It can be daunting starting boarding! So to help your kids settle in quickly and feel as much at home as possible, we thought who better to ask for their advice than some real-life boarders themselves! Here’s what to do and what to bring in their own (unedited!) words…

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Maisie – aged 16 at Bradfield College

• Bring some battery powered garland lights to decorate your dorm
• Stick all your photos onto one large piece of card as it makes it so much easier to take down each term
• The pillows can be quite thin so take an extra one or a cushion
• Remember to name your chargers as they always get borrowed!

George – aged 12 at Twyford

• Take slippers or sliders in case you have a midnight fire alarm
• Keep yourself really busy and you won’t feel that homesick
• Talk to one of the matrons/teachers if you are feeling down or a bit sad as they are so nice and can cheer you up

Bear – aged 15 at Marlborough College

• I wasn’t great at decorating so I put up a big flag across the pin board and the room looked really good. I chose the Zimbabwean one because my Dad’s from there
• I use this Laundry Hamper for all my sports kit and washing as it keeps it off my floor and it’s easier to take it all to laundry

Miranda – aged 12 at Farleigh

• Don’t take too much, you won’t need it and it’s easier to manage everything when you’re settling in
• A toothbrush holder is really useful
• Make sure you take an extra blanket for your bed!

Lexie – age 15 at St Mary’s Ascot

• Bring sliders for the shower
• Get a diffuser for room sharing
• Take a metal basket for carrying shampoo so you can hang it and stop it going on the ground
• Bring a nice tooth mug and coat-hangers!

Lucas – age 11 at Cheam

• Get to the showers quickly to avoid big queues
• Stay in a group in the evening so you don’t get bored
• Don’t forget your favourite teddy