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Starting university is exciting, but moving into self-catered accommodation or student flats comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most crucial? Stocking your kitchen with everything you’ll need to cook, save money, and survive on your own!
This guide dives into the kitchen essentials for university, covering everything from must-have gadgets to handy tips that make student cooking easier.
We’ve also crafted separate lists for other aspects of university life. Check these out later:
- Kitchen essentials for university (this guide) – perfect for self-catered halls and shared flats
- Student accommodation essentials – most useful & forgotten
- Student essentials for a day on campus – what to pack for lectures
- Study-from-home essentials – keeping it simple and effective
- Coolest gadgets for university – innovative and useful ideas (great gift inspiration!)
Now, let’s get cooking! 🍳
Must-Have Kitchen Essentials for University
Here’s a list of top kitchen items every university student needs, let’s get started! (p.n. all links to Amazon)
1. Knife Set (Get Them Coloured!)
A quality knife set is a game-changer. Use the right knives to cut bread, chop veggies, or slice meat. Opt for coloured knives to easily identify yours in a shared kitchen. This knife set also come with protective sheaths for safety—ideal for student life.
2. Chopping Boards (Set of 3)
A sturdy chopping board is essential for preparing meals, from sandwiches to more elaborate dishes. A set of three chopping boards ensures you can use different boards for meat, veggies, and bread, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
3. Food containers (Microwavable & Stackable)
Reusable food containers are a must for storing leftovers or meal prepping. They’re also great for sharing fridge space in self-catered accommodations. Look for ones that are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.
Pro Tip: Use food labels to mark your name and meal-prep dates. This helps avoid fridge mix-ups and ensures your food stays fresh.
4. Oven Gloves (Heat Resistant)
Whether it’s reheating pizza or baking, oven gloves are non-negotiable. Get a heat-resistant pair to protect your hands while cooking in the student kitchen. This oven gloves set comes with pot holders as well, a nice addition.
5. Oven Tray (Non-Stick)
For frozen foods or quick oven bakes, a non-stick oven tray is indispensable. Opt for durable, lightweight ones made from gauge steel for longevity.
6. Kitchen Scale (with Mixing Bowl!)
Measuring ingredients is key for portion control and following recipes. A compact digital kitchen scale will save you from overcooking rice or pasta too!
7. Kitchen Utensils Set (All Useful!)
A versatile utensil set is an absolute essential. As well as the basics, this utensils sets also include a spatula, ladle, pizza cutter, can opener, and measuring cups. Nylon utensils are a great choice as they won’t scratch your pans.
8. Pots & Pans (Keep It Simple)
When it comes to pots and pans, simplicity is key. All you need are:
- A pot for pasta or rice.
- A saucepan for sauces.
- A frying pan for eggs, meat, or stir-fries.
This minimalist Pots & Pans Set is ideal for university kitchens and saves space in shared cupboards.
9. Air Fryer (Hidden Gem)
Air fryers are a game-changer for students. They’re compact, energy-efficient, and promote healthier cooking by reducing the need for oil. This Russell Hobbs Air Fryer is perfect for quick meals like chips, chicken, or roasted veggies.
Pro Tip: Store your air fryer in your room when not in use to avoid kitchen disputes.
🎓 University Essentials – Everything You Need for Uni
Did you know? We’ve put together tailored student essential lists to help you through every aspect of university life!
- 📝 Student essentials: Everything you’ll need to stay prepared, productive, and comfortable during a typical Uni day.
- 💡 Accommodation essentials: Make your space feel like home (and don’t forget the stuff everyone forgets!).
- 🖥️ Study from home essentials: Tools and tips to create a distraction-free, efficient study setup.
- 🥘 Kitchen essentials: From budget-friendly basics to smart cooking tools that make life easier.
- 🎧 Coolest gadgets for university: Level up your uni experience with tech and tools students actually use.
Ready to Stock Your Student Kitchen?
Students and cooking often have a love/hate relationship. However, having the right kitchen utensils at university can transform cooking from a chore into an empowering skill. It’s your first step toward independent living and healthier eating habits.
Cooking also saves money—ready meals and takeaways add up quickly! With the right tools, you’ll feel more confident preparing meals for yourself or even hosting dinners with flatmates.
Now that you’ve got the ultimate guide to kitchen essentials for university, you’re ready to take on self-catered living like a pro. Remember, cooking is a skill that takes time—start with the basics and enjoy the process.
Recommended: check out our food-related guides for university:
FAQs About Kitchen Essentials for University
Most self-catered accommodations and student flats don’t provide kitchen utensils. You’ll need to bring your own basics, such as knives, pots, and plates.
Students often forget essentials like oven gloves, kitchen scales, and food containers. Double-check your list to avoid last-minute panic.
While air fryers are generally allowed, it’s best to confirm with your accommodation’s rules. They’re a popular choice because of their versatility and compact size.
Look for student discounts, check for deals on Amazon UK, or consider buying second-hand items from local marketplaces.
Use stackable containers, invest in a small dish rack, and keep items you use frequently within reach. Maximizing vertical space with shelving units can also help.
Cooking Tips for Students
- Meal Prep: Cook in bulk and store meals for the week. It saves time and money.
- Stick to Basics: Master simple recipes like pasta, stir-fries, and soups before experimenting.
- Share with Flatmates: Pool resources with housemates for shared staples like oil, spices, and cleaning supplies.
- Label your food: use food stickers to clearly label your food and pt dates to remind when it was made or expiry dates.
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!