University is going to be expensive enough as it is, so you don’t want to go buying unnecessary items before you head off for your first term. The money that you save before you head off to uni, will be much better used once you are at university.

Here is a list of things that you really don’t need to buy before going to uni- they’re expensive, and they’ll be a pain to move when you need to move out of halls after your first year. And if you really need something once you move in? You can buy it.

• Brand new textbooks

New textbooks for your course can cost a crazy amount of money! However the good news is that you can often buy lots of your required textbooks at a seriously discounted price, by buying them second hand.

As soon as you are notified of the textbooks that you’ll need, head to Amazon and eBay to find them second hand. Once you get to uni, there is also likely to be a second hand book shop in your university town, or even on campus. This is a brilliant place to go to pick up the textbooks that you might need at a fraction of the cost.

• All the kitchen gadgets

Your student halls are likely to come fully fitted with a kettle, microwave and toaster- you don’t need to buy these gadgets unless your tenancy contract states otherwise.

Likewise with other cookware- all you need is some cheap cutlery, a couple of plates and bowls, and basic cooking equipment like pots and pans, a chopping board and knife, and a can opener. Anything else that you need once you’re there can be bought from a local store.

• New clothes

You don’t need to impress your new flatmates with your wardrobe- what you have in your wardrobe already will be completely fine!

And if you really want something different to wear? Head to eBay or Depop to buy something second hand at a snip of the full price.

• New homeware

You don’t need to decorate your new room with all the bells and whistles. Sure, bring things from home that make your room feel like your own, but it’s not necessary to go all out with new cushions, throws and fancy candles.

• Fancy dress clothes

Let’s be honest, at uni there will be a lot of fancy dress nights. Perhaps you might even know what the themes will be for freshers week before you get there. But that doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a load of brand new fancy dress outfits.

Chances are, your outfit will get covered in beer anyway and you’ll get rid of all of your fancy dress stuff after your third year.

Keep costs down and use what you already have, and if something really niche comes along you can always get creative with some cardboard!

• Expensive alcohol

Coming to uni with fancy bottles of alcohol is not necessary. Instead, you can ask your flatmates if they’d like to come with you on a booze run to your local shop- it’s bonding!

• Lots of stationery

Fancy stationery will not be needed at uni- all you need is a couple of notepads and some pens. Maybe some post-it notes and a highlighter.

Everything else can be done on your laptop and you’ll be grateful nothing is written on paper when you get round to writing your coursework!

• A printer

Every university will have more than adequate printing facilities so it’s absolutely not necessary to buy a printer of your own. It’s just one more bulky thing that will take up space in your room!

• A TV

No one brings a TV to uni- that’s what your laptop is for! Often there will be a shared TV supplied in the lounge area of your student flat, but check your contract beforehand if this is something you are concerned about.

Your laptop is more than adequate for streaming Netflix, Amazon Prime and more.