Uni Essentials Shopping
hi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Reply 1
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi @kieraadn
I hope you are well! It depends what kind of stuff you are meaning but IKEA is typically where most students get some essentials for moving out! It is very reasonably priced and will last a long time. I got things like pans and cooking stuff along with bowls and plates etc. You can get a lot of essentials there and when I went I remember seeing so many people with parents doing the exact same thing and shopping for uni!
I am now in my second year living in a house and still have all the stuff I got from IKEA before starting uni! I would say your usual cooking stuff is the most important and best to get from Ikea and then you can also get things like pictures, rugs, lamps etc to make your room feel more homely!
IKEA have done uni preparation packages before where you pay a price for a bundle of essential items that you would need. I am not sure if it something they still do but is definitely worth a look!
I hope this response has helped, let me know if you have any other questions, I am more than happy to help!
Matt 🙂
Official LJMU Student Rep
Reply 2
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi @kieraadn👋
Hope you are well. B&M and ikea are good choices to start with. Ikea is good for utensils and bedding but small things you could get at B&M or even primark as well. There are generally affordable options there so i hope that helps 🙂
Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜
Reply 3
Hey!
A lot of people have said IKEA, which is great for a lot of things! I’d also recommend charity shops too, you can almost always find good quality pieces for reasonable prices there, and you’re more likely to find unique things too!
I’d recommend having a look at the accommodation options for the universities you have applied to, and see what they already supply. Some will provide toasters etc, others won’t, so it may be worth holding off on things like this. I’d also wait to make any bigger kitchen purchases, in case your future flatmates have already sorted that too!
A lot of things you will be ok to pick up when you arrive and know what you need
Hope this helps!
Jas
UEA Rep
A lot of people have said IKEA, which is great for a lot of things! I’d also recommend charity shops too, you can almost always find good quality pieces for reasonable prices there, and you’re more likely to find unique things too!
I’d recommend having a look at the accommodation options for the universities you have applied to, and see what they already supply. Some will provide toasters etc, others won’t, so it may be worth holding off on things like this. I’d also wait to make any bigger kitchen purchases, in case your future flatmates have already sorted that too!
A lot of things you will be ok to pick up when you arrive and know what you need
Hope this helps!
Jas
UEA Rep
Reply 4
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hey,
Love this question. It really depends on whether you are living in accom or privately! Here is a list of stuff most students tend to buy when moving to University:
-Airfryer/Rice cooker: Easy to cook nearly any meal with and no faff. Go-to for many.
-Food Containers. You will be busy and takeaways are expensive. Meal prep, freeze and go! Uni food can also add up, especially if you crave a bit during those 9-5s.
-Utensils such as forks, knives, spoons, teaspoons, cups, bowls, plates etc. Most accoms do not come with this so you may need to bring your own. Don't overpack, stick to 3-4 each to start with. Get a pot for cooking if you need to and a pan! Really depends on your preferred cooking methods. I'm old school so I like a good pan/oven meal though recently I've been relying more on my air fryer when time crunched.
-Clothes: you need outfits. Consider the weather there, seasons and more. If you are in accom you may move out in-between and can grab more stuff. Pyjamas, going out, going to uni, professional outfits too for interviews and similar. Don't skimp out on undergarments + socks + coats too though you can usually buy those locally for ease. A good backpack too and shoes!
-Hobbies and decor: if you have hobbies bring them with! Decorate your room and make it feel like you. Books, gaming consoles and more.
-Tech e.g. PCs, laptops, tablets, chargers, extensions, calculators: If you have em, bring em, they can make life a lot easier.
-Bedding... half-provided with duvet covers, mattress etc. Bring your own towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hangers, pillows/pillowcases. You can ask if any are already given prior to this. Toiletries you can buy at a local shop though note everyone will be doing the same so have some ready! Skincare, first-aid, prescriptions, drying rack...
-Study stuff: notebooks, pens and more is always a good shout though can also be bought locally.
-Documents: Most important. Passport, birth certificates, ID. These are for council tax, uni verification for student IDs and much more. A night out, purchase of sharp objects, medicines, energy drinks and more all requires ID.
-Water bottle to stay hydrated.
Other things can all be bought at your local shop. Some parents prep meals or bring some shopping ready to go for that week. Meal plan in advance! My first Uni shop was... excitable and I ended up with stuff I could not make meals from. Don't be like me! Do not overpack too, you'll know room sizes and storage so consider this. Some students on move-in had to ask their parents to take things back home (prepared but overpacked warriors.) It's always fun helping freshers move-in and seeing what they bring.
Please note always check your Uni accom guidelines on what is allowed and where it can be kept. An air fryer or mini fridge in your room may seem awesome until the fire alarm goes off or it is confiscated!
Hope that helps,
Aura (Uni of Staffs, Comp Sci)
Reply 5
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hello, if you don't mind i will also tell you what things you should also get.
Places: B&M, One beyond, Poundland, Savers are good stores for "low" prices, with Poundland and Savers focused on laundry/degetergents from my experience.
For essentials:
Bedsheets: check bed size of the accoommodation first
Towels - different sizes; i have used small ones as floor mats when rooms had wooden floors
Kettle: uni halls or private accommodations have them but not so clean because of yearly use.
Cutlery: 1 of each and in different sizes
Bowls and plates: same principle, a few in different sizes
Plastic containers to store food but also use them for item storage
Specifically for uni:
Paper, Notebooks, pens/pencils
Specifically for Laptop:
USB: printers are in campus
Cooling pad for laptops: to avoid heat bottom.
Reply 6
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hey,
Smart way to start planning ahead! Here’s some places from which I got decent, good quality stuff:
1.
As many replies above suggested, IKEA- they have a lot of reliable basics.
2.
Amazon- filled with budget friendly homeware, but always read reviews first!
3.
Facebook Marketplace & Vinted- there’s many hidden gems there, you just have to be patient and search a lot. It’s especially good if you’re into antiques, thrifting, and designer inspired furniture/ room decor at low prices.
I hope this helped, and good luck moving in!!
Sabina
Reply 7
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hiya @kieraadn ,
Facebook marketplace, Trash Nothing, Vinted and your local charity shops are pretty affordable (sometimes even free) and definitely worth a look for small furniture, rugs, lamps and cookware!
I would recommend to just bring your essentials for your first year as you will slowly accumulate more knick knacks to make your room feel nice and cosy over the years.
Like what the others have mentioned, IKEA and Primark are great options as well. John Lewis also has student deals and is great for beddings and pillows. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck for the start of uni 🤗
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
Reply 8
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Some great recommendations above for places to buy uni essentials ! I’d reccomend waiting to buy things like air fryer, kettle, toaster, iron etc. They may be already included in your accommodation or you could split these bigger purchases with flatmates
. Molly
BCU Student rep x
Reply 9
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi @kieraadn ,
When I did my shopping for uni, I mostly got things such as cutlery and plates from Dunelm. It can be on the expensive side but they do some good sales quite often and I got my cutlery for around £5 and a set of 8 plates and 4 bowls for £9 and they have lasted me all the way through until my masters! If you can get things at a good price, this is a good place to have a look. With cutlery and plates I would also suggest having a look and seeing if you can get any coloured or patterned ones as this will help you to differentiate between yours and your flatmates so you don't get them mixed up!
If they are expensive in Dunelm, Ikea is a good place to get things too! They often have good things which are quite cheap which is good as you may end up losing or breaking some things anyway.
For other bits and bobs such as tea towels, room decorations etc I went to B&M and Home bargains as they have lots of good things like this and again they are fairly cheap! I also got some bits from ASDA such as glasses as they had some fun pattered ones which I liked the look of and knew they wouldn't get mixed up with anyone else's. They also have some nice home wear things and a got my bedding from there too!
I hope some of this helps!
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hii!
Lots of ideas to go on here!
My best advice would be to make a list of everything you want to take with you and then keep slowly getting things through the year when you see good deals on and items that you really want. I know if I go to a shop with the idea of buying anything I see that I *think* I'll need I end up impulse buying loads of stuff I don't really want 😅 look at items online first and compare prices, shops like Dunelm/The Range/Argos are my usual places but Facebook marketplace and Amazon are helpful too!
Additionally, I'd mark off things that you could wait and buy when you get to uni! I always think it's a good ice breaker and excuse to invite new people you meet out to go search for things you want for your room/flat. You might find you don't need so much this way too and help to keep costs down.
Remember there's always time to get stuff when you get to uni and don't feel too pressured by all the advertising to buy so much before you set off 😊 the main things to stick to are the kitchen and bedroom essentials (e.g. plates, cutlery, bedsheets, towels), and then things to help it feel like home, add some comfort and remind you of your support systems. A good pillow, blanket, picture frames and printed pictures would be my go-to 💓 you just need to be set up to live, not set up for the whole year!
I hope you have fun getting prepped, it's so exciting 😄☺️
Becky
University of Salford Student Rep
Reply 11
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi there!
I hope you are doing well! This is all completely understandable, over the years at uni you start to learn all the cheap and cheerful places for home items.
For bedding items (covers, pillows, blankets etc), I would suggest dunelm, ikea or primark, their items are great quality and last a long period of time. For pots and pans, I would recommend ikea, they have multiple different different designs and uses. TKMax as well is another great one for any little, quirky items you may want. They have unique cutlery as well for a good price.
Hope this helps!
Rachel (UoS Student Room Rep)
Reply 12
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi @kieraadn
One of the unexpected places that I found lots of uni essentials was TK Maxx. Of course it depends where you're living and if you have access to one of their shops, but I know in London where I was living I was able to get lots of random bits for quite cheap. I think I got things like food containers, clothes hangers, and kitchen utensils from there!
Reply 13
Original post
by kieraadnhi everyone! i’m wanting to start to gather small bits here and there for moving out so im not panic buying in august and was wondering where the best places to get things that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg, but at the same time isnt going to fall apart. any suggestions would be really appreciated! <3
Hi @kieraadn ,
There already lots of great suggestions on here! If you know anyone for example in your family or perhaps a family friend who has recently graduated it might be worth asking them if they have any spare bits. It can be a free/cheap way to get some bits especially kitchen items which can be pricey.
Otherwise IKEA, Dunelm, the Range etc can all be good place to look and even Homesense and TKMaxx for some decorative bits. It can be worth buying the slightly more expensive items if it will last you for the whole three years of your course otherwise you might find yourself having to re buy some items.
I hope this helped and good luck with your uni shopping.
Eloise
Third Year Psychology Student
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