Accommodation

Designing your university accommodation, things to pack and student discount  

YSJ Staff

Welcome to York St John!  

The countdown to Arrivals Weekend is officially on!  We can’t wait to welcome you to York St John in the following months, where moving into your student accommodation and meeting your new housemates is a major milestone of university life.  

In the meantime, there is lots to keep you occupied in preparation for the start of your student journey here at York St John. That is why our trusty Accommodation Team have opened the vault of up to seven years of knowledge of advice, tips and resources available to students before Arrivals Weekend and once they have moved into their accommodation. We hope you stick around to find out more, as we have lots of useful and interesting stuff to get through!  

Designing your university accommodation bedroom  

It is important that your university accommodation bedroom becomes a place of comfort and a great environment to study, relax and socialize whilst you live there. A key way to do this is through interior design and accessorizing, as it allows you to be creative and showcase your personality and interests.  

Our university accommodation bedrooms come in different shapes, sizes, and styles, so you’ll only see exactly what yours looks like on Arrivals Weekend. Start thinking now about how to make your space cozy and welcoming.  

  • Make a list of the non-negotiable items you need to bring with you to university and the things that you like but are not essential, or that you are able to buy once you are in York.  
  • Have a think about what you’d like to bring for your new room to feel like ‘YOU’. Are there things that you can bring from your current bedroom that will fit in your new university accommodation bedroom? Or are there new things that you feel will fit into your new student life?  
  • Take inspiration from social media and see what other students are doing. Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest are great places to start.  
  • Purchase new items, such as a cozy blanket or trendy duvet. These are functional but also a great way to add some comfort into your new bedroom.  
  • Print some photographs of your family and friends to have on display on your pin-board or in photo frames on your desk.  
  • Who said stationary wasn’t fun? Buy some new pens, storage or even a study planner to help keep you organized.  
  • Think about storing your books and the belongings that you won’t use as often in boxes that can be discreetly stored under your bed or in a cupboard so you can maximise your space.  

Top tips for packing  

  1. Keep yourself accountable and make a practical list of things that you need to bring with you to university. Section these items into areas, such as bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, so that you can keep track of things you know you will need and have noted.  
  • Tick off items once packed so you know where you are regarding your packing itinerary.  
  • Consider packing a smaller bag with essentials that you know you will need once you arrive. This is in case you do not have time to fully unpack straight away, and can assure that you will have the necessities and avoid stress.  
  • Think Practical: Bring multi-functional items like a laundry basket that doubles as a storage bin. Make sure you also bring important documents such as your ID, passport and certificates. 
  • Start early: leaving your packing until the last minute will only add more stress to a time with already enough change. Ask family members or close friends / loved ones to help if you are finding this process difficult.  
  • Start sourcing some boxes or packing equipment that will help you to move your belongings safely. Bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue paper are handy for your breakable items, so start saving them when you get deliveries. Pack Smartly: Use vacuum bags for clothes to save space, and label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier. 
  • Think about what you might need for your first study session/lecture. A bottle of water, a laptop or notebook (your preference for notetaking), a pen and anything course-specific will be useful. 
  • Make sure that you haven’t packed anything that’s too heavy to carry, especially when you might be going up and down stairs. 
  • Remember that you are packing for a whole year, not just one season. Make sure that you have packed appropriate clothing, shoes and other items which will fit in with the different seasons… regardless of how turbulent our trusty British weather is!  
  1. Don’t Overpack: Remember, you can buy many things locally, so avoid bringing items that can easily be purchased once you arrive. 

Student discount and things to consider  

Want to find out where to get the best student deals?  Here is our top list of student discount providers who are here to help you get ready for university life for less. 

1. Unidays https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB 

2. Student beans https://www.studentbeans.com/uk 

3. Save the student https://www.savethestudent.org/student-discounts 

4. TOTUM https://www.totum.com/campaigns/nus-extra-is-totum 

You can also get a discount on travel: 

A lot of the attractions and events in York will offer student discounts too so make sure that you use your card to its full extent once you have arrived in York to begin your studies.  

Most providers require registration authorization through a valid student email address. 

We would also recommend looking out for local shops that sometimes offer their own student discount, and being thrifty in vintage / charity shops which are treasure troves for a good bargain.  

Unikitout 

We have partnered with UniKitOut, the one stop shop for all your student accommodation essentials. UniKitOut have curated student starter kits which include all of the basic items needed when living in university student accommodation. From bedding, kitchen and bathroom essentials, order now & use our discount code YORKSJ10 to save 10% on your order:  

https://www.unikitout.com/?partner=York%20St%20John%20University

To find our more information about on how to adjust living in a student accommodation, read Amelie’s blog on settling into university accommodation.