5 Things You Need To Own Before You Can Claim To Be An Adult

Going to uni is all about growing up and learning how to be an adult, often the hard way.

Luckily, there are some sneaky hacks to help you out. Most of us have to work it out ourselves along the way, but there are some things you can do to make the transition into learning how to live on your own easier.

If you’re adjusting to living on your own or still don’t feel like a “real adult” just yet, you’re not alone. If you want to make that transition from clueless uni student to “real adult” here are the must-have things you have to own before you can officially claim to be an adult.

1. A VPN

If you’ve ever been disappointed in the UK’s Netflix selection, you’ll know what a VPN is. However, a VPN does much more than just let you bypass country restrictions on the internet.

A VPN like Surfshark is a must for every student because it allows you to browse the internet with complete security and peace of mind (and yes, you can watch international TV shows too which is an added bonus!)

As a student you’ll probably be using public wifi in libraries and coffee shops, so a VPN ensures you can connect to public wifi safely and that your personal information and data is protected at all times. With Surfshark there are endless easy to use features you can utilise to make sure you’re staying safe while online at at all times.

Hacking does happen, so if a VPN sounds like an adult purchase it is––it’s something that you need for ultimate safety online.

Get a student discount at Surfshark

2. A good set of saucepans

Ninja ZEROSTICK Classic 5-Piece Pan Set- £139.99

Cooking is something you’ll probably have to do every day for the rest of your life. While the student staples of pot noodle sandwiches or beans on toast might satisfy you during your first year, you’ll have to cook yourself a proper meal at some point.

If cooking intimidates you or you only own one plate and a mug, it’s time to take the first steps to be an adult and own a decent set of saucepans (yes, you will need more than one).

Ninja Kitchen has a great selection of kitchen utensils and tools to kit out your student kitchen and every kitchen you use after you graduate too––trust us you’ll be keeping them for much longer than your time at uni. 

It’s not just saucepans you’ll need either, a good set of knives like the Foodi StaySharp Steak Knives set will make you feel like a pro at cooking in no time and an AirFryer is a must if you’re new to cooking to make things 10x easier!

Get a student discount at Ninja Kitchen

3. SPF

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30- LOOKFANTASTIC, £13.08

If you don’t have a skincare routine that doesn’t matter, but SPF is something that everyone should own and be using on a daily basis before they can claim to be an adult. 

SPF doesn’t just protect you from the sun, it also decreases your risk of skin cancer and helps to keep your skin healthy. Skin damage is often irreversible, and something that many adults regret is not taking better care of their skin early on, so SPF is an adult purchase you should be using as often as you can.

LOOKFANTASTIC have a great range of affordable SPFs for all skin types and budgets such as the budget-friendly Garnier Ambre Solaire hydrating suncream to the TikTok fave La Roche-Posay Anthelis UVMune SPF.

So, whatever your budget or skincare needs are don’t forget to use your student discount to treat yourself to some new skincare essentials.

Get a student discount at LOOKFANTASTIC

4. Private data security

If you want to take control of your data privacy, an annual plan at Incogni can help you out. Although it’s scary to think about, it can be very easy for hackers to sell your data to other companies.

If you’ve ever received repeated spam phone calls, there’s a good chance you may have been a victim to this and it’s not just your phone number that can be stolen and leaked. This could go even further and your address and location could easily be stolen too.

Obviously, this is something that no one wants to happen to them so signing up for Incogni will help to keep your private information from reaching the wrong people. By removing your data from online databases you’ll be safe from hackers and from having your privacy invaded, so make sure you take the first steps to adulthood by buying a plan.

Get a student discount at Incogni

5. A good vacuum cleaner

Jet™ 70 Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner- Samsung, £249

There’s nothing more adult than having to do your own cleaning and tidying up. Students don’t exactly have the best reputation for being tidy and a large part of it comes down to not owning the right tools to actually maintain a clean home and living space.

If you hate cleaning, you’re going to have to get used to it as it’s something you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. Luckily, it’s easy if you have an easy-to-use and powerful vacuum cleaner to keep things in order. Samsung has a great selection of cordless vacuums (trust us, this makes it 10x easier to clean) that you should invest in before you can really call yourself an adult.

After all, this is a purchase you’ll need for the rest of your life so you’ll want to choose a model that’s easy to use and store away!

The Samsung Jet™ 60 Turbo is a great affordable option for students but if you are tempted to invest in one of the pricier models like the Jet™ 90 Pro it’s something that will last you for years to come.

Get a student discount at Samsung

Hopefully, this has given you a better idea of how you can “adult” successfully. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our great student discounts to help save some money on all the essentials you need.

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Surkshark and Incogni.

As well as these adult essentials, your actions will also speak volumes. And what’s more grown-up than knowing your stuff in the kitchen? Our chef-led recipe videos on our Youtube channel are sure to help your cooking skills make you look like an A-grade adult.