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All good things come to an end, and while summer isn't over just yet, it's time to get ready to go back to our normal routine and return to reality - AKA, it's time to get ready for uni.
Whether you're a fresher looking to fully stock up on uni essentials, or a third-year whose cutlery has miraculously disappeared over the years (cheers, student halls) it's always a good idea to start from scratch and bag yourself some kitchen essentials.
To save you the hassle of making a long exhaustive list and scouring the internet for the best deals for a (broke) student, we've listed the top essentials for every uni student that will make your life easy and save you some cash.
There are four main areas that you’ll need to buy for:
2. Bedroom supplies
3. Must-have bathroom bits
4. Basics for studying
We've listed some of our top homeware recommendations below.
Keep reading for our ultimate university checklist of everything you need to buy in order to settle in during Freshers’ Week.
We know that student meals tend to be pretty basic (beans on toast, we're looking at you) but nevertheless, one pan isn't going to get you far.
A pan set containing frying pans and saucepans of different sizes will cater to all your cooking needs, and save you from borrowing your flatmate's pan that's seen better days.
These non-stick pans by Tefal are made of aluminium for optimum heat conductivity, contain thermospot technology to let you know when the frying pan is ready and are 100 per cent dishwasher safe.
We hate to break it to you, but one knife, fork and spoon does not qualify as a set of cutlery. Every uni student knows that cutlery has a bad habit of disappearing into thin air, so we recommend stocking up.
This 16-piece set of stainless steel cutlery contains four knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons and will last your all through uni. They have a glossy finish and look chic, so you can dine in style.
A food processor is an underrated but extremely valuable kitchen appliance that will make your life so. much. easier. Cuisinart's processor will help you chop, mince and crush your ingredients. It's perfect for making soups in the winter, chopping onions, creating dips, dressings and so much more.
With a 900ml capacity, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck, and the compact design means it'll fit in no matter how tight your student kitchen.
A student's favourite hobby is spending £3.50 on a coffee every single day and then complaining they don't have enough money. If you can relate, then it's time to get yourself a coffee machine.
Despite what you may think, coffee machines can be super affordable and will save you loads of money in the long run. This one by DeLonghi can make hot and cold beverages, is easy to clean and has an energy-saving mode if you're feeling eco-friendly.
Basic, durable and cost-efficient, this set of kitchen utensils is exactly what every student needs. They won't fade in colour no matter how much wear and tear, and you can throw them in the dishwasher no problem.
Student life can get busy, which is why a slow-cooker is a uni kitchen essential. Pop in all your ingredients in the morning or night before, and you'll come back from lectures to a scrumptious and tender home-cooked meal.
If you're eating on a budget, a slow cooker is also a fab way to make even the lowest quality ingredients taste delicious - oh, and prep time is next to nothing.
This one by Morphy Richards is a number-one best-seller that is simple to use and big enough to cook dishes for up to four adults. The cooker has a metal non-stick pot so it is easy to clean but also being metal it means you can sear the meat in the pot on the hob prior to cooking, adding even more flavour and juices to your meal.
Colour-coded for your convenience, this set of kitchen knives will cause some serious envy from your flatmates. They're made of high-quality stainless steel, have slip-resistant handles and are rust-proof.
Garlic is the cheapest way to give any basic uni student meal a kick - but you won't get far without a garlic press. Forget chopping garlic with a knife and ending up with huge garlic chunks in your spag bol, this garlic press by OXO lets you crush multiple gloves at once, has a built-in cleaner to push out peels and is super sturdy.
When it comes to plates, you don't need to get the fanciest available. The likelihood is, you're going to smash a few, crack a couple and probably lose some. This set from Amazon Basics is simple and affordable, perfect for uni life.
This isn't glamorous or exciting, but this is one of the most important things you need to take to university. We might sound like your parents, but accidents do happen. So instead of running around to your neighbours flat at 2am trying to find a plaster, make sure you're prepared for any eventuality.
Pillows don't have to be expensive, but they are a must-have in your new digs. This pack of four pillows is the perfect solution.
This deep sleep duvet will ensure you get your full eight hours, especially if you've been out on the town.
Storage boxes are a must for, obviously, storing your things, but they also come in handy for moving house when the time comes for you to move to your next shared house or flat.
www.aldi.co.uk
Aldi's compact folding desk is perfect if you're low on space but still need somewhere to write your essays and do your research. It folds up so you'll hardly notice it's there when Friday night rolls around. Plus, for under £60, it's a bargain.
Whether you're in halls or your own accommodation, there's nothing worse than a) forgetting all of your stuff for shower time or b) someone stealing your favourite shampoo (you know, the one you buy in bulk after your loan has come in). A bathroom caddy lets you keep all of your stuff organised and is super easy to carry around.
Kitting out your own bathroom? Look no further than this simple bathroom accessory set, which includes everything you need to make it feel like home.
Now you've got your favourite items in your basket, don't forget to print out this essentials list:
1. What to pack for your kitchen
• 2 x bowls
• 2 x baking trays
• Oven gloves
• Blender
• Wooden spoon
• Peeler
• 2 x baking pans
• Mixing bowl
• Chopping board
• Bottle opener
• 3 x glasses
• Non-stick frying pan
• Saucepan and pots
• Ceramic Knife Set
• 4 x plates
• Grater
• Tupperware
• Stainless steel pots
• 3 x tea towels
• Spatula
• Kitchen scissors
• Tongs
• Recipe book
• Washing up liquid
• Sponges
2. What do you need for your bedroom?
• Mattress topper
• 2 x pillows
• Pillow covers
• Blanket
• Duvet
• Duvet Cover
• Bin
• Rug
• Fairy lights
• Photo frame
• Lamp
• Plants
• Mirror
• Washing basket
• Storage boxes
• Clothes hangers
• Shoe rack
• Amazon eco
• Stick diffusers
• Ear plugs
• Hair dryer
• Books
• Straighteners
3. What to bring for your bathroom
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush holder
• 4 x towels
• Toilet brush
• Shower mat
• Toilet mat
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Electric shaver
• Deodorant
• Flannel
4. What do you need to help you study?
• Laptop
• USB memory stick
• Notepad
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Sticky notes
• Diary
• Course books
• Binder
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