Fancy 10% off? Get that, plus more exclusive rewards when you join Sparks

WHAT TO BRING TO COLLEGE

M&S enterprise graduate Roxy Ryan shares top tips about what to bring to college and how to make the most of your first year




What should be on every student’s must-pack college checklist?

Having at least the basic kitchen essentials will make cooking much more enjoyable, and you can never have enough glasses for when people come to yours for pre-drinks. It’s a good idea to have spares of bed linen and towels in case the washing machine is being used when you need it.

How can you make your dorm room more homely?

I strung up photographs of friends and family from home on fairy lights. I had lots of soft blankets and throw pillows and brought a diffuser that smelt like home. It’s also a good idea to have an air bed for when friends from home visit.


What’s not obvious but worth taking to your college apartment?

I’m the biggest over-packer and moving to college was no exception. Storage in college dorms is normally quite tight, so any storage hacks you can use like boxes under the bed or in-wardrobe shoe hangers will help you squeeze in everything you need in an organised way.

Anything you took but didn’t use?

For some reason I thought I needed to take a coffee machine. I probably used it twice before packing it up and leaving it to gather dust under my bed. No first-year student has time to be cleaning those things between lectures and nights out.

Any advice for a first-year student?

You get out of college what you put in. So, get out of your comfort zone – try new things, meet new people and say yes. It’s easy to stay in your room, but that’s not going to give you the best years of your life!


Words: Roxy Ryan

THE SCHOOL SHIRT WITH SUPERPOWERS

This easy-iron school shirt is our best invention yet 

Get it now 

GIVE PERIOD PANTIES A GO

Must-have underwear to help reduce waste 

Tell me more 

THE ULTIMATE SUIT GUIDE 

How to find the perfect fit and style 

See & shop 
Ways to pay
Spread the cost
M&S

Just Tap and 'Add to Home Screen'

Exit
M&S

Speed up your shopping experience by adding M&S to your home screen!