Leaving home to go to college? Eoin Lyons advises those new to the flat-share on what to beg, borrow and - if you must - buy.
While it would be fun to go on a spending spree to celebrate your entry to college, you probably have enough financial outgoings to deal with, not least of which might be your first rent payments. So, before you make a college shopping list, poke around the house and take stock of what you already have. Get the go-ahead to do an internal search and collect anything that might be handy. If you can improvise with a few things from under your own roof, your parents might be more likely to finish off the rest of your shopping list.
BEDROOM: Aside from items you'd never leave behind - computer, CD collection and television - you'll want to pack your alarm clock and that favourite, comfy pillow. Things like posters, family photos and your own bedspread will also make your new place feel more like home.
HOT PRESS: You'll need to bring a few towels, washcloths and blankets. Try for at least two sets of sheets. If you don't want to take them from home, reasonably good quality and inexpensive plain white sheets can be bought at Dunnes Stores countrywide.
Ask your parents if you can take a few of those mismatched mugs, dishes and utensils off their hands.
UTILITY ROOM: Snag some detergent and a spare laundry basket.
GARAGE: Got a bike? Get it ready to roll, and invest in a good, strong lock. A bike is always handy in the city. Track down second-hand models in Duff Discount Cycles at Santry Shopping Centre, Dublin, or Victoria Cross Cycles, Cork.
WARDROBE: Leave summer outfits at home until spring - storage space is limited in most flats or apartments.
NEW HOME ESSENTIALS