Hail all,

Category: Opinion.

As many of you know, I currently attend a small University campus in the hope of gaining the grades and the experience necessary to enter a full-blown University. I've made my full application, as well as applications for Scholarships and Residency. Now, I started looking for lists of what to take to University, but couldn't find any - not really. So I decided to work with the list the Government provides on the Safe Traveller website, and modified it for my own use. I've added what I need, and why I need it besides each item. I'm probably missing things, so I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Especially if you've been to or are attending Uni. I'm sure I can pick up most, if not all these items at the on campus shop/s, probably at inflated prices. So, here's my preperation list for what to get/have before I go. Here's the list, in no particular order:

1. Laptop. Handy to have, these. Not only are they good for watching DVD's, playing games or browsing the Internet, but, you know - you can actually do Assignments on them as well!
2. MP3 Player. Another good and multi-purpose item. You could record your lecture for playback later, use it with some speakers to become a semi-stereo system, chill out with music, keep it as a mini-hard-drive, use it as an alarm clock...
3. Phone. Social necessity here. MP3 player and phone can be combined as one unit as well. Necessary for callouts by friends, good as a personal night light in a shared room, a way to get out of awkward situation...
4. Batteries. Not only do you need a charger for your phone, MP3 Player, Laptop etc, but you need to be sure they can be charged at other times. Batteries are handy for when times are tough.
5. DVD's. And a DVD folder for them. Relatively small, and smaller if you keep them in a folder, these can be shared freely, and are a great way to unwind.
6. Posters, wall coverings. Lets face it - some of those rooms are small, basic and have no flavour. Putting up a picture or photo or something makes it a bit more personal.
7. Mouse, Mousepad. Because, if you're using a laptop, you need a decent mouse. And a mousepad for that mouse.
8. Blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow case. Maybe not necessary in all Unis, I don't need all this stuff, but good to have your own items. Sometimes Uni's provide this, or rent it, but usually you need your own items.
9. Shoes. And a good variety as well. Two pairs of running shoes (one for every day, one for sport), some thongs (flip-flops), slippers and at least one good (nice) pair of shoes.
10. Notebooks. For something to write in. Notebooks allow you to rip out pages easily, they present better than normal exercise books, and are good to have. Probably will go through a few of these.
11. Sports Drink Bottle. Good when you're doing some physical activity, but also just more convenient than a glass. You can have these on your bed and watch a movie and not worry about it falling over. Having 2 would be a good idea.
12. Torch/Flashlight. Power might go out, and I prefer Torches than Candles. Unless I have a companion...
13. Breath mints. Just grab them and go. I usually have one every day. Can be bought in large bundles.
14. Aftershave/Perfume. Just like your breath, you don't want your odor to be bad. This will help. Which leads to...
15. Toiletries. Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, razors, shaving cream and half a dozen other things. And a bag to carry them into the shower with you.
16. Socks. The more the merrier. White cotton socks are good, but get some footy socks (thick wool) as well. I'm taking 10 pairs at least.
17. Underwear. Like Mr Bean, one for each day is a good idea. Having a few spare helps, and some nice ones for when you're getting undressed with another person is a good idea as well. So, I'm taking at least 10 pairs.
18. Condoms. If you're getting undressed, you're probably having sex. Condoms are a good idea then.
19. String. Handy to have around, for a variety of reasons.
20. Shot glasses/ spare glasses. Most Residences provide glasses, but having some decent shot glasses is a good idea as well. And having a couple spare glasses might help, can't always drink out of the drink bottle.
21. Stickytape. As with string, can be used for a lot of things.
22. Clothes. Jeans are a staple of the Uni environment. I'll be taking at least 6 pairs - a mix of denim and black. On top of this, at least 5 t-shirts, 5 button shirts, 5 polo shirts, 4 jackets, 4 jumpers, 2 tracksuits, and some sporting clothes.
23. Multi-vitamins, medicine. Multi-vitamins are handy if you're low on some dietry requirement, and medicine is a requirement. Panadol, Panadeine, Aspirin, Cough Medicine - I'll be stocking up on all these things before I go.
24. Washing Powder. I'll have to wash my clothes on ocassion, so I'll be needing this.
25. Iron. I'm not sure if my Uni provides this, but will probably be useful to have this anyway.
26. Beer Stein. Good for beer. I have a few, but I'll be picking up a better one soon. Good to take to bars, etc. Good conversation starter as well.
27. Pots and Pans. If the Uni doesn't provide (mine doesn't) - you'll be needing these. At least 2 pots and 2 pans, and probably a baking tray.
28. Sunglasses/Hats. At least 2 of each. I prefer the wide brim country style hats, such as Akubra, but for when Im doing sports, a baseball cap will suffice. Good UV certified sunglasses will be handy, black frame for me.
29. Cutlery. Unless your residence provides (mine doesn't) - you need these. I'll be taking at least 4 forks, 4 spoons, 4 teaspoons, 4 knives, 4 sharp knives, 2 large sharp knives, metal spoon, 2 wooden spoons, 2 egg lifters, spatula, 2 tongs, 2 vegetable peelers, a bottle opener, bread board and a few other small things.
30. Plates/Dishes. To go with the cutlery, you'll be needing something for your food to store in. I'll be taking at least four dinner plates, four bread plates, four mugs, four coffee cups, four glasses, four bowls, 2 large bowls, a strainer bowl and a few other small things.
31. Calculator. And preferably a good one, even a programmable one. Sometimes these are banned from tests and such though, so I'll need to check what I'm allowed to bring.
32. Post-it notes. I already use these with my study. Great to draw attention to your notes, or something of particular note. Good for reminders as well.
33. Food. Hey, if you can get your family to help you get started, you're halfway there. I'll be taking at least 4 kilos of rice and noodles with me, a kilo of sugar, and about 100 ready made sauces. I'll pick up meat and vegetables later.
34. Teapot. An extragence, this - but I like teapots. Especially fancy ones you're not embarassed by.
35. Sponge with the soap liquid in the handle. These are the best and easiest way to wash up. You use less liquid, less water, and the sponges are cheap and interchangeable, saving money as well.
36. Wallet. Preferably with a lot of money in it. Also, credit card, I.D, Debit card, student card, and other necessities. And maybe a small pencil or pen and writing pad to jot down small things as I need to.
37. Bicycle/Motorbike. I'll be getting one or the other as well. Likely the former, as it's cheaper. Very cheap and easy form of transport, and usually campuses provide bike parking for free or low cost.
38. Pencils, Pens, Shapeners, Erasers, Rulers. Will be needing all these items and then some. And some spares. And something to hold it all in.
39. Alarm Clock/Clock. Good for telling the time, of course, lol. But also good for getting up on time.
40. Permanent Markers. So I can mark my items in the fridge.
41. Hankies. Better and cheaper than tissues.
42. Blu Tak. For putting posters and photos on the walls without marking them.
43. Passport photos, spare I.D. In case you get mugged or need to make a new I.D quick.
44. Backpack/sports bag/suitcase on wheels. I'll probably be needing all these things. Backpack for most every day use and good when Im riding the bike. Sports bag for when Im doing sports. Suitcase with wheels for when I need to carry heavy stuff, like a case of beer.
45. Drying rack. You can never depend upon a communal clothesline. Stuff gets stolen, people forget clothes and it's full for ages while you need fresh linen... etc.
46. Power Strips. I'll be lucky if I get 2 electrical outlets. If you need to have several items charged, probably a good idea to have one or two of these.
47. External Hard Drive. So you can do all your downloading somewhere free and save up your data cap for your work.
48. Maps. Probably will need at least one for the Uni, and another for the nearby town.
49. Paperwork. All the class details, residence details, etc. I'll be needing these.
50. And finally.... Stapler. And staples. Preferably a good quality one, like that from The Office.

Seems like I have a heck of a shopping list. :)

Cheers,

Saga.