No matter how confident you are, starting university is bound to be a daunting experience. A brand new city, people you’ve never met, and worst of all, cleaning your own bathroom. But you’re in luck: here you’ll find the ultimate survival guide on how to deal with whatever obstacles may come your way - be it the struggles of independent living, course blunders, or flatmates from hell.

1. A Fan AND A Thermal Blanket

It’s an age-old truth that student halls of residence are either Sahara Desert stifling, or cold enough to shock a polar bear - there’s no inbetween. If your new home-away-from-home happens to be the former, an electric fan will be a godsend. Just be prepared for all your flatmates begging to borrow it. Or if it’s Arctic, you’ll be thankful for a cosy blanket - it’ll double up as a decorative throw.

2. Cheap Alcohol

Did someone say pre-drinks? Everyone knows drinks in bars and clubs can be staggeringly overpriced, hence the student tradition of drinking before a night out. Find your nearest off-license and stock up on beer and spirits. Because nothing says ‘housewarming’ like downing own-brand vodka with people you’ve just met.

3. Cooking Skills

We’re not saying you need to become the next Gordon Ramsay, but ordering Domino’s every night will get expensive. Invest in some basic cooking equipment and brush up on a few simple, cheap recipes (you’ll probably end up living off pot noodles anyway, but it’s the thought that counts).

4. Fancy Dress

Freshers will be packed full of fancy dress events, from ‘80s to Disney. Whether you love dressing up or it’s your idea of hell, it’s a good idea to put in at least a little effort. Nothing shows you’re up for a laugh quite like a ridiculous costume; it’s guaranteed to earn you legend status. When it comes to assembling the perfect look, Primark and Magic Box will be your best friends. As an added bonus, you can reuse it for Halloween.

5. Lose the FOMO

Going out every night of Freshers week may seem like a must, but if you’re tired, anxious or simply don’t feel like it, have a night in - no matter how much your flatmates egg you on. There’ll be plenty more opportunities to make friends and socialise. Realistically, how much are you going to bond on a sweaty dance floor, where the only method of communication is yelling in each other’s ears?

6. Packing Checklist

You’ll have limited storage space, so don’t go wild and start shoving the entire contents of your bedroom into boxes. Be mindful that you’ll have to cart it all home at Christmas! Only take what you’re likely to need - and no, that doesn’t include the stuffed toys you’ve had since you were six.

7. Railcard

With visits to friends and trips home to fund, your student loan is going to wear thin. It’s definitely worth weighing up your travel options, and a Railcard is likely to save you some precious pennies in the long run. Some banks even offer them for free when you open a student account. Read: more money to spend on nights out!

8. Reading List

Believe it or not, uni isn’t all drinking games and chunder charts. You’ll have to put in at least some graft to make your nine grand worthwhile. If you’ve received a list of recommended reading materials to prep for your course, head down to your local library (yes, they exist) or have a scour on Amazon, and try to at least skim through a few of them. Alternatively, check out the university shop once you arrive for second-hand copies from previous students. After all, you don’t want to be That Person.

9. Room Decor

If you want your room to look slightly less like a prison cell, a few decorations here and there can work wonders. It doesn’t have to be anything OTT - think fairy lights, mini pot plants (providing you remember to water them), and photos of friends and family. Because let’s face it, you’re going to miss them at least a little bit.

10. Societies

Not only are they fun and enriching, societies are the one place where you’re guaranteed to have something in common with the students you meet. Whether your passion is quilting or Quidditch, you’ll find your people in a judgement-free environment. And if no society caters to your niche interest? Rope in a few friends and start your own!

11. Student Discount

Are you really going to uni if you haven’t signed up for a UniDays account? The lifesaving app gives you up to 50% discount at hundreds of major retailers, including Topshop, Adidas, PureGym, Apple, Pizza Hut and The Body Shop. It’s basically as crucial as your course textbook. You can also subscribe to discount services such as Secret Sales and Latest Free Stuff to get the best deals and voucher codes sent straight to your inbox - result!

12. Second-Hand Shops

An even better way to bargain hunt is to check out the city’s charity shops, vintage markets and boutiques. Thrifting is super-affordable as well as eco-friendly; you’re likely to find much better quality items than you would on the high street at a lower cost. What’s more, your wardrobe will be totally unique. But it’s not just for clothes - you can find second-hand textbooks and course materials at a fraction of the retail price. Thank us later.