The Ultimate Guide To Gifting University Students

what to buy a student going to university

If you're looking for gift ideas for a student heading off to university, there are plenty of options to choose from. Practical gifts are always a good idea, such as a Thermos flask, a sturdy doorstop, or a Bluetooth speaker. If you're looking for something to keep them entertained, a university bucket list scratch poster or a personalised song plaque could be a fun option. For students who like to cook, a cookbook or a meal prep subscription box could be a great gift. Other ideas include gift cards, clothes, or a hair dryer and styling tool.

Characteristics Values
Clothes and accessories Tu and H&M puffer jackets, jumpers, Primark clothes
Warm clothes Tu and H&M puffer jackets
Food Gift cards for supermarkets, baking and soup mixes, nuts, jam, hot cocoa powder
Stationery Personalised luxurious soft-touch rose gold pen, personalised photo car ornament hanging charm
Bluetooth speaker UE Roll 2 speaker
Hair dryer and styling tool Shark Air Wrap Tool
Thermos flask
Doorstop Oak & Rope Company's solid oak door stops
Cookbook The Hungry Student Cookbook by Charlotte Pike, What to Cook and How to Cook It: Fresh & Easy
Phone case card holder
Helmet Closca Fuga helmet
Ear plugs Loop

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Food and drink

Gift Cards

Gift cards for supermarkets or food delivery services are a great option. This allows students to buy essentials or treat themselves to a meal without having to worry about the cost.

Baking and Soup Mixes

Easy meal options are a must for students, and baking and soup mixes fit the bill perfectly. They can be stored in the student's room and provide a quick and convenient meal when they don't have time to cook something from scratch.

Nuts and Dried Fruit

Nuts and dried fruit are nutritious and filling, making them an excellent snack option for students. They can be easily stored and don't require refrigeration, which is perfect for those with limited fridge space.

Thermos Flask

A Thermos flask allows students to take hot drinks and meals with them to campus or the library. This is a great way for them to save money on meals and drinks while out and about. You could even include some recipes for hot lunches that they can make and take with them.

Cookbooks

University is a great time for students to develop their cooking skills, and a good cookbook can be a valuable resource. Look for books with simple, healthy recipes and easy-to-follow instructions.

Ready Meals

For those times when students are too busy or unwell to cook, ready meals can be a lifesaver. There are now many healthy options available, ensuring students get a nutritious meal without the hassle of preparation.

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Clothing and accessories

For students residing in university halls, it is also important to be mindful of the restrictions on electrical items. Some residences may prohibit the use of electrical appliances that have not undergone PAT testing.

With that in mind, here are some thoughtful clothing and accessory gift ideas for students embarking on their university journey:

  • A sturdy doorstop is a practical gift for students living in university accommodation. Heavy fire doors can be a nuisance, but a doorstop can help with ventilation and even facilitate social interactions by allowing doors to be propped open. Oak & Rope Company offers personalised solid oak doorstops starting at £95.
  • For students who cycle to lectures, a stylish and practical helmet is a must-have. The Closca Fuga helmet, priced at £110, is foldable and comes in a variety of colours, ensuring safety without compromising style.
  • A good pair of noise-cancelling earplugs can be a godsend for students seeking peace and quiet in noisy environments. Loop offers a range of colours and styles designed for different types of noise reduction.
  • Slides are a practical gift for any student. Shared bathrooms and kitchens in university flats can be less than spotless, and slides will protect their feet from unwanted grime and grime.
  • A Thermos flask is an excellent gift for students who want to bring hot meals to campus or the library. Meal prep can save money, and a flask makes it easy to enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal away from home.
  • For students on a tight budget, second-hand clothing is a cost-effective option. Websites like Vinted offer a great selection of affordable second-hand clothes. Alternatively, high street favourites like Tu, H&M, and New Look offer more affordable options for new clothing.

When considering clothing and accessories for students starting university, it's important to balance style, comfort, and practicality within the constraints of limited storage and electrical item restrictions.

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Kitchenware

When it comes to kitchenware, it's important to be selective and only bring what you need. You don't want to end up with a bunch of gadgets that will clutter up your space and never get used. Here's a list of kitchen essentials for students:

Pots and Pans

A good set of pots and pans is a must-have for any student. Look for non-stick options that are easy to clean and durable. A medium-sized frying pan is perfect for quick meals like fried eggs, stir-fries, and pasta sauces. You might also want a larger pot for boiling pasta or making casseroles. If you're short on space, consider a shallow pan that can be used for multiple purposes, such as cooking eggs, pancakes, and shallow frying.

Cutlery, Crockery, and Utensils

Bring more than one set of cutlery, plates, and bowls, as these tend to go missing in shared kitchens. Opt for durable materials like stainless steel or bamboo, and avoid glass or fragile materials that might break easily. For utensils, silicone is a great choice as it won't scratch your non-stick pans and is heat-resistant. Basic utensils like a serving spoon, spatula, and strainer will cover most of your cooking needs.

Storage Containers

Microwavable Tupperware containers are essential for storing leftovers and reducing food waste. Look for containers that are leak-proof and easy to stack for efficient storage. You might also want to invest in some reusable ziplock bags or beeswax wraps for storing sandwiches and snacks.

Appliances

Some essential appliances for students include a kettle, toaster, and maybe an air fryer or slow cooker for more advanced cooking. These appliances can turn your dorm into a mini-kitchen, making it easier to prepare hot meals. If you're a coffee or tea drinker, consider investing in a good-quality coffee maker or electric kettle.

Miscellaneous

Other useful items include a knife set and a knife sharpener, a chopping board, measuring cups and spoons, and maybe a toastie maker for those late-night grilled cheese cravings. If you're an avid baker, throw in some oven-safe dishes and a set of mixing bowls. Lastly, don't forget to check with your university about any rules or restrictions on bringing electrical appliances.

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Stationery and books

Stationery

  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters in various colours are always useful for note-taking and highlighting important information in textbooks.
  • Notepads, notebooks, and sticky notes are great for jotting down ideas, drafting essays, and leaving reminders.
  • A diary or planner can help students stay organised and manage their time effectively.
  • Folders and binders to keep loose papers organised and protected.
  • A good supply of paper clips, rubber bands, and staplers will help keep documents together.

Books

  • Textbooks: Check the university's website or the student's course outline to see if specific textbooks are required. Second-hand textbooks can often be found online or in university bookstores.
  • Notebooks: Spiral-bound or hardcover notebooks can be used for lectures and tutorials.
  • Dictionaries and thesauruses: A good dictionary and thesaurus are invaluable for writing essays and understanding complex texts.
  • Reading books: University libraries may not always have the required reading books available, so it's worth checking if the student needs to purchase their own copies.
  • Cookbooks: Learning to cook is an important skill for students, and cookbooks can provide healthy and budget-friendly meal ideas. Examples include "The Hungry Student Cookbook" by Charlotte Pike and "What to Cook and How to Cook It: Fresh & Easy".

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Electronics

When it comes to electronics, there are several gadgets and devices that can make a student's life easier at university.

A laptop is a necessity for students, as it allows them to work on assignments, stream movies, and stay connected while on the go. The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a well-priced option that is lightweight and ideal for both academics and entertainment. If you're looking for something more versatile, the ROG Flow X16 is a powerful laptop that can transform into a tablet or workstation, offering excellent performance and multitasking capabilities. For those who prefer Apple products, the new iPad Pro offers exceptional performance and versatility with its M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and superfast connectivity.

A reliable smartphone is also essential for staying connected, attending online classes, and accessing various apps and services. Smartwatches are a great complement to smartphones, offering features like fitness tracking, calls, messages, and time management assistance.

For entertainment and leisure, wireless speakers are a must-have for enjoying music and creating the perfect study ambiance. Streaming devices like the Roku Express 4K+ or Google Chromecast can provide access to a variety of streaming platforms, ensuring endless entertainment options.

Other useful electronics include instant film cameras like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 for capturing memories, portable power banks for backup charging on the go, and smart devices like the Ember Mug 2, which keeps your coffee at the perfect temperature.

Students should also be aware of the various student discounts available on electronics and services. Companies like Adobe, Apple, AT&T, Verizon, and many others offer significant discounts to students, helping them save money on essential gadgets and services.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for a student going to university:

- Bluetooth speaker

- Cookbook

- Stationery

- Doorstop

- Ear plugs

- Thermos flask

- Gift cards for food

- Clothes

Students may not have a lot of time or money to spend on food, so here are some food gift ideas:

- Baking and soup mixes

- Healthy ready meals

- Nuts

- Jam or spreads

- Hot cocoa powder

University students may not have a lot of money to spend on heating, so here are some gift ideas to keep them warm:

- Clothes, such as a puffer jacket

- Hot water bottle

Students often have to balance eating, showering, and getting ready in a short amount of time, so here are some gift ideas to help them get ready quickly:

- Hairdryer and styling tool

- Slides for the shower

Making friends at university is important, so here are some gift ideas to help break the ice:

- Beer bottle opener

- Bluetooth speaker

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