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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Emma Beddington

Why is the John Lewis ‘uni essentials’ list so strange?

Two students carrying boxes up stairs
‘How many clothes hangers do I need to bring?’ Photograph: Getty Images

Of all the questions this year’s freshers may be nervously asking themselves as they prepare for this next phase – did I pick the right course? Will I make friends? Is uni worth 30 grand when my future job prospects may be limited to dusting a datacentre? – one is particularly pressing: “How many clothes hangers do I need to bring?”

Fret no longer, enquiring young minds: John Lewis has the answer on its packing checklist for students. Thirty to 40, it claims, wildly, “consisting mostly of standard velvet or plastic hangers”. “Standard” velvet? I missed this memo.

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