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York...what now?


So, you've got your A-level results. You're going to the University of York. What happens now?

Things that happen before you arrive...

  • Get sent letter of confirmation
  • Get sent an Accommodation form for you to fill out (you'll need to post this back)
  • Get sent confirmation of accommodation and stuff about starting in October

What to take to Uni...
It’s time to start getting packing for Uni, so perhaps you’ve already found yourself straying into your nearest branch of WH Smiths and emerging with a protractor, a set square and a solar-powered calculator. But these will not help you in your English degree. What to take to university requires a little more planning, so here is a quick guide to getting ready.

A new poll from the DfES showed that 31% of past students packed too much when they went to university. Avoid their mistakes, by following the packing list below:

The Essentials

  • Stationary – writing materials as well the little things which come in useful: tacks, stamps, envelopes…
  • Kitchen equipment – if you are self-catered, remember a few pots and pans, and your bowl,
  • plate, knives, forks and spoons. Have a think about any thing you will want to bring for cooking, and a good cook book.
  • An alarm clock
  • Towels
  • Clothes – remember to pack your woolies and scarves, so you’ll be ready for the colder days as winter approaches. Also it is good to have some smarter clothes for the various balls/dinners you may wish to attend. Many students regret forgetting to bring fancy dress clothes. Bringing an outfit with you may save you the cost of putting one together once you’re here. There should be many opportunities for dressing up.
  • Pillows, duvets and sheets – a good sleep is much appreciated in the first few weeks.
  • Food – tins and packets of food last a long time
  • Some mugs/glasses for your room – enough so you won’t have to wash up every time you need a cup of tea, and so you can invite friends round for a drink
  • An extension lead – to plug in all those electricals, possibly surge protected
  • Coat hangers
  • A laundry bag or basket
  • 4 or more passport-sized photos – essential for your student ID card, library card, NUS card, etc.
  • A door stop – Make the most of welcome week, by meeting as many new people as possible. Having an open door is a great to get to know your corridor quickly, and help you to form new friendships.

Added luxuries

  • A laptop and printer– so you can work in your room as well as the library. But don’t worry too much if you just have a desktop, as campus has many computer rooms, where you can print your work.
  • A TV, DVD player & games console –And don’t forget to get a TV licence. If not, there are TV’s in the college common rooms to save you bringing your own.
  • A bike – one of the top items past students wish they had taken, and York has good cycle friendly measures in place.
  • A stock of beer and wine – for the first few nights if you’d like a drink while getting to know your new friends.
  • A camera – for recording those memories you will have with you for life.
  • Room decoration – the choice is yours! Photo’s and posters for your pinboard, although you are sure to fill this soon enough. Bring what you can from your bedroom to help you to feel quickly at home, and anything fun you think you might enjoy. Poster and plant sales are held early in the term, where you can pick up some finishing touches.

What not to pack

  • If you're staying in university accommodation, check what is already provided: no need to invest in a toaster, iron, kettle or ironing board if they are already there. Your room should already have a bin and desk lamp.
  • If you're staying in shared private accommodation, don’t invest in items for the communal area. Wait until you arrive, see what others have brought from home then club together to buy anything else you need.
  • Fancy kitchen items - such as juicers, coffee makers are likely to get damaged or stuck at the back of the cupboard.
  • Every book on your course list – you may not need them all so just focus on the essentials (the core books).  Wait until you arrive to see what you need, what you can borrow from the library and which you can get second hand to save cash.

Obviously these are only suggestions and it is completly up to you, but remember you can always see what you need once you get here and then go out and buy it in town. Your car can only take so much. But above all, enjoy! Soon you will be set up for your new and independent way of life.