Are you leaving home soon to start your journey in higher education? Or might you be a parent who’s concerned about what your child needs when he or she goes off to university?

Here are seven essentials you should have if you plan on staying on campus during the course of your studies.

If you are heading overseas, it might be more cost-effective to purchase these in Malaysia and bring them over – baggage weight allowing! Otherwise, these items can be readily bought at your destination.

Note that if you opt for shared housing, some of these items might already be available at your residence.

1. Linens, pillow and blanket

Sleep is essential for everybody, especially during one’s university years. Invest in at least two sets of bedsheets and pillow cases so you can rotate them when you do your laundry.

Having your own pillow and blanket is also a must. These should last for the entirety of your years in college, and possibly beyond, too.

Get these from your local supermarket, pasar malam, or online. You can also buy linens and blankets from second-hand stores at a cheaper price, but make sure they are completely clean before you use them.

2. Multicooker

Unless you’re an aspiring chef, an electric multicooker can be a lifesaver. With it, you can stir fry, deep fry, steam, boil, cook rice, and do so much more.

These appliances are time- and space-saving as you do not need to buy individual items such as a wok, rice cooker, or others. Even better, you do not need to spend on gas as multicookers use electricity.

Sizes and prices vary, with some as low as RM20 online. As a student, go with something small that allows you to prepare one to two meals.

Remember to also buy yourself a spatula and a ladle. And on that note…

3. Cutlery and crockery

Forks and spoons, plates, bowls, cups and containers – you are going to need all these, especially if you intend to cook. Takeaway containers will also prove useful when buying from food stalls, and will allow you to store leftovers easily.

You could start with a single set of everything, though if you plan on entertaining, get extra sets for your guests.

Second-hand stores are useful places for purchasing preloved cutlery and crockery, or you could even buy them off a senior who is graduating soon.

4. Laundry bag

Ah yes, laundry. Your stinky clothes will need to be washed, and you would want a simple way to bring your load of soiled garments to the laundromat.

A spacious, sturdy, foldable laundry bag can last your entire student life. Get one that has a strap so you can conveniently carry it or sling it over your shoulder – otherwise, you will be dragging your laundry across the floor.

You could buy a laundry basket instead, though these tend to be heavier and take up more space.

If you have a washing machine in your shared housing, a bag or basket will still be useful to gather your dirty clothes until laundry day.

5. Storage containers

As you will likely be living with others, you need to be tidy and organised to avoid encroaching on your housemates’ space. Get a suitable amount of storage to stow away your belongings.

Cardboard boxes, plastic crates, or even fabric boxes are useful, though plastic ones tend to be bulky and aren’t particularly environmentally friendly. Foldable ones can be neatly put away when you don’t need them.

Label your containers using sticky tape that can easily be replaced if you rearrange your stuff.

Cutting down on your belongings will help you organise more easily, and will also make things more manageable when it’s time for you to move out.

6. Extension power points and cables

Do not underestimate the extension power points and cables as these can dramatically improve your productivity.

Nowadays, you need power for your laptop, phone, table fan, mosquito repellent (no joke), and other electronic devices. Being able to increase the number of power points at your disposal, as well as adjust the location of these outlets, will be greatly beneficial.

Do invest in boards and extension cables that can handle high power usage, as not doing so could result in damage to your appliances.

7. Laptop

A laptop computer is an inherently pricier item, but it is likely the most essential thing on this list as students will require it for lecture notes, online classes, assignments, entertainment, and more.

You don’t have to get one that breaks the bank – anything above RM3,000 is probably unnecessary. You just need to be able to access the internet; have Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other software for your coursework; plus messaging and video conferencing apps for meetings or calling home.

Invest in older models that are on discount, or perhaps get yourself a second-hand one to cut your spending further.

And for all the above, university community groups often sell or give away unwanted items, so tap into these networks to reduce the costs of your essential belongings.

This article was written by Su-Wei Ho for MyPF. To simplify and grow your personal finances, follow MyPF on Facebook and Instagram.