#UoNSUWelcome2019

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Packing for University

Written by Shanai Momi, English Graduate from University of Nottingham. 

Preparing for the big move to University can be daunting and difficult, especially when it comes to knowing which items to take and which to leave behind! To help you, we’ve drawn up a handy university packing list of the top 12 things you should consider bringing.

Ethernet cable 

An essential piece of kit that makes sure your internet connection is more reliable. It connects your laptop to a modem or router to provide a solid internet link – so you’re not just relying on Wi-Fi. If there comes a time when the Wi-Fi drops you’ll be very glad to have your Ethernet cable! 

Extension lead

University rooms often have two or three sockets but you’ll probably need a few more. An extension lead is a great investment, and it may only cost around £5 from Wilkos. It’s so worth it as you’ll save so much time. 

Just remember to stay safe and not add too many plugs!

External hardrive

As someone whose laptop stopped working in their final year (nightmare!), I would recommend purchasing a portable hardrive to back up your work. Although pricey (mine was £50), they can store all of your degree work, family photos, and more. Definitely a worthwhile investment!

Door stop

Probably one of the most important things you can bring to uni! Use it during Welcome Week to help you meet new people; others are likely to pop in to say hello if your door is open. They’re probably slightly relieved to not have to pluck up the courage and knock on your door – you already seem warm and welcoming!

Smart Clothing

Perhaps you want to get a part-time job during University. Or maybe you’re preparing for potential summer jobs. Either way, it’s best to take one formal outfit that can be used in interviews. It’s never too early to be thinking about life beyond University!

Mugs 

Your bedroom may be the place to get some respite from University life but once you settle in, you’ll want to invite friends over. Having a few spare mugs (and maybe a handful of biscuits) ready will come in handy.

Cushions

You’ll be spending a lot of time at your desk studying, so you should be as comfortable as possible. Your favourite cushions will not only make you super comfy, they’ll also brighten the room and make you feel more at home.

Photos

Displaying photos of your loved ones will help you feel at ease and settle in. You’ll be reminded of the support you have back home during lonelier times and it’s a great talking point. 

Tupperware

Buy a Boots meal deal? Fancy a quick Starbucks? These daily treats will soon break your student loan balance. Invest in some Tupperware and pre-prepare some snacks for lectures and seminars. Trust me – this will save you a small fortune that can be better used for socials. 

Letter or document with your address

On your first day you’ll register with your local GP. A letter with your home address on it is essential so be sure to pack this one! 

Flip-flops/slides

Unless you’re extremely lucky to get an en suite bathroom, you’re likely to share these facilities with several other students. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, flip-flops or slides will be your new best friend. Taking them to the bathroom and showers will save you a lot of pain. You can thank me later.

Drying rack

University accommodation often provide washing machines and dryers at a small cost for each load. By bringing a small drying rack, you can dry your clothes in your room – and save yourself some cash. And it doesn’t have to take up too much space.

If you’ve forgotten to pack anything – don’t worry! You can buy most things from nearby shops or collected from home another time. Write a list of the things you need to take and get packing!

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Homesickness: How to cope

Written by Athena Potsos, a fourth year MEng Chemical Engineering student at the University of Nottingham.

University is an exciting place: you get to meet new people, learn new things… But these happy feelings are almost always found with homesickness lurking in the dark. As an international student, when I’m in the lecture hall, sitting with my friends, smiling, having a good time, I’m still 3,700 miles (6,000 km) away from home. Away from my friends, my parents, my brother, my baby sister, my dogs and my home. It’s tough, seeing my sister grow up when I’m on the other side of the Atlantic. But that homesickness doesn’t bother me anymore, and it shouldn’t bother you.

What to do when you feel homesick

Accept it

The first step in overcoming homesickness isn’t ignoring it, or thinking that it’s wrong. It’s accepting the fact that it’s a completely normal response. Whether you’re from Nottingham or from New Zealand, or anywhere in between, your homesickness is valid. It’s a normal human response, so don’t hide it: understand and accept it. Accept the fact that a lot has just changed. That the life you were used to has just been thrown upside down. The feelings you are experiencing are to be expected. 

Stay in touch 

The next step is to find a way to connect back home. Today we have loads of options: Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and plenty more. All of these services let us talk to the ones we love and miss back home.

Home doesn’t seem so far away when I’m chatting with my family on Thanksgiving, or saying hello to all my relatives when Easter rolls around. Staying connected is super important, so don’t forget it!

Make friends

Another great way to curb your homesickness is to find others in your situation. One of my best friends is also an international student and we’ve bonded over it many times. Just remember that anyone could be in this situation, not just those far from home. Just find someone who may also be struggling and say hi.

If you’re still finding it hard, go out and find a sports group or society to join. It’s often said that a good way to deal with homesickness is to keep busy. By engaging in positive activities, you may begin to see that the homesickness gets easier and easier. There are loads of opportunities at Nottingham, and a lot of the people you'll interact with have been in your shoes before and understand how you feel.

Give yourself time

Finally, if you've done all those things and still have trouble, just give it time. It will get better. Take time to get used to the changes in your life and you'll soon make friends and get into the routine of lectures. I know it may sound impossible and the homesickness feels like it'll never go away, but I promise you it will.

I still remember my first night here in Nottingham on my own. I felt scared, regretful, like I should just pack everything up and go home. To be honest though, I'm so glad I stayed. I've had one of the best experiences of my life, being here at Uni. I've learnt so many new things and have found friends with whom I can truly be myself. You should be so proud that you've made it this far, so get out there and make your mark! If you need a helping hand you can find support here.