10 Things You Shouldn't Take to University

But wait, we know that flying the safety of your parental nest is pretty terrifying, and can be an extremely daunting experience for most of us, don't rush to make sure you take everything from home. In fact, you probably won't be able to fit in all of your homely comforts in your new student digs! 

Our advice? Don't fall into the *just incase* trap. It's a parent's go-to saying for when you're packing to be away from home for a little while. Wellies? *Just incase* it rains profusely. Roller blades? *Just incase* you decide to blade to and from your lectures... 

So while you're making a very long list of items to take to university, here's what you shouldn't take and most probably definitely don't need.

1. Your favourite teddy bear
While the thought of leaving your favourite Mr Snuggles behind at home might be scary... Okay, it's okay to bring him as long as you hide him under your pillow or bed only to appear when you're in a time of emotional turmoil or feeling unwell. But the reality is kids, you'll want to be learning to stand on your own two feet at university. And that includes preventing yourself relying on the soothing tones and feels of your inner kid and parental nest. 

2. A mini fridge
Unless you're planning on being so socially introverted that you will not appear from your bedroom except for going to and from your lectures, then you'll probably find taking a mini fridge completely pointless and a waste of space. You don't want to be known as the hermit that lives next door. And even if the thought of your milk touching another roommate's grubby milk carton, suck it up... The kitchen and shared space of any accommodation is for the purpose of socialising and making potential life-long friends. So drag yourself out of bed and socialist on a Sunday morning.

---

You might also be interested in:

• Your guide on what to take to university
• How to get work experience in Dubai
• You're in your final year, how do you plan what to do next?

---

3. ALL of your boots, coats and swimwear...
Quite frankly, you're packing for only one term at university. There is definitely NO need to pack all of your seasonal clothing; that includes bikini's, wellies, raincoats, duffle coats, leather coats, roller blades, sun hats and whatever else you may own. Chances are you'll be able to go home after a few weeks or months and replenish your items, take to/from things you have needed or might need. Remember, don't fall into *just incase*.

4. A toastie maker
Because it's just unsightly when all of you refuse to clean it and it's a fire hazard when used unsupervised. Just use your oven's grill!

5. Books you read for pleasure
Let's face it, you won't have to time sit and read for pleasure. And you'll be so sick of the sight of books by the time you've finished your first three assignments that you won't want to read that copy of Game of Thrones you've been meaning to. Why not save your leisurely, enjoyable reading for when you have chance to relax, at home or even when you're travelling anywhere. We recommend not wasting space in your suitcase or bedroom.

6. Wine glasses
Unfortunately, as a student you're not quite at that age of adulthood where it's required to drink wine or bubbly from a wine glass at a fancy, posh restaurant. There's no need to take up cupboard space with fancy wine glasses; you'll be the only one with them, therefore the only one who has to share them out, therefore the only one that will have just one intact glass left when all of your roommates have either broken them or thieved them. 

7. Candles
Now this is a huge no, no in general. Why? 1) Because we're pretty sure your accommodation or landlord will have banished all use of candles while living in the property because of point 2) they're a fire hazard. And there's nothing worse than the thought of a bunch of students getting a little too merry on a evening and accidentally leaving the candle to burn. Just don't, there's no point. 

---

SEE ALSO: Our extensive guide to universities and tertiary courses in Dubai

---

8. Every piece of fancy dress clothing you own
It's no secret that students love a good themed night out, but there's no need to take every piece of *potentially could be used as fancy dress* clothing that you own. After all, the basics are cheap as chips and there's always a toga party, Smurf or cowboys themed nights. Go with a basic, bed sheet, blue paint or cowboy hat and you're good for the year. Nobody will care about how much effort you put into last year's Gandalf outfit for Halloween back home. 

9. A rug
No doubt your place will already be carpeted, and it will only collect crumbs, hair and you'll probably trip on it while you're staggering blindly to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

10. A clothes horse/drying rack
It takes up too much time, everyone will want to put theres on it and there will no doubt be dryers on site at your accommodation.