Your University Essentials

You've finally got your A-level results, you've accepted your uni offer, you've sorted out your UCAS forms and you've applied for your first year accommodation. You're probably feeling a few different emotions right now – excitement and nerves above the rest.

Going away to university can be a daunting process. You don't know anyone, you don't know what your halls will be like, you don't know what the work will be like and if you still live with your parents now, you have to learn to be independent... and fast.

But take it from us – you're going to be just fine!

We've all been there, and it is terrifying, so you need as much guidance as you can find in the run up to moving day. We've put together a handy list of electrical items that you'll definitely need...

For your room

Alarm clock

An alarm clock is an absolute essential for university life, and living alone in general. You're probably used to being woken up my your mum coming in your room/ the vacuum cleaner/ your siblings clattering about/ your dog jumping on your head. But at university, you have none of these things to get you up in time for lectures!

Lamps

A desk lamp will make your room cosier and be handy for studying on an evening. Having your own desk, lamp and peace is so much better when it comes down to assignment writing, revising and reading. Making yourself a nice little area to do this will ensure you do as well as possible.

This desk lamp with a flexible neck is perfect for university as its sleek design will go with any décor.

Extension lead

An extension lead is an absolute must. You'll probably have about two plugs in your entire bedroom which are definitely not in the places you need them to be. When you have a TV, laptop, printer, phone charger and lamp just in one corner, an extension lead is the only way forward.

For your kitchen

George Foreman Grill

A George Foreman Grill is the handiest things to have in your kitchen, especially if you're not the best chef in the world. Within a few minutes you can have chicken, burgers, steaks, fish, sandwiches and toasties. You can even create deserts on them! They help you to prepare healthy, quick, easy and tasty meals, so you won't find yourself reaching for that takeaway menu.

Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is one of those items that you'll probably not think to buy, but when you have one, it'll be your saviour. You can make soup, stew, casserole and joints of meat so easily, and all you have to do it throw the ingredients in the pot first thing in a morning, pop off to lectures all day, and when you return, your meal will be sorted. It can be as cheap as chips if you and your house mates all split the cost of the ingredients and you'll all have a huge home cooked meal with no effort at all.

Toaster & Kettle

Most student accommodation doesn't come with a toaster or kettle, but you may want to wait until you get there to check. Even if it doesn't, there is no point in everyone taking one and having six kettles and six toasters on the worktop. Try and get in contact with your housemates beforehand – there are usually Facebook pages set up to hunt for your allocated roomies when the accommodation is assigned – and come up with a plan. If you do want to take your own, the Lloytron Toaster and Kettle are both high quality, will last and are a price that anyone could afford.

Pan set

Although you may want to wait to find out the kettle/toaster situation, you will definitely want your own pans. You have to face facts that people at university... well, they're not the cleanest. You will be very lucky if you walk into your kitchen without a mountain of dirty pots being stacked up next to the sink. Take your own pans and keep them under your bed so that you will always have something clean to cook with which isn't caked in someone's attempt of a curry.

For your classes

Scientific calculator

If you're doing any form of maths, accounts, architecture, geography, graphics or design degree, a calculator is a must. This Casio Scientific calculator will see you through the years you're at university and beyond.

Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia

You never know when you'll need a dictionary or thesaurus, and sometime the synonyms on Microsoft Word don't actually make sense in the sentence you're writing. So don't change every other word in your essay to try and make yourself sound clever... you won't. It's always useful to have these to hand, and investing in a copy of each will last a lifetime.

Voice Recorder

If you've ever turned up to a lecture hungover, you'll wish you'd have had one of these instead of relying on a pen and paper to take notes. Not only that, but they're incredibly handy for when you're doing work that involves getting quotes to include in essays or sound clips for a project. If you're a media, journalism, English or history student, you will get a lot of use out of one of these Olympus digital voice recorders.

For your house parties

Speakers

One of the best things about being at university is the socialising, and you're bound to host the pre-drinks or throw a party at some point during Fresher's Week. Some good speakers that you can plug your phone, iPod or laptop into will last for years and ensure your party is good to go. Just make sure you don't play your music too loud or too late – you don't want to fall out with your neighbours as soon as you get there.

Shot glasses

Mason jar drinking glasses are really popular at the moment, and these cute Mason Jar shot glasses are perfect for house parties. Just drink responsibly!

For your nights in

Nights in with your house mates are a great way to get to know each other, and sometimes pulling out a board game and opening a bottle of wine turns into the most fun you have. This Monopoly board can be personalised by customising the property spaces to include your names, home towns, street names and accommodation address on the board to add a personal touch.

What's at the top of your university shopping list? Let us know in the comments below and share your tips with other students!