Tranklements

Not a word you come across every day of the week. This wonderful word is synonymous with the North and Central England – in this particular use of the word it means small possessions – bits and pieces, paraphernalia etc.

If your fledgling is self catering in this first year and in Halls, I implore you resist the urge to buy every piece of kitchen kit known to man when in reality most are worse than useless and, more to the point, there's limited space. Choose carefully.

If I had to chuck my hat into the ring to suggest an “up there” candidate for piece of kit of the year/decade no prizes for guessing the answer – a slow cooker. They fit the bill on all counts, they don't take up too much space, they are economical with electricity, they are the easiest piece of kit to use and probably most importantly, aren't difficult to keep clean.

There are many different sizes to suit everyone – I'd suggest the 3.5L – described as a family size – I'll explain why later. Ensure that it has a “low” setting option. Cost wise there's not much difference and there are loads of deals out there.

Geography matters – it may be that your fledgling is accessible i.e. you can drop off food parcels from time to time – if memory serves me correctly – it gives a whole new meaning to “ready meals” - free ones! To this end may I suggest that the pieces of kit that don't fall into this category are a large supply of containers – foil with lids (14x12cms) and ditto for the microwave (17x11cms) and in both locations for parents and child.

Even if you may only see your fledgling intermittently you may want to supplement food to make sure they aren't fading away – that sudden realisation that he or she has to feed themselves is definitely a shock to the system. I know that some fledglings are better equipped than others but I thought it would do no harm to give you a few ideas that might appeal. From both sides of the fence that is, food parcel delivery or easy peasy DIY slow cooker stuff et al.