With A-level results now released, students across the UK are preparing for university life, and packing for halls of residence is the next major challenge. Staying on campus will be the first time many have lived away from home, making it essential to have a checklist of affordable items that won't drain a student loan before term begins.
Kitchen gear and food solutions for student halls
The Gr8 Home Copper 21 Pcs Kitchen Cookware Set, available from Robert Dyas for £34.99, includes pots, pans, bakeware, utensils, and microwave-safe containers, all in a copper and black colourway. It comes with a three-month guarantee. For shared kitchens, the SUPVAN E10 Bluetooth Label Maker, priced at £15.99 (down from £22.99), produces waterproof labels using thermal printing technology, requires no ink, and lasts a month on a rechargeable battery. Labels are easy to remove without sticky residue.
The Keplin 4.5L Digital Air Fryer, at £36.99, offers eight presets via a digital touchscreen and a removable dishwasher-safe cooking basket. For ready-made meals, COOK offers a frozen food bundle with single-serve dishes starting at £6.50 each, covering vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options.
Bedding and laundry essentials
The Fogarty Duo 4.5 + 10.5 Tog All Seasons Duvet from Dunelm, priced from £26, combines two layers that can be used separately or snapped together for colder weather. It features a polyester fibre filling and a microfibre cover, and is machine washable. The M&S Cotton Blend Simple Stripe Bedding Set, from £14, is available in cream, blue, and green, and includes StayNew technology with a non-iron finish, washable at 40 degrees.
Lights4Fun's 100 Warm White LED Fairy Lights on Clear Cable, at £12.99, include three metres of lead and a rocker switch. The Habitat Hygro Anti Microbial 4 Piece Towel Bale in Blush, at £17.25, contains two bath towels and two hand towels, made from 100 per cent cotton with SILVADUR antimicrobial technology to prevent bacterial odours. Primark's Frill Striped Laundry Basket, at £7, features padded contrast handles and a frill trim.
Tech and storage for student rooms
The Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk, at £99.99 (was £159.99), includes a laptop stand supporting devices up to 17 inches and 7.5kg, plus a keyboard and touchpad mouse. The Roberts Revival Petite 2 refurbished digital radio, at £79.99 (was £99.99), offers DAB/DAB+/FM radio, Bluetooth, and an alarm clock. The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 Power Bank, at £32.99, holds 10,000mAh of power, can recharge most smartphones twice, and recharges in two hours.
Amazon's 6 Pcs Mini Foldable Storage Baskets, at £11.99, are made from ABS plastic and include label stickers and a pen. The Lakeland 3-in-1 Mini Vacuum Cleaner, at £19.99, weighs 400g, offers suction, air dusting, and blowing, and is USB-C rechargeable with five nozzles. IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Shopping Bag on Wheels, at £10, has a 56-litre capacity, four wheels, extra-long handles, and is made from recycled materials.
