• Cover the basics

  Leaving the nest usually means you need to get kitted out with things you’ve previously taken for granted. Depending on the type of university accommodation you’ve secured, you’ll probably need kitchenware including plates, bowls, cutlery, pans, a toaster, plus a kettle, bedding and a basic first aid kit.

• Forget instant noodles

  Before heading out into the big wide world you’d be well-advised to learn some basic culinary skills. Your immune systems will probably take a bit of a battering with all the ‘socialising’ you’ll be doing, so you shouldn’t make healthy eating something you only dabble in when returning home. Recipes involving tuna can be good for brain-power, while veggie pasta dishes can keep costs down.

• Stretch the student loan

  Lots of shops and businesses offer student discounts and since tuition fees are on the rise it can be a good idea to count every penny. Take a look at studentbeans.com for exclusive offers for students, on everything from glasses to groceries. In the same vein all young people should make the most of the 16-25 Railcard, which can save you up to a third on train tickets.

• Get responsible

  Going to university can feel like one big adventure but part of an adventure is being well prepared. If you’re taking a bike along, a bike lock is a must. Also, you’ll probably need to keep a fair bit of expensive computing equipment in your room, so making sure it’s hidden and preferably locked away when the room is unoccupied is always smart. Finally, you and your parents would be well-advised to make sure you have insurance in place to protect personal possessions during term time.

• Invest in study-friendly gadgets

  These days a laptop is pretty much a must for studying. Beyond that though there are a number of exciting gizmos on the market, which could help students get the most from lectures and ensure revision is a breeze:

- Noise cancelling headphones can be bought at John Lewis from around £100 and offer a great way to concentrate on study in bustling halls.

- A good alarm clock is a must to make sure you make lectures in time.

- An electronic note taker like Wizcom InfoScan Pen Scanner is the ultimate time-saver for a student. They enable you to scan text from a book and transfer it straight to your computer or printer.

- Book lights can be a life-saver when you’re burning the midnight oil and the selection on offer at John Lewis starts at just £6.95.

How John Lewis Insurance can help…

Did you know that John Lewis Home Insurance can cover contents belonging to any member of the family, even when they’re away at university?

Assuming you normally live at home outside term time, you’re covered up to the total amount your parents are insured for on their policy. Please be aware though, that theft cover will be restricted at the term time premises to forcible and violent entry, up to a value of £2,500.