Everything they need to know about university...and more!

COME every mid-September, British motorways are full of anxious parents driving their excited teenagers to university – they’re easily spotted by the duvet obscuring the entire rear window.

But if you can’t take them, try to find someone who can, or appeal on social media for anyone going their way who’ll take them in exchange for some petrol money – students really need a lot of stuff, so driving is by far the easiest way to get them to college.

But if there’s no one, don’t worry. They can buy much of what they need on arrival (tell them to be quick or it might sell out). Alternatively, courier companies can always deliver.

SO WHAT SHOULD THEY TAKE?

LET’S face it, if most teenagers were left to pack for university on their own, they’d only take their mobile phone. So a little encouragement behind the scenes is needed.

Get them to check what their halls of residence provide or what their flatmates are bringing to rented accommodation, so they don’t double up.

If not provided, they’ll need a kettle and toaster (most students also swear by a sandwich maker) but if they want them in their room, first check university rules – some ban them while others require they be PAT tested before arrival).

Those cooking will need a small and large saucepan and frying pan, plus a sharp knife, chopping board (plastic is best for weight and size) and tin opener to prepare food. Vegetable peelers and corkscrews are also handy, as are a fish slice and wooden spoon.

For crockery, they’ll need plates, bowls and mugs – two of each, in case of breakage. The same with cutlery – they can’t get away without knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons. Buy cheap – things go walkabout at uni. And don’t forget a tea towel!

FOR THE BEDROOM

MANY students make the mistake of taking a hard-sided suitcase for their clothes – get them a soft one, as they’ll need to to be able to store it in a small space. For bedding they’ll need a duvet and pillow(s) – with two duvet covers, pillow cases and bed sheets, so they can be washed. And a laundry bag with handles, so they can lug it to the nearest laundrette.

If not already provided, they’ll need a desk lamp. A small sewing kit is useful, as is a first-aid kit – make sure it contains painkillers, plasters and cold remedies, in case they get the dreaded ‘freshers’ flu’ that does the rounds every year.

DO THEY NEED NEW TECH?

SOME universities insist on Windows-compatible equipment, so double-check first, otherwise their normal laptop should be fine. A printer is handy, as queues at uni facilities can be long, extension cables are useful and USB memory sticks vital, to back up work. Remind them to take easily forgotten charging leads or docking stations for mobiles and tablets, Bluetooth speakers for music and noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the heavy metal inevitably playing next door.

ANYTHING ELSE?

GET together all their university confirmation correspondence, their passport and driver’s licence, and make sure they take it with them, just in case. Other easily forgotten things include contact lenses/solution and any prescription medication.

Of course, toiletries are needed and, if they’re sharing halls showers, they’ll be grateful for a pair of flip-flops.

Any stationery they used regularly during A levels should be taken, as well as a small rucksack to cart their laptop, books and papers around campus.