I remember my A level results day, finding out I’d got into the university that I wanted to and rushing off to celebrate over food.
Realising that I was definitely moving into my student apartment a month later and then it dawning on me that I should probably buy pans.
Like many students, I’d heard all about how you need to buy yourself forks and bedding and your own toilet roll.
But nobody had warned me about the small comforts that make the difference between a house (or flat) and a home.
The little things that ‘grown-ups’ just always seem to have in abundance.
Wilko have lots of things that make that difference, so I’m here to point a few of them out.
It’s worth pointing out that a lot of student accommodation buildings don’t allow candles – they’re a fire risk – so it’s probably worth avoiding them (even if they do smell great).
Mugs – £8
Matching mugs make any kitchen space seem that bit more sophisticated
(Image: Jada Jones)
Yes, the Sports Direct mug that is bigger than your face is seemingly a university staple. Nobody really remembers how it ended up there but it did.
It’s too big to be practical, you rarely finish your drink before it’s gone cold but what’s the alternative?
Now, when you find yourself going home or headed over to visit your ‘fancy’ friend, you might notice that they have mugs of a more reasonable size and that they also match .
It’s the little things like this that make the difference, and your new flat mates will all feel very sophisticated if you fancy sharing.
Jada Jones is one of The Review Club’s expert reviewers.
The Reviews Club brings together the UK’s biggest experts to review products and services in an honest and in-depth manner.
She specialises in books, food (excluding dairy – so she knows a lot of the best vegan alternatives), drinks and homeware.
You can find her over on @JadaJonesTweets where she is likely to be excitedly chirping about a book she read and is often up for a chat about any of her reviews.
Wilko have a set of four mugs for just £8, which is not a lot to pay to feel that little bit more grown up when you’re making yourself a cup of tea at home.
I really like these, specifically the ones with the speckled white inside. Although each mug is distinctly unique, they clearly work well together.
You can get your hands on these mugs and make your student accommodation feel that little bit more homely by buying them here.
Rating: 5/5
Blankets (£8)
This blanket is perfect for snuggling up on cosy evenings
(Image: Jada Jones)
It really is the little things, I am a big fan of snuggling under a blanket with a book so when I went to university I actually remembered to bring some.
I know that this is definitely not the case, as when visiting friends I noticed that a lot of people didn’t anticipate colder weather making a difference to the inside of where they’re living.
As a result, blankets were few and far between. It’s only something small but it makes all the difference on cosy evenings or if you have a friend stay over.
We’ve all seen the memes of using literally anything to keep warm on impromptu sleepovers – don’t be that friend who makes their guests use the desk chair as a blanket.
I really like this blanket from Wilko as it’s absolutely huge, I can cuddle up inside of it and not worry about my feet sticking out the bottom. I can even share it when the weather drops because it’s that big.
And it’s reduced to £8 at the minute, now is the time to grab yourself one ( which you can buy here ) and be the best prepared student in your halls.
Rating: 5/5
Cushions (£7 or two for £12)
Cushions have a way of bringing personality to a space
(Image: Jada Jones)
While we’re at this point, it’s worth noting that cushions make a world of difference.
Have you noticed all of the ‘proper adults’ in your life have throw cushions that just liven up their couches?
They’re a pop of colour and something to lean on (and something to rest your ankle on when you sprain it, I’m not saying you definitely will sprain yours, but wouldn’t you rather be prepared?).
Wilko have a massive range of cushions, and they’re really comfortable.
I went for this shaggy faux Mongolian style cushion in grey and it’s so handy. It might seem like something pointless (especially if you’re putting it on your bed, to just take off when you go to sleep at night) but they make things seem that little bit more homely.
You can get the Wilko Grey New Faux Mongolian Cushion here.
Rating: 4/5
Lamps (£20)
Lamps are perfect of an evening when you don’t want the brightness of your overhead light
(Image: Jada Jones)
All student places include your overhead light and some even include a bedside lamp.
But not all of them do.
That’s when you discover the importance of a light source that’s slightly less aggressive.
Floor lamps are great as they don’t take up space on your (likely limited) surfaces but still provide a decent amount of light.
This industrial style lamp is great, it doesn’t take up much space and with this LED Filament bulb it’s not too bright either.
It’s perfect for evening reading (with the amount of assignments throughout university you can expect quite a few evenings like this).
The lamp is 150cm in height but comes in a small box, it requires a little assembly but no tools are necessary.
You can place an order for this floor lamp here and a bulb to keep it working.
Rating: 4/5
