheap duvet sets and bedroom decor.
Ikea for affordable duvet covers and pots, pans and cutlery.
George at Asda for soft furnishings, bedding and cheap kitchenware.
For tech and electrical goods...
Currys PC World for laptops, tablets and tech accessories.
Argos for cheap kitchen and bedroom electricals.
Tesco Direct for cheap household electrical appliances, laptops and tablets.
For groceries and household items...
Poundland for kitchen and bathroom cleaning products.
ASDA for food staples and your weekly supermarket shop.
Lidl and Aldi low cost grocery staples.
For everything...
eBay for cheap clothes, towels and everything in between.
Amazon for tech and and bulk-buying items household and toiletries like shampoo and toilet roll.
2. Where to buy cheap tech - from laptops to smartphones
(Image: Rex)
It's peak back to school season which means good news for new students as many retailers like Currys PC World and Argos launch big sales on everything from stationery to laptops.
If you're shopping for a new laptop notebook ALWAYS ask for student discount, or at least haggle for a freebie or extra add-ons - whether it's a complimentary USB stick or a laptop bag, trust us, there's always something up for grabs.
Laptop deals
To help you find a good deal, we've rounded up best cheap laptop deals for under £300, many of which include free Microsoft Office software helping to bring down your overall costs.
If you after something fancy, we've found some seriously good deals on refurbished laptops, including the Apple MacBook Pro for £379.
Tablets deals
You don't have to splash the cash to find a good tablet, there are plenty of decent ones out there for under £50, but if you're on a budget research is key.
We rounded up 10 of the best value tablets and it includes the famous Amazon Fire 7 tablet for just £49.99 from Argos. Or if you've got your heart set on a shiny new iPad, find out how you can save on your investment with our iPad Mini deals guide.
Smartphones
(Image: Moto)
Don’t fancy shelling out your entire first instalment of your student loan on a new iPhone? Well you don't have to as the latest wave of smartphones offer everything you'll find on market leaders Apple and Samsung but for a fraction of the cost.
Check out our full round up of the best budget smartphones for 2017 if you don't believe us.
(Image: AFP)
Alternatively, if you're planning to keep your handset it may be time to swap your price plan for a better deal.
With the single biggest factor affecting the cost of phone contracts being paying off the handset itself, it's no surprise that SIM free plans are considerably cheaper.
If you shop around you can score deals like 1.5GB of data for a fiver a month, in our SIM only deals guide we've done all the hard work for you and rounded up the best offers available right now.
Best budget smartphones 2017 - how to get iPhone-level specs for a quarter of the price
3. You can FINALLY get student discount
It's no secret that university is expensive – but there's at least one upside.... Student discounts. Here are some of the best student discount deals going - including up to 30% off.
Your university will provide you with a student card on your first day of term, or when you register on campus. Flash that card whenever you can - wear it as a badge if you must.
4. Student finances explained
(Image: Getty)
If you're heading to university, or know someone who is, avoid getting ripped off or running out of money by reading our guide to student finances.
With banks falling over themselves to get students to bank with them for decades – offering everything from free mobile phones to railcards and just straight out cash to get students to sign up finding out which one is best for your needs can be a minefield.
Luckily, the guide covers everything from working out what student bank account to set up to daily budgeting to make your loan stretch further.
5. House hunting: the facts about student accommodation
A lot of student estate agents are out to make a quick buck from witless students. Call round a few estate agents, and look at a lot of different places - never just settle for the first property on offer.
Here's what you need to know about university house hunting - and what to look out for in a roomie.
Your ultimate university checklist - what you need
Use our checklist below to tick everything off as you go along.
For your bedroom:
1x Duvet, 2x Pillows
Bottom sheets x 2, Pillow cases x 4
Duvet/quilt covers x 2 sets
Mattress protector
Bath towels and hand towels x 2
Small drying rack
Laundry bag
Hot-water bottle
Desk lamp (if halls don't provide one)
For your wardrobe:
Casual clothing - jeans, shorts, t-shirts, blouses/shirts
Underwear and socks (plenty of these)
Comfortable waterproof shoes
Trainers (even if you aren't sporty these are useful)
'Going out' clothes for pubs/clubs/parties
Hat/scarf/gloves
Winter coat
Pyjamas/nightshirt/dressing gown and slippers
Comfy joggers
Bathroom:
Everyday moisturiser
Face wash
Big bottle of shampoo (it'll last you longer)
Lip balm
Shower gel - stock up on these
Shaving cream, razors etc
Toothbrush / toothpaste
Painkillers - get value paracetamol or ibuprofen
Cold/flu remedy
Plasters
Nail scissors
The obvious items you may forget:
Confirmation letters of your scholarship or bursary if appropriate
Any information from your LEA, the SLC (Student Loans Company) or Student Finance Direct
Your offer from the university
Any documents regarding your accommodation
Bank debit card
Paying-in book
Bank or building society details
16-25 Railcard
CV and references
Relevant exam certificates or results slips
Laptop
Charger
Headphones
Strong weekend bag
And for the kitchen: