University halls: what students left behind – in pictures

A pet hamster was discovered inside a microwave during a check by staff in central London. Mouse, as he is now known, has since been adopted by a maintenance worker at the halls and is in good health Photograph: Unite

Staff were also surprised to find a collection of replica Roman artifacts, including a spear, in a Leeds student's bedroom Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/Getty Images

A comfy pink sofa was left behind by a student living in Aberdeen. Unfortunately, it had to be cut apart before Unite staff could remove it from its former owner's room. It was too damaged to be donated to charity. Photograph: Ryan McVay/Getty

Are Ugg boots finally falling out of fashion? The mounds left over by students suggests as much Photograph: Graham Turner/Guardian

Speaking of bulky footwear, wellies were another top item abandoned by students this summer Photograph: JON SUPER/AP

Student cooking can get messy, as the former owner of this Wonder Woman apron is no doubt aware
Photograph: Unite

This single crutch was found in central London. The whereabouts of the second crutch remains a mystery
Photograph: Unite

Designer handbags were recovered from student halls across the country – with a particularly large number donated by students living at Woburn Place in London Photograph: PR/PR

In university halls, students make the transition from youth to adulthood. But what happens to Teddy when they're ready to join the big world? Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Some students are reluctant to let go of their inner child. This rocket-shaped skateboard was found in Woburn Place, London Photograph: Guardian/Guardian

The item most frequently left behind by student was, predictably: textbooks. And lots of them Photograph: WoodyStock/Alamy