Students – Everything You Need to Survive the First Term
Whether you’re brand new or returning for a second or third year, getting yourself packed up and ready for the new term is always a nightmare. From clothes and bedding to books, books and did we mention books? It’s easy to focus on the things you’ve been sent lists for and forget a few of the essentials that you’ll really miss.
Consider this the piece that’s missing from all your other intro info – a guide to personal hygiene and cosmetic essentials for your time in the halls.
Most student accommodation is relatively small, so making sure you have what you need before adding any extras is really important.
The Essentials
These are the bits you absolutely need to stay clean and healthy.
- Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene is important for health as well as comfort. Infections and gum disease can be very painful and unpleasant to treat and maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene is the best way to avoid this. Regular use of a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash (whatever you regularly use for oral hygiene) will ensure your mouth is clean and free of debris.
- Hair
Although this one doesn’t apply to everyone, for those who have hair, keeping it clean and tidy is important, especially when living in crowded accommodation, to prevent unpleasant smells and identify any outbreaks of headlice. A hairbrush or comb along with shampoo and conditioner, and any manageability products, like oils and creams, for afro and European hair, should be enough.
- Face
The skin on your face is more exposed than most of the other skin you have and keeping it clean and moisturised will help stop spots, dry patches, flaky skin and redness. If you use make up, taking it off before bed and washing and moisturising your face will help prevent the make up clogging your pores and resulting in spots. Cleanser, toner and moisturiser are essentials.
- Body
Keeping your body clean and hygienic will help you stay healthy and feel good. Living in cramped halls can amplify body odour as there are so many bodies in there and these collective odours can make for a depressing atmosphere. On top of this, dirty skin is more prone to infection, so clean skin really is healthier for you.
Regular (at least daily) use of body wash and moisturiser will keep you clean. Deodorant is also a great help and is now available in varieties to suit every walk of life.
Once you have the essentials in place, you can start looking at the extras, like fragrances, hair- or beard-styling products or nail polishing kits, but those essentials really are just that, and you’re sure to miss them if you try to go without.
