Top 8 Freshers essentials you didn’t know you needed

This week, thousands of young people are headed to university for the first time to enjoy Freshers.

For many teenagers in the UK, freshers week, and university in general, is a right of passage where you’ll meet new people, expand your worldview, and maybe have one too many alcoholic beverages…

Those first tastes of freedom away from mum and dad can be exhilarating, but it is also a new challenge which can prove difficult for some.

Luckily, online Marketplace OnBuy.com has created a list of eight items every new university student needs.

From doorstops, to show your flatmates how sociable you are, to mini fridges, to ensure they don’t nick your milk, below are the top freshers items you didn’t realise you needed.

Rechargeable Reading Lamp

In between the bar crawls and UV parties, it’s likely you’ll actually have to do some studying (urgh) at university.

This rechargeable reading lamp is perfect for burning the midnight oil. The collapsible neck is flexible, meaning you can read in bed or at a desk, and the fully charged battery has a long life – perfect for those last minute deadlines!
Geepas LED Desk Lamp | Rechargeable Reading Lamp, £14.99 – buy from OnBuy
Laundry Basket

Let’s be honest, when it comes to issues of tidiness, students do not have the best reputation.

Whether it is unwashed bed sheets, dirty pans soaking in the sink, or clothes littering a bedroom floor, students are stereotypically messy.

With this grey fabric wash bin, even if you haven’t been to the laundrette for weeks, you can preserve an air of tidiness and hide your dirty clothes. Another win for the lazy man.
90L Large Folding Laundry Basket, £10.59 – buy from OnBuy
Doorstop

Amidst all the chaos and noise of freshers, it can actually be a very lonely experience for some.

Being away from old friends and family for the first time, and thrust into a new and daunting environment, can be challenging.

One top tip to help make new friends is to prop open your bedroom door. That way, when any flatmates walk past, they’ll stop for a chat, and it shows you are a sociable person.

This heavy hippo doorstop is cute and practical – perfect for any student moving into halls.
Large Fabric Hippo Novelty Door Stop, £8.49 – buy from OnBuy
Trainspotting Poster

Have you ever seen Danny Boyle’s 1996 film Trainspotting? Yes? No? It doesn’t really matter, because this poster is a student staple.

A Pulp Fiction poster is also acceptable, but this is the classic.

Impress your new flatmates with your edginess, and decorate your plain walls at the same time. But most importantly, choose life.
Trainspotting Poster, £7.54 – buy from OnBuy
Headphones

One of the worst things about living in halls is how noisy everyone can be.

Sometimes, when your housemates are wanting to party, you’ll be finishing an essay, revising for a big exam, or simply wanting a quiet night in.

These headphones can help block out any unwanted noise, while you listen to music or watch TV.

And they’re wireless, meaning you can lounge on your bed and watch TV from your laptop, and have a hefty twelve hours battery life.
August EP636 Bluetooth Headphones, £34.95 – buy from OnBuy
Bluetooth Speaker

On the flip side, there will be times when you’ll want to pump up the volume and party with friends.

This soundbar Bluetooth speaker has dual built-in subwoofers, so you can blast the bass, and is lightweight with an ultra-long 25 hour battery capacity – meaning you can crank it up at house parties!

ENACFIRE SoundBar Portable Wireless Speaker, £21.99 – Buy from OnBuy

Mini Fridge

Student halls are notorious territory for milk and cheese thieves.

You know the type – flatmates that will never do a weekly shop, yet always seem to be enjoying a milky coffee or cheesy pasta.

While some will mark their territory with post it notes, this system is fallible. Protect your milk (and store any late night study snacks) in this handy mini fridge. Great for your bedroom

4L Portable Mini Fridge, £34.99 – buy from OnBuy

Walkers 60 pack of Crisps

Perfect for late night snacking, whether coming in from a night out, or cramming for an exam, this bottomless pack of Walkers Crisps will keep you sustained for a long time!

With a mixture of Quavers, Wotsits, and Mega Monster Munch there is great variety

Walkers 60 Pack Snack Mix, £15.95 – Buy from OnBuy

Beer Pong

A quintessential student drinking game, beer pong is a great way to socialise with new people.

Brilliant for flat warming parties and pre-drinks, this beer pong set includes 12 red cups and 3 ping pong balls.

Buy maybe invest in some kitchen roll as well, in case of spillages!

Original Adult Drinking Game Beer Pong Set, £4.99 – buy from OnBuy