In this post, we are giving you the ultimate first year university essentials, you did not know you needed! We are skipping over the obvious and delving into the university essentials you have not even thought about!
Heading off to university is super stressful. What do you bring? What do you not bring? What do you need more of? What do you need only one of? Absolute stress. Luckily for you, I have been there, done that and I have so many posts that will help you pack for university!
This post is focusing on first year university essentials you do not want to miss out on. So yep, freshers, I am looking at you!
Not a fresher? This post is still perfect for you, as if you are like me, there would be a few things you may forget!
This post is all about first year university essentials!
List of Things You Need for University
This post is going to skip over the usual stuff (like duvet’s etc.) and instead focus on the other bits and bobs every fresher needs! If you are looking for a great big university packing checklist, definitely check out my ULTIMATE University Packing List (with 70+ things you NEED to pack!) Honestly, it is life savings and includes every basic thing you need.
However, if you have all of that down- here are some first year university essentials that will totally make your life easy.
First Year University Essentials
As said above we are skipping all the basics and focusing on the very cool university essentials; things that will really peak your day-to-day student experience.
1. A Mug Warmer
Now you’re probably thinking, wtf (right!?) But this mug warmer is an absolute game changer. Sit this on your desk and your mug stays warm for hours. No more wasting coffee, or reheating your hot drinks, as this mug warmer will have your drinks tasting great for HOURS.
This also makes a pretty good gift if you know anyone who is at university or working from home!
2. Arrow Book Tags
University books are bloody expensive so you do not want to be spending 100s, when you can just take them out from the library. These tabs are an absolute life saver when it comes to marking you books and notes. I use these to mark my reading-for-pleasure books, too.
The best way to use these is by colour coding the arrows so one could be definitions, another can be criticism, and so on.
A lot of people overlook these fun little tags but they are seriously the best!
3. Tiered Organiser
A plate stacker is so important. The cupboard space your given is minimal; probably a tall two shelf compartment where everything will be piled on top of each other. This will add some much needed organisation that will maximise your storage space; allowing you to store more food and plates.
Not only is this great for kitchen things but you can also use it for skincare or even on your desk.
4. Cord Organisers
This is a very perfect first year university essentials. You’re not going to have many electricity outlets in your room; with the majority being around your desk area. These handy-dandy cord organisers will stop your cords from being jangled up but also keep them in reach and not all over the floor when not in use.
5. Whilst you are at it, buy an extension lead
- 4 sockets
- 4 USB Ports
- Can take on holiday with you
- Very long 1.8m cord
Save yourself the stress around move in day and buy an extension lead!
An extension lead is great if you have more electrical items than you outlets (which will most likely be the case.) These extensions leads are great for spreading out electrical items throughout your room, like lamps etc.
6. Tea Towels
Buy some tea towels and always keep one in your cupboard or in your room because trust me, the time will come for you to dry your hands, only to touch a manky tea towel that hasn’t been washed in months! It’s a horrifying experience, which therefore makes this on of the most important first year university essentials.
7. A Laundry Basket
- Multiple colour and compartment options
- 3 separate compartments
- Collapsible - easily transported
I used to always use a bag for life, which works okay, but this baby is a game changer! No more riffling through your clothes and separating them out into lights and darks, this bad boy does it for you! It also saves you from accidentally having all your whites turning grey because of that one black sock.
Enjoying these first year university essentials? Want more Student posts?
- HERE is a list of EVERY SINGLE THING (like 50+ things) you need to take with you to university
- For University Essentials that will make your life so much easier, click HERE.
- Here you will find great productivity tips!
- The BEST Stationery list for students is right HERE
- HERE are the best backpacks you can buy for University!
- Want to know how to decorate your uni room? Click here for some genius inspo!
8. Mattress Topper
- single and double options
- super cosy
- more hygienic than sleeping on university beds
Honestly, your mattress in halls is going to be super uncomfortable. So many people have slept on it (and other things) before you. When you think about it, it’s actually quite gross- like are these mattresses ever cleaned?
Having a mattress topper, is one of the vital first year university essentials, as it will give you both a better night’s sleep AND piece of mind you’re not sleeping on top of some unwanted germs.
9. Ring of Fire Playing Cards
Super fun drinking game that is commonly played at most pre-drinks 🙂
Having these card games are golden at university, especially during the first couple of weeks. I have honestly lost count at the number of times I have played ring-of-fire at a pre-drinks. I have also lost count at the amount of times people have forgotten which number means what!
With this super cool card game, you will essentially be holding an icebreaker in your hands and it will really help you to get to know people.
10. First Aid Kit
- 92 pieces - comes with everything you will need!
- Great for travel, too
A fully stocked first aid kit is an awesome thing to have on you at university. Have a headache? You have some paracetamol. Got a blister? You have a plaster. Whatever you need, to keep yourself in top shape, you will have.
This is a probably the most important first year university essentials that comes with 92 pieces of potentially life saving items <3
11. Hot Water Bottle with Pouch
- 1 water bottle pouch, water bottle and water bottle pouch
- Great for cold weather
- Hands free so super comfy.
You’re at uni, your housemates will either want to save money by keeping the heating off, or your heating will not work AT ALL. Having a hot water bottle is perfect for those freezing cold days and this pouch is absolutely GENIUS! We’re talking a fake warm hug by what seems to be a koala 😉 This is also perfect to heat up straight before bed and have it with you the whole night so you don’t freeze to death.
Plus, this is absolutely perfect for that time of the month.
12. Backpack
Backpacks are lifesavers when at university. Not only are they more comfy when carrying your books but they can double up as shopping bags and weekend away bags.
I have done a whole post on the best backpacks to buy for university here, so definitely check it out if you are in the market for a new bag.
This one from Kroser I used for my last two years at University and it is, by far, the best bag I have every brought. It carried so much stuff, both university and lifestyle.
13. Toothbrush Covers
Toothbrush covers are awesome for when travelling, if you keep your toothbrush in you room or if if you keep it out in the open in the bathroom. If you have a shared bathroom and keep your toothbrush in there, please, please, cover your toothbrush!
14. Bumbag
Love going out but HATE carrying all of your stuff? A bumbag is the perfect solution for you. It means you do not have to constantly keep a bag on your shoulder or your hand on your bag and just go hand-free and enjoy your night.
This brand is great because they have so many colours and styles!
15. Lockable Hygienic Safe
Hear me out on this one 😂. This box is so genius. I saw it on tiktok and had to include it as one of the best first year university essentials. Yes, you can use it as a traditional safe where you can store money etc. BUT you can also use it in the fridge, in your cupboard, and even in your bathroom!
If you have/ think you’ll have housemates who are constantly using your things and eating all of your snacks, pop them into this bad boy and never have your things stolen again!
These also come in a few colours and are stackable so i would definitely pick one up!
16. Foldable Reusable Shopping Bag Pouches
- 6 Foldable Bags
- Easy to store- take up hardly any space in your bag.
They may be a mouthful to say but these bags are brilliant! Keep one little pouch in any bag you carry to save you spending money on throw away plastic bags. Not only are these beauties money savers, but they are both beneficial for the environment and will help tackle the ever growing plastic bag mountain your uni flat will start building upon moving.
17. Candles/ Wax Melts/ Smellies
Make your room smell as nice as possible, since you’ll be in there a lot. I think the best way is to get a plug in for the wall as a lot of accommodations (both university provided and private) do not allow candles burning. Having said that, these work so much better and really work to push the smell all over your room.
These are quite affordable but they do run out quickly so I recommend buying in bulk to save money!
18. Wall Hole Repair Pen
This pen is a little genius tool that will serve you so well in not only uni accommodation but rented accommodation, too. Your landlord will charge you SO MUCH money for leaving little holes in the plaster. So do yourself the favour from now and spend a couple of pounds to save 100s later :p. Also this tool is so fool-proof; you use the pen to fill out the hole in the wall and use the scraper thing to scrape off any excess product.
19. Phone Tether
Never lose your phone ever again with this phone tether! The amount of times I have put my phone down somewhere to realise only two seconds later I cannot find it anywhere. With this handy little bad boy, you just put it around your wrist and never have to worry if you have accidentally dropped your phone or left it on the bus. We’ve all been there and never want to go back!
20. Over the Sink Colander
This strainer is a great 2-in-1 gadget. Use it as a traditional sieve for when you don’t have any counter space. Also use it as a traditional drying rack for when yours and your housemate’s dishes excessively pile up 😂
21. A shower caddy
I have this exact one and I honestly love it so much! Unlike your traditional material ones this caddy is so durable and looks great. These are essential if you share a bathroom and want to keep your shower things altogether. I would keep this in my room and then just easily pick it up as and when I need to have a shower, brush my teeth, etc.
This shower caddy is a great organisational tool to keep all of your things together and also stops people from using your stuff!
There we have it- 20+ first year university essentials that you never knew you needed! For a comprehensive list of what to take to university, click here.
Good luck!
Enjoyed these first year university essentials? Want more Student posts?
- HERE is a list of EVERY SINGLE THING you need to take with you to university
- For University Essentials that will make your life so much easier, click HERE.
- Here you will find great productivity tips!
- The BEST Stationery list for students is right HERE
- HERE are the best backpacks you can buy for University!
This post was all about First Year University Essentials
