New Home Essentials for University

So you’ve finally completed your first year of university (yipee), survived freshers, met some amazing people and found your feet! Now you're about ready to move away from halls and into your first student pad with your besties. It’s a super exciting moment and a BIG step toward independence. But… having an entire house to manage can feel a bit daunting at first - however, with the right essentials and a bit of planning, you can make your new house feel like home in no time at all! So, to get you started, here’s a guide to the essential bits and bobs you should bring along.

Kitchen Essentials

There's a reason they say the kitchen is the heart of the home. From quick breakfasts before lectures to house dinners or hangouts, the kitchen is the place to be! Having the right tools for the job is the difference between a pot noodle (no judgment) and a roast dinner. Many kitchen essentials - such as pans, utensils, and a kettle - can be shared with your housemates, which is super handy, saves space and is kinder to your wallet (or student loan).

Kettle: A must for that all-important morning coffee, comforting hot chocolate or instant noodles for on the go. An electric kettle is a staple for any kitchen (looking at you, America). Guaranteed to become one of the most-used appliances in your new home, it's an essential.
Toaster: Fab for quick meals. Grab some toast, poptarts or pancakes for breakfast, and you're ready for the day ahead.
Plates and Bowls: Stock up on a few dinner plates and bowls because there's only so long paper plates will fly. A full set means you've always got a dish to hand (as long as you do your washing up) and are perfect for hosting or house meals.
Knives and Forks: With multiple housemates, cutlery can easily go walkabout with everyone swearing “they haven't seen it”. Get a few full sets of cutlery to avoid running out - no one wants to be left eating their stir-fry with a teaspoon.
Mugs and Glasses: You’ll need plenty of glassware on hand to be ready for any occasion - from breakfast juice, pre-drink cocktails or mugs for your midnight study session coffees.
Saucepans and Frying Pans: You don’t need many - just a couple of saucepans and one good frying pan will let you cook most dishes and unleash your inner Gordon Ramsay.
Cooking Utensils: At the very least, pick up a wooden spoon, tongs and a spatula. Affordable, easy to use and incredibly handy - utensils are a must for bringing your culinary creations to life - chef kiss!
Colander: Pasta and rice will be regular menu items (because they are delicious!). And a colander makes draining easy and mess-free - stopping precious spaghetti or grains from falling victim to the dreaded kitchen sink.
Tea Towels: Keep a few in the drawer for drying dishes or cleaning up spills. Tea towels are multi-use and essential - plus they can easily be chucked in the washing machine for a quick clean.
Scissors and Tin/Bottle Opener: These two items are easy to forget but constantly needed. Whether opening a tin of beans or a bottle of soda, you’ll be glad you brought them along - life saver!
Baking Tray: A simple baking tray can help you whip up scrumptious oven meals like chips, roasted veg, or frozen pizza without having to fish things out the bottom of the oven (yuck!)
Tupperware: Take your leftovers to campus or store batch-cooked meals in Tupperware. It’s a money-saving essential and keeps rumbling tummies at bay!
Chopping Board: Protect countertops (you’ll definitely be wanting your deposit back) and prep food safely with a durable board or two.
Oven Gloves: Unless you enjoy burnt fingers, a good pair of oven gloves is a must-have for cooking safely.

Bedroom Essentials

You’ll probably spend a decent amount of time in your room - whether you’re studying, catching up on sleep or binging your favourite Netflix series on your laptop. You're gonna want to make your space as cosy, comfortable and functional as possible. With the following essentials, you can transform your bedroom into your own personal sanctuary.

Mattress Protector: If your mattress is provided by your landlord, a protector helps keep it clean and hygienic. It helps protect against any accidental spills or messes and can be popped in the washing machine when you do your laundry.
Duvet, Pillows and Two Sets of Sheets: Pick a duvet suitable for year-round use, you'll want to stay cosy but avoid night sweats. Keep an extra set of bed sheets so you’re not caught out on laundry day, and pick duvet and pillow covers that give your room a pop of personality!
Bedside Table Lamp: Ideal for reading or creating a softer ambience before bed (big light is a big no-no). Use it instead of your main light for a relaxing evening routine to help you unwind. Try one that’s perfect for bedtime reading or could be used for late-night study sessions.
Under Bed Storage Boxes: Storage space can be limited in student housing, which can be a real pain! Avoid clutter and maximise space by storing off-season clothes or extra supplies in stackable containers under your bed - keeping stuff neatly organised and out of sight.
Clothes Hangers: You’ll need plenty of hangers to keep your wardrobe organised, wrinkle-free and your fits on fleek.
Printer: Having your own printer is an absolute game-changer during exam season, studying or while writing your dissertation. No queues, no stress and great for printing the odd photo or two if you're feeling a bit homesick.

Bathroom Essentials

Even if your student house has a shared bathroom, having your own supplies can make things a little more comfortable, hygienic, and prevent the dreaded 4-in-1 shower gel situation.

Toilet Brush and Cleaning Supplies: You’ll want to keep the toilet clean (no one wants to deal with a messy toilet), especially in shared bathrooms. Rotating cleaning duties with housemates is a great way to stay on top of things or take responsibility for your own ensuite.
Shower Caddy: If you’re sharing a bathroom, a portable shower caddy keeps your shampoo, body wash, and razor all in one place and avoids any unfortunate mix-ups.
Bath Mat: A must for preventing slips and keeping the floor clean and dry after a shower or bath. There are plenty of fun designs to choose from, and machine-washable options for added convenience, too!
Toothbrush Holder: Helps avoid toothbrush clutter and keeps things hygienic.
Bathroom Bin: You’ll need a small bin for tissues, wrappers, and other bathroom waste. Line it with a plastic bag for easy emptying and super convenient cleaning.
Mirror: Most bathrooms will have a mirrored cabinet already installed, but a small personal mirror is useful for shaving, applying makeup and making sure your selfie game is on point!
Towels: Buy a couple of sets of towels so you always have one clean and ready while the other is in the wash. There's a ton of bright patterns and colours to choose from - because life's too short for boring showers.
Personal Hygiene Products: Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, razors, and sanitary items. Comfort and hygiene are key, but feeling your best and being ready to take on the day is fundamental!

Living Room Essentials

Your living room is a multifunctional space that will be the central hub for socialising, group studying, movie marathons and hangouts. Whilst most houses will be fully equipped furniture-wise, it's worth picking up any additions you may need to make the space feel homely and welcoming.

Beanbags: Add extra seating with fun, comfortable beanbags. Great for movie nights, gaming or debriefing with the gang after a long day - beanbags are a fab way to avoid musical chairs.
TV and Console: Perfect for downtime (because uni life is more than just studying). Whether you're watching your favourite series or hosting a gaming session with friends, they are a great way to stay entertained and unwind after a long day of hitting the books.
A Lamp: Cut down on electricity costs and create a relaxed vibe with a couple of lamps. They’re great for soft lighting during evening study sessions or get-togethers, and avoid the dreaded big light glare.
Personal Touches: Your uni house is your home away from home - adding homely touches like cushions and throws provides added comfort and gives your space a pop of personality. Adding trinkets, ornaments and plants (real or fake) will help you settle in no time (this goes for your bedroom too!)

Let's Get Moving!

Making the move to student housing for the first time is both super exciting and a little daunting! With our handy list of essentials, you’ll be prepared for just about anything university life throws your way. Communicating and planning ahead with your housemates helps avoid doubling up and prevents any unnecessary drama over cushion colours. Consider splitting costs on shared essentials like kitchenware and cleaning supplies - this can be a real lifesaver when it comes to budgeting!

Being well-equipped from the get-go will help you settle in faster and enjoy your newfound independence to the absolute fullest (without the drama of missing forks or mixed-up toothbrushes).