Top 25 items to pack for the ultimate Freshers survival kit, from hangers to doorstops, revealed

GRADUATES reveal the ultimate student survival kit for this year’s cohort, including hangers for Freshers fits, a doorstop to keep things sociable and earplugs.   

A poll of 1,000 recent university alumni found that while the majority were excited to go to uni (95 per cent), 81 per cent wish they had known more about the realities of student life before stepping onto campus.

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Other must-haves included a laundry basket to prevent the inevitable floordrobe (47 per cent) and slippers to save on heating (47 per cent).

Some also recommended flip flops for shared bathrooms (37 per cent) and a stash of cold and flu meds for the inevitable fresher’s flu and beyond (43 per cent).

This is the list of essentials that grads say made uni life smoother – especially during Freshers, when over three-quarters (78 per cent) found themselves second-guessing the world around them according to the research commissioned by EXTRA.

The most common every day stressor of university which caught recent graduates off guard was keeping up with social events in their first year (34 per cent).

Whereas others were unsure which fresher’s societies to join in with (33 per cent), and 20 per cent even admitted the fear of setting off the fire alarm when cooking caused them to spiral.

The chewing gum brand partnered with student wellbeing advocate, Ben West, to provide expert insight to help normalise the nerves during those first few weeks.

He said: “These simple hacks were my go-to at uni whenever I started to spiral, helping me pause, reset, and actually live in the moment.

“Even something as small as pausing, chewing gum, or going for a walk can help.

“Starting university is such a huge and exciting step, and with just a few tools in your back pocket, you can quieten the noise and soak up everything it has to offer.”

However, it emerged that for 33 per cent the biggest adjustment they had to make with their newfound independence was managing their finances.

While 28 per cent needed to adapt to taking care of their wellbeing away from home, 31 per cent were also worried about making new friends.

Even so, 84 per cent of graduates admitted they were guilty of overthinking more everyday aspects of university life before they started.

While almost all (95 per cent) admitted that nerves and to-do lists dominated the weeks leading up to university.

Student wellbeing advocate Ben West has revealed his top tips for Freshers:

1. Inhale calm; exhale chaos – Deep breathing activates your body’s relaxation response, helping you feel grounded. Find a quiet corner and spend a few minutes breathing deeply: in for 4 seconds, out for as long as you can, then repeat. You’ll feel less panicked and more present instantly.

2. A Simple Distraction – Chewing gum can be a small, everyday habit, something familiar to reach for during a busy day. Keep a pack in your bag or pocket, and when you feel like it, pop a piece in and notice the steady rhythm of the chew.

3. Walk it off – While it may seem obvious, movement helps release feel-good chemicals in your brain, and we can often forget that getting outside does more for us than we think. So step out for a walk and quieten your thoughts, all while getting to explore your new uni, letting your surroundings pull you out of your head.

4. Tune out the overthinking – When I was overthinking at uni, I’d put the radio on or stick on a podcast. It fills the silence and directs your mental spotlight. Choose something upbeat – a podcast that makes you laugh, a playlist that reminds you of  home, or even a random radio station. Let it be the soundtrack to your reset.

5. Prioritise time with new people – Say yes to hanging out after lectures, going to Halls events or society meet-ups, and keep your door open so you can meet people naturally. The more you spend time with new people, the more you will get into your new groove.

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