What is a placement year?
Maria and her friends decided to spend their third year on a work placement. Here Maria explains what that can involve.
by Maria Clark
Packing for university is one of those events where you don’t quite know where to start. Do you need a toaster? How much stuff can you actually fit in your room?
I think it’s inevitable that every student arrives at their new accommodation with enough things to keep their entire flat going. But do you really need that second spatula? Or the extra-large baking dish, just in case you magically become a master chef overnight? Here’s a list of things that I found I needed at university, and the things that I really, really didn’t…
At Lancaster, all bedrooms are already equipped with a bed, a wardrobe, desk and chair and a bookshelf.
In the kitchens, there are cookers (ovens and hobs), fridges, freezers, a microwave, kettle, toaster, vacuum cleaner, iron and ironing board. The facilities will differ depending on the accommodation type, but you really won’t need that toaster. I promise.
So, what do you need? I’ve split the list below into different categories, and what you’ll need and what you might not. Of course, this isn’t exhaustive - but it’ll put you on the right track!
This will really depend on whether you are Parisian chef-standard, or planning to live off takeaways!
Make sure you buy easily identifiable cutlery and crockery (e.g. with a particular pattern). It might also be a good idea to add a touch of colour, or paint the end with nail polish, as knives and forks may go missing!
In my kitchen last year, we had four rice cookers, two graters and a single bread knife. If you can, coordinate with your flatmates on what to bring, or you can wait and find out what you’ll need once you get to Lancaster, it’s definitely something to consider!
Don’t buy fitted sheets. Just don’t.
Yes, you do actually have to think about the degree aspect of university. Depending on how you like to study, this will vary, but do consider what you pack. For example, I’m an English student, but I still packed…my scientific calculator? Unsurprisingly, I never used it.
A lot of students think that they have to buy their own printers before coming to university, but with printing facilities all across campus, why would you?
I’m not going to dictate your fashion choices, but it is important to consider every occasion. Not so you pack hundreds of clothes, but just so you don’t pack seven different pairs of shoes for clubbing and then forget your waterproof…
Bring a pair of slippers. You might not wear slippers at home, but in a shared kitchen, it really ought to be a requirement.
This bit is really up to you. Some things are essential, but this will depend on your own needs and requirements.
Everyone says to bring a pack of cards to university, but don’t bother. Somebody else is bound to have one, and if not, you can simply go into town.
You may have noticed that I’ve missed off some significant things from the list, such as food and other toiletries. This is simply because you can buy all these things when you arrive. Plan ahead, and consider what you will actually need in the first few days and whether you can do a food shop when you arrive. If not, absolutely - but just remember, the more stuff you bring, the more you have to fit into your room!
Take advantage of the university’s "Don’t Ditch It, Donate It" scheme. This is where previous students donate items that they no longer need (e.g. kitchenware, electrical appliances, non-perishable food items) for others to use. The scheme is located on the campus itself in various locations and more information is available on arrival. I got an extra set of coat hangers from the scheme, whilst others got extra pots and pans, so it’s definitely worth having a look!
Good luck!