Moving into a new home, setting up a new kitchen? Check out our guide to what you'll actually use in the kitchen.
Chef's Knife
A good knife is a chef’s best friend. This is one of the few things that you’ll thank yourself for investing in. Carbon-plated stainless steel will stay sharp over time, but go to a specialty store to find the best match for you. Choose a knife that you feel comfortable handling. It should feel balanced in your hand, easy to hold and control, not too heavy, but definitely not flimsy. Believe us, you’ll be using it a lot, so take good care of it.
Metal Spatula
A sturdy metal (or high-quality plastic) spatula is vital for flipping, tossing, and serving all kinds of foods. Think eggs over easy, puffy pancakes, roasted veggies, sauteed meats, baked salmon…we could go on.
Whisk
Sturdy metal whisks come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a mid-sized whisk with a handle that fits comfortably in your hand. Use it to mix dry ingredients together before baking, stir eggs for a frittata or emulsify a vinaigrette.
Slotted Spoon
Whether it’s wooden or metal, a perforated (or slotted) spoon acts like a miniature strainer, removing solids from liquids—think pulling potatoes or small pasta noodles from boiling water.
Instant-read Thermometer
Easily (and quickly) check to see if your meats have cooked enough.
Saucepans
A large saucepan is essential for making pasta, boiling potatoes or corn, and simmering big batches of soups and broths. Look for a 5- or 6-quart size. A smaller saucepan (1.5 or 2.5 quarts) comes in handy for smaller items, like boiled eggs, rice and porridge.
Immersion Blender
This handheld tool makes it so easy to blend soups, smoothies, and pestos with the push of a button. I find much easier to handle than a traditional blender, and it’s great because it takes up much less space, too.
Colander
Wash fruits and drain pasta, veggies and other boiled foods. I like a colander that can balance on the edges of my sink, but a classic footed colander is just fine. Look for metal or ceramic, which are sturdier than plastic.
Prep Bowls
This might sound like a no brainer, but it’s important to have a variety of mixing bowls. Get ones that are metal or glass because they’re less porous than plastic. They won’t pick up stains or odours.
Cutting Board
A sturdy, stable surface is essential when it comes to prepping your food. A wooden cutting board will help protect your knife from dulling quickly, as well as make cleanup a breeze
Moving away from home for the first time can sometimes require you to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. One of the hardest but important hurdles of being a student is finding a balance between your academic and social life.
Being presented with this new found freedom can be very challenging, especially if you struggle with self-discipline. It can be quite tempting to use your time at university to focus on the ‘student’ experience, but cultivating some good work practices now will set you up for future success.
Benefits of Breakout & Communal Space within your Student Accommodation
It is important to set aside some relaxation time or short ten minute breaks when studying. Taking breaks and doing something completely different allows the brain time to absorb the information and reduces stress levels.
Modern student accommodation provides entertainment, communal and fitness facilities which allows students to manage time more effectively by having all amenities in one area. The ability to have the option of break out space to play pool with friends, or retreat to study is not one which requires a lot of time nor effort. The convenience of having such facilities can help students with their time management.
The Importance of a Dedicated Study Space
A study space minimises the stress of having to physically go to the library and find that perfect spot that isn’t too noisy, too quite or too crowded.
Having a dedicated study area prompts your brain to get in the zone. It’s vital for student to have a recognised space for the sole purpose of studying. This will minimise the time it takes them to focus and leave less room for distractions to occur. Having a separate environment for work allows the brain to associate and identify that room with studying.
University is an experience like no other, and the key to enjoying every aspect of student life is finding a happy medium between your social and academic life. Focusing on one while alienating the other isn’t advisable for anyone. The last thing you want to do is allow one to negatively affect the other. If you manage to attain a nice balance between the two you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy student life and all it has to offer.
Student Accommodation providers are increasingly trying to develop and enhance their work play environments, providing greater balancing options for their students.
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