Uni hall essentials
If you’re a fresh university student and an Eastie, you’re probably planning to move into uni hall. And chances are, you’re already stressing over what to get. After all, living on your own for the first time, and with so many “must-buy” lists floating around online, it’s hard to tell what’s actually useful and what’ll just end up collecting dust. Not to worry – we have compiled a list of uni hall essentials.
Some may sound like no-brainers, but trust us, it’s always the most obvious things that slip your mind when you’re packing.
Table of Contents
What is life in uni halls like?
Image credit: NUS OSA
Your hall experience depends on many factors. If you get a double room, the type of roommate you have will likely affect you the most – yes, even if it’s a close friend or someone you know. A good roommate goes a long way in helping you through the challenges of uni life.
Other contributing factors include which uni you’re in, the vibe of your chosen hall – some halls are more rah-rah than others – and, honestly, whether there’s air-con or not. The heat is no joke and, when you’re already stressed, sweating buckets is not it.
A general consensus is that hall life is a good opportunity for you to make friends outside of your faculty and CCA. There are also hall-centric events you can participate in – and with that, loads of leadership opportunities available that can help boost your portfolio.
Where to buy uni hall essentials in Singapore?
Image credit: IKEA Singapore
You’ll probably have a decent amount of basics in mind already, like hangers and bed sheets – these things can be easily found at any IKEA or Courts near you. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can always look to Daiso, Japan Home, and even online retailers like Amazon and Shopee.
But we’re not here to tell you about the obvious stuff you’ve already got covered. We’ll be highlighting underrated items to help make your hall life as comfortable as possible.
1. Portable bidet
Great cleaning tool for emergencies
Image credit: Amazon
Don’t worry – your uni dorms are equipped with all the toilet paper you’d need. But, it’s best to be prepared since most hall showers and toilets are in separate stalls – you can’t just jump from one to the other mid-emergency without feeling super paiseh.
A portable bidet ($15.99) in these situations could be helpful. It lets you handle and clean up all your business in one swoop before hopping into the shower. It’s also a simple way to keep things extra hygienic in shared bathrooms.
Get a portable bidet.
2. First aid kit
All-in-one storage for plasters, ointment & medication
Image credit: MurderWithMirrors via Flickr
Of course, if there’s ever an actual medical emergency, your first stop should always be your Resident Assistant (RA) or the Hall Office – they are trained to handle such situations.
But for the smaller, everyday oopsies, having a first aid kit ($26) on hand will save you a lot of trouble. It’ll come in handy for a minor cut, scab or bruise that needs to be dressed quickly.
It’s also one of the best places to store specific medication, like an inhaler or an EpiPen. Just inform your roommate and/or someone you trust about your condition and where your kit is kept, so they’re prepared and can act fast if anything happens.
Get a first aid kit.
3. Shower caddy
All your shower needs in one place
Image credit: Amazon
If you remember what it was like going to camps in primary and secondary school, living in a uni hall is something like that. There’s the mad rush to the bathroom, leaving your room at the crack of dawn just to avoid the crowd… only to realise you forgot your shampoo.
Having a shower caddy ($12.07) is a total lifesaver here. You’ll have all your essentials – skincare, location, comb, and towels – in one place. This also makes it easier for you to check if you’ve forgotten anything. Just pack, grab and go – simple as that.
Get a shower caddy.
4. Travel steamer
Wrinkle-free outfits in a jiffy
Image credit: Tafi Nami via Flickr
This is for those finicky presentation outfits. If your school expects formal attire, a travel steamer ($68.68) is a must-get – it’s compact, easy to store, and great to use when on the go.
Hang the clothes, run the steamer over them, and you’ll have wrinkle-free outfits. When the time comes, all you have to do is focus on acing that presentation.
Get a travel steamer.
5. Laundry detergent pods
No more pouring or measuring
Image credit: Les Fisher via Flickr
Chores – one of the worst parts of adulting. After a long, tiring day, you return to a pile of laundry staring you in the face. Just thinking about the laundry room is enough to give anyone a headache.
Here’s a hack to make it a little less painful: get laundry pods ($27.65). Each pod comes pre-measured, so all you have to do is add the right number to your laundry load. No measuring, no mess, and that’s your laundry done in a fraction of the time.
6. Mothballs
Prevent mould & keep your wardrobe fresh
Image adapted from: Shopee, Dan Budiac via Flickr
You’ve probably seen these things in your wardrobe or closet, and your parents insist you don’t get rid of them. Well, they’re right. These mothballs ($1.60) are made of naphthalene, a chemical that absorbs moisture, which helps prevent mould from growing on your clothes so they stay wearable.
They also create an inhospitable environment for common pests like moths and their larvae, silverfish, and carpet beetles. Just scatter some around the corners of your closet and you’re good to go. If you see them shrinking significantly or melting – usually after 12 months – you can replace them with new ones.
They are especially useful if you’ll be gone for a long weekend or heading off on holiday. Hall rooms can get super humid when left closed up – pop in some mothballs, and you won’t have to worry.
Get mothballs.
7. Magiclean Wiper Set
A simpler way to clean
Another horrible reality of adulting is cleaning. Hair, dust, and crumbs cling to your walls and floor, and in a tiny hall room, lugging around a proper vacuum is just a headache waiting to happen.
But there’s the Magiclean Wiper Set ($34.47 for 3 products) – a convenient and lightweight alternative. The wiper stick has 360° rotation, helping you get around those tight corners. Changing out the sheets is also super simple: all you have to do is tuck the edges of the sheet into the 4 slots.
Image adapted from: Amazon
Choose from 2 types of sheets – the dry ones can be used for general upkeeping and dust, while the wet sheets act as a mop for tougher stains.
Get the Magiclean Wiper stick, dry sheets, and wet sheets.
8. Desk organiser
Cute & practical
Image credit: Shopee
Hall desks tend to be quite small, so you’d probably need more storage space. That’s where a desk organiser ($6.52) comes in – it keeps your sticky notes, pens, and knick-knacks in one neat spot.
Bonus: it helps avoid roommate drama. With an organised desk, you’ll be able to spot what’s yours – no more mysteriously “vanished” pens or accidental snatching, and fewer awkward arguments with your hall buddy.
Get a desk organiser.
9. Emotional support plushie
A loyal companion through your uni journey
Image credit: Amazon
Uni is tough – don’t let those overly smiley students on the website fool you. For most people, it’s the most rigorous stage of education yet, so don’t be so hard on yourself once you start feeling the pressure.
But a nice way to shed off some tension would be an emotional support plushie ($17.31). Something nice and soft to squeeze, or cry or scream your emotions into. If you already have a chou chou that you’re attached to, there’s no shame in bringing it to hall, too. No judgement here.
Get an emotional support plushie.
Start your uni journey right with these hall essentials
There’s no need to add all these hall essentials to your cart at once. Focus on the basics and getting yourselves settled into uni life first – when the time comes, this guide will be right here for you.
More guides for uni students:
Cover image adapted from: NUS OSA, Les Fisher via Flickr, Amazon
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