What college students should know first when preparing to live alone

When university students start living alone, they need to pay attention not only to the change in their living environment, but also to how they prepare. By planning carefully, such as choosing a place to live, the timing of the move, and making a list of the furniture, appliances, and daily necessities you will need, you can start your new life smoothly. Especially for those starting their new life in the spring, many people start looking for an apartment from January to March, so it is key to act early.

Other important points to consider are sorting out what you will bring from your parents' home and what you will purchase, and arranging for essential utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.

This article provides clear information about what college students need to live alone and how to prepare efficiently.

The timing and process of starting to live alone

University students generally start living alone after they receive their acceptance letter or decide to continue to college. The peak time for apartment hunting is from January to March, so acting early will give you more options.

1. First, decide your budget and narrow down the area you want to live in.
2. Next, use real estate websites and agents to compare properties and schedule an appointment to view them.
3. Once the contract is finalized, set a move-in date.
4. We will begin preparing the necessary furniture, appliances, and daily necessities.
5. It is also important to prepare a good study environment, so don't forget to prepare a desk, lighting, and Wi-Fi.

Make sure to complete the procedures for setting up utilities and the internet before you begin living there.

What preparations should you make before moving?

There are a few things that college students should prepare before they start living alone.

1. First, make a list of the furniture, appliances, and daily necessities you need for your daily life.
2. Categorised into "brought from home", "new purchase", "prepared locally", etc.
3. Next, the trick is to measure the dimensions of the room and then consider the size of the bed, table, etc. to avoid making unnecessary purchases.
4. It is a good idea to complete the contracts for essential utilities (electricity, gas, water) and the internet before moving in.
5. Don't forget to complete the necessary administrative procedures (transfer notification, change of address on student ID, etc.).

By planning ahead, you will be able to start your new life comfortably as soon as you move in.

List of home appliances necessary for university students living alone

When college students start living alone, preparing home appliances is essential. Choosing the right home appliances to support the basics of life, such as cooking, laundry, and studying, is the first step to a comfortable life. In particular, large home appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines are items that you will want to get early on.

Small household appliances that are often used daily, such as hair dryers and power strips, are also important, but they are often forgotten. Televisions and computers also play a role in supporting both academic studies and relaxation time during university life.

Here we will clearly introduce the home appliances necessary for college students living alone, categorized by function.

Refrigerators and microwaves | Daily food essentials

The first things you need when living alone are a refrigerator and a microwave. A refrigerator is a basic item that is indispensable not only for storing food, but also for managing drinks and seasonings. Even if you have a space-saving compact refrigerator, if it has a freezer, you can conveniently stock up on frozen foods. A microwave is useful for heating meals and simple cooking, and is an essential appliance for the time-poor life of a university student.

If you prepare a set including a refrigerator early on, you can start cooking for yourself and living a frugal life smoothly. It is especially attractive to use the new life sets sold at home appliance retailers, as you can get everything at a good price.

Washing machine and vacuum cleaner | To do your own housework

When you start living alone, you will need to do your own laundry and cleaning. You can use a coin laundry, but in the long run, it is more economical and efficient to have a washing machine at home. A small, fully automatic washing machine can be installed in a small space. When it comes to vacuum cleaners, choose one based on the size of your room and your lifestyle.

If your room is mainly made up of flooring, a stick or handy type vacuum cleaner will suffice. To avoid the hassle of daily cleaning, choose one that is easy to use and store, and you will be less likely to make mistakes.

Lighting, hair dryers, power strips | Essential items for daily life

What is often overlooked are household appliances that are closely related to daily life, such as lighting fixtures, hair dryers, and power strips. In particular, lighting may not be installed depending on the property, so be sure to check before moving. Choosing LED lighting will also help save energy. Hair dryers are essential items that are used every day not only to dry hair, but also to groom yourself.

Furthermore, if you want to use multiple devices at the same time, such as home appliances and smartphones, you will need a power strip to make up for the lack of outlets. Choosing one with an extension cord will give you more freedom in terms of layout.

Television and computers: The balance between learning and entertainment is important

Television and computers are a great support for university life, as they can be used for both study and entertainment. Computers are essential for online classes, writing reports, and job hunting, and it is essential to have a Wi-Fi environment. Television, on the other hand, is ideal for relaxation, and is also a way to keep up with world events through news and educational programs.

However, if you have limited space or budget, using a laptop for video and TV apps is another option. Choose a combination that suits your lifestyle.

Furniture and interior items necessary for university students living alone

For university students living alone, it is important to choose furniture and interior design that will allow them to live comfortably in the limited space they have. In particular, basic items such as beds, desks, and storage furniture will affect the quality of your life. In order to create an environment where you can concentrate on your studies, be sure to carefully select the furniture you need for each purpose.

In addition, interior items such as curtains and rugs also play a major role in ensuring comfort and privacy. Choosing furniture that is conscious of size, color, and functionality can turn a single-person room into a more comfortable and relaxing space.

Beds and bedding | Creating a comfortable sleeping environment

One of the most important pieces of furniture when living alone is a bed and bedding. Having a comfortable sleeping environment is essential to fully recover from the daily fatigue of university life.

We recommend a single or semi-single bed size depending on the size of the room. By being particular about the firmness of the mattress, you can reduce strain on your back and body. Ideally, you should have everything you need, including futon, pillow, sheets, blankets, etc. Prepare your bedding early so that you can be comfortable from the first day of your move. Buying a set is cost-effective and saves time.

Desks, chairs, and storage furniture | Creating a space where you can concentrate on studying

For university students living alone, a desk and chair are essential for creating a study environment. As students spend more time at home taking online classes and writing reports, it is important to choose a chair that is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time and a desk of an appropriate size for your work space.

It is also useful to have shelves or chests where you can neatly store textbooks and stationery. To make the most of limited space, it is a good idea to use space-saving furniture such as vertical storage and desks with drawers. A tidy and organized environment will help you concentrate better.

Curtains and rugs | Ensure privacy and comfort

Curtains and rugs are interior items that bring a sense of security and comfort to a single-person living space. Curtains not only block views from the outside, but also have the effect of keeping out the cold and blocking out light, and play a role in improving the quality of life. When choosing curtains, it is important to measure and purchase ones that fit the size of your window.

Rugs, on the other hand, prevent your feet from getting cold while also softening the impression of the room, making them an essential item, especially in rooms with wooden floors. By unifying the design and color, a sense of unity is created in the space, allowing you to create a comfortable room that is unique to you.

Daily necessities and household items necessary for university students living alone

When you start living alone, preparing daily necessities and household goods is as important as furniture and home appliances. In particular, items directly related to daily life will be used frequently from the first day of moving, so it is a good idea to make a list of them in advance. Don't forget to prepare not only hygiene products such as toilet paper, detergent, and towels, but also items such as dishes, cooking utensils, bath products, and garbage bags.

Additionally, hangers and clothes drying equipment for washing and drying indoors are also essential items. By stocking up on these items in advance, you can start your university life smoothly.

Toilet paper, detergent, towels

Toilet paper, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, and towels are essential consumables for daily life. Since you will need these items immediately on the day of your move, it is a good idea to prepare them in advance.

In particular, if you have multiple face towels and bath towels, you won't have to worry about having to wash them. It's important to choose detergents for clothes and dishes according to their purpose. Also, if you have a set of cleaning detergents and sponges, you can keep your room clean.

Don't forget to stock up on items directly related to daily hygiene management first.

Tableware, Cookware, Kitchen Goods

For university students who plan to cook for themselves, the minimum amount of tableware and cooking utensils is essential. Simple items such as plates, cups, chopsticks, spoons, knives, cutting boards, pots, frying pans, etc. are sufficient, but having enough for one person can also help you save money.

In addition, kitchen goods such as seasonings, plastic wrap, and storage containers are also practical. You can get them cheaply and efficiently by using 100 yen shops and set products. Even if you don't cook, it's convenient to have cups for drinks and simple tableware.

Garbage bags, bathroom supplies, hangers, clothes drying equipment

Garbage bags, bath products, and laundry items are also essential to keep your home clean. There are types of garbage bags designated by local governments, so be sure to purchase one that meets the rules of your area. For bath products, it's a good idea to have shampoo, body soap, a bath mat, and cleaning tools.

You will also need hangers for drying clothes, a clothesline, clothespins with clips, etc. If you plan to dry clothes indoors, a folding clothesline stand is convenient. By acquiring all these items at once, you can eliminate the inconvenience of daily life.

List of items necessary for university life

Along with preparing to live alone, you will also need items to help you smoothly carry out your studies at university. In particular, digital tools such as a laptop, USB memory stick, and internet access will come in handy for lectures, writing reports, and job hunting. Other highly practical items include a commuter pass to use when commuting to school, a seal required for various procedures, and a printer to print documents.

By prioritizing the preparation of these items as "tools to support university life" in addition to daily necessities, you can minimize any problems or hassle you may encounter after enrolling.

Here are some essential items for university life.

Laptop, USB memory, internet connection

A laptop is an essential item for university life. It is necessary for all sorts of situations, from writing reports and online classes to creating presentation materials and even applying for jobs. The specs do not need to be high-performance, but it is recommended that you have a computer that is comfortable for using Office software, Zoom, viewing PDFs, etc. USB memory sticks are useful for moving data around the university and for backing up data.

It is also important to have a good internet environment. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi router at home and that the connection is stable.

Commuting pass, seal, printer

When you start university life, you will need items for commuting to school and administrative procedures. Buy a student commuter pass early to keep your daily transportation costs down. If you have an IC card, it's easy to manage your balance. It's also a good idea to have a personal seal (other than a Shachihata) on hand for university documents to submit, part-time job contracts, etc.

Printers are also useful for printing documents and submitting reports. You can use the printers on campus, but having one at home is extremely convenient, as it allows you to get things done without rushing, even if you have to wait until the deadline.

Convenient items to make your life more comfortable when living alone

When you start living alone, the priority is to get the minimum necessary furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities, but by adding a few extra convenient items, you can significantly improve the comfort of your life.

Typical examples include electrical appliances that help with room temperature and humidity control, items that improve storage efficiency, and kitchen gadgets that make cooking easier. It is possible to live without these items, but having them can make a big difference in the quality of your life, so if you can afford it, it is recommended that you incorporate them into your life. Items that save time and effort are especially useful for university students living alone.

This chapter introduces some useful items.

Humidifiers, circulators, extension cords

Air conditioning support appliances such as humidifiers and air circulators are extremely useful in keeping a room comfortable. Humidifiers are particularly effective in preventing dryness in the winter, and they also help protect the health of your skin and throat.

On the other hand, air circulators are useful for increasing the efficiency of air conditioning in the summer and shortening the drying time when drying clothes indoors. Also, don't forget to prepare extension cords and power strips. Since the number and location of outlets are limited in a room for one person, these are essential items for efficiently using multiple home appliances.

Storage boxes and folding furniture

For college students living in limited space, having storage space is key to keeping your life organized. Storage boxes are perfect for organizing your clothes, documents, and small items, and they look neat and tidy. Choose stackable boxes or boxes that fit under your bed to make the most of your space.

Folding tables and chairs can also be folded up and used only when needed, making them convenient for small rooms such as studio apartments. They can also be used when guests come over or to expand the dining space, making them useful for creating a flexible layout for single-person living.

Mini seasoning set and electric kettle

For college students who are new to cooking, we recommend introducing a mini seasoning set and an electronic kettle. The mini seasoning set is a compact collection of basic seasonings such as salt, sugar, soy sauce, and oil, making it easy to use even in kitchens with limited storage space, lowering the barrier to cooking. The electronic kettle is a convenient appliance that can boil water in a short amount of time, allowing you to easily enjoy cup noodles, instant soup, tea, coffee, etc.

It's a convenient item that can be used even on days when you don't cook, making your daily life smoother.

How to get what you need cheaply [saving tips]

When college students start living alone, there are many things they need to buy, such as furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities, and the costs tend to add up. However, with a little ingenuity, it is possible to significantly reduce initial costs.

Here are some specific money saving tips.

New Life Support Sales at Online Shopping Sites and Electronics Retailers

If you want to keep the initial costs of living alone to a minimum, don't miss out on the "New Life Support Sales" offered by online stores and electronics retailers. New life packs that include a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, etc. can be significantly cheaper than buying each item separately.

You can also get even better deals by taking advantage of time sales and point rewards on online shopping sites such as Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, and Yahoo! Shopping. Before purchasing, check the lowest price on a price comparison site and confirm the delivery conditions and whether or not there is an installation service.

Utilize 100 yen shops and recycle shops

For students who want to keep costs down, 100-yen shops and second-hand shops are a great place to start. At 100-yen shops, you can easily get everyday items such as kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, storage items, and stationery.

On the other hand, at second-hand shops, you have the chance to get large items such as refrigerators, washing machines, and furniture at low prices. As long as you don't care too much about appearance or functionality, you can get very practical items. Especially during moving season, there is a lot of inventory, so the chances of finding a bargain are high.

Three points to check before purchasing

When college students start living alone, the trick to avoid unnecessary expenses and mistakes is to check a few important points before purchasing furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities. In particular, you should pay attention to choosing the right size for the size of the room, planning your purchases so you don't buy too much all at once, and choosing items with moving and disposal in mind. By knowing these things in advance, you can live comfortably in a small room and get off to a financially reasonable start.

Below, we will introduce three specific points to help you make a successful purchase.

Measure the size of the room before choosing furniture and appliances

For university students living alone, it is essential to check the size of furniture and appliances in order to make the most of the limited space. In particular, if you purchase large items such as beds, refrigerators, and desks without considering the size and layout of the room, you may not be able to place them or you may not be able to secure a flow of movement. When viewing a room, be sure to understand the layout and record the dimensions using a tape measure to be safe.

In addition to just setting things up, you should also check the access route, elevator size, and staircase width to prevent any issues on the day of the move. Be sure to measure everything thoroughly in advance to avoid unnecessary repurchases or returns.

Don’t buy too much at once, prioritize your purchases

When starting a new life, you may want to buy many things at once, but in reality, there are many things you will only realize you need after you have settled in. Rather than spending too much on initial expenses, we recommend that you first purchase only the items you really need, and then add more after your life has settled down.

For example, you can prioritize items that you use frequently, such as a bed, refrigerator, and microwave, and leave things like a TV, vacuum cleaner, and additional storage furniture for later. By clarifying your priorities, you can make purchases without mistakes and ultimately avoid unnecessary expenses.

The key to living alone wisely is to be flexible and adjust your furniture to suit changes in your lifestyle.

Consider ease of transport and disposal

When choosing furniture and home appliances, it is important to consider not only current usability, but also future ease of moving and disposal. In particular, when considering the possibility of moving after graduation from university or moving for employment, it is convenient to choose items that are lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to disassemble and reassemble.

For example, folding tables and prefabricated storage furniture will reduce the burden when moving. Also, since large appliances can be costly to dispose of, it is a good idea to check whether there are recycling fees and collection services available when purchasing.

Making choices that assume you will use it for a long time, but also take future plans into consideration, will ultimately lead to cost-effective living for one person.

summary

When you start living alone for the first time, you need to plan many things, including not only furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities, but also items necessary for studying and preparation for various procedures. Especially when it's your first time living alone, it's important to consider your limited budget and the size of your room, identify what you really need, and prioritize what you get. By making good use of new life sets from electronics retailers, online shopping, 100-yen shops, recycle shops, etc., you can achieve a practical lifestyle while keeping initial costs down.

In this article, we have introduced the necessary items by category in detail, and also explained tips for shopping and money-saving techniques. Please use this as a reference and create the best environment for you. By being well prepared, you can start your university life comfortably and fulfillingly.

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