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If you’re wondering what to pack for a productive day at university, you’ve landed in the right place. This post is your ultimate guide to university essentials—everything you’ll need to conquer campus life in style!
Whether you’re tackling lectures, study sessions, or just chilling with friends, having the right gear can make all the difference. We’ve also created tailored lists for different aspects of student life, feel free to open those in a new tab or scroll back up later!
- Student essentials, a day on campus; (you are here)
- Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
- Study from home essentials, the simpler the better;
- Student kitchen essentials, self-catered accommodation & flats;
- Coolest gadgets for university, perfect student gifts;
University Student Essentials: A Day on Campus
Let’s dive straight into the must-haves that every UK university student should pack for their day. (p.n. All links are to Amazon UK!)
1. Leakproof Water Bottle (with Straw!)
Hydration is key, especially when you’re running between lectures. Ditch single-use plastic and refill your own reusable water bottle at campus water points—this is a must-have for your university essentials checklist!
2. Coffee Cup (Insulated)
Campus cafes are a lifesaver, but buying coffee every day can drain your budget fast. Bring your own travel coffee cup to save money and enjoy a discount at most cafes.
Pro tip: Also pack your coffee or tea bags and make use of the campus kettles to stay caffeinated on the cheap.
3. Bento Lunch Box (comes with Cutlery!)
Cafeteria food can be pricey, you can save a lot of money by packing your own meals. This Bento Lunch Box comes with its own cutlery space and multiple compartments for snacks, mains, and sides. Staying organised and eating well has never been easier!
4. Windproof Umbrella (Durable & Compact)
Let’s face it, UK weather is as unpredictable as your student Wi-Fi. A sturdy, foldable windproof umbrella is a lifesaver when battling sudden downpours. Don’t leave home without it—you’ll thank yourself during those rainy commutes!
5. Raincoat (Lightweight)
For days when juggling an umbrella is too much hassle, this is your next best bet. A lightweight raincoat with backpack coverage will keep both you and your gear dry.
6. Power Bank (Portable & Powerful)
Unless you want to be carrying all those chargers/cables everywhere you go, you totally need a power bank. This powerful Anker power bank can handle laptops (a must!), tablets and phones—a non-negotiable item for any university student essentials list.
This gadget ensures you never run out of juice, even during long days on campus when you’re caught off guard with a low battery!
7. Laptop Backpack(High Quality)
No matter how light these items are, you will still need to carry them around the campus for the entire day. This Wenger laptop backpack is high-quality with plenty of compartments, padded straps, a dedicated laptop sleeve, and extra storage to make lugging your gear comfortable and convenient.
Extra University Essentials For Campus Life
We thought of some bonus university “less” essential items that you might want to consider for your day at university. Some cool gadgets:
Rocketbook Fusion (Digital Notebook with Pen!)
Ditch the endless piles of paper and embrace a sustainable, tech-savvy solution for your notes. The Rocketbook Fusion is a reusable digital notebook that seamlessly combines traditional handwriting with cloud storage.
Whether you’re jotting down lecture notes or planning assignments, this smart notebook lets you upload your pages directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, or other services. It’s lightweight, erasable, and perfect for staying organised in style.
Tile Mate GPS Tracker
Student life gets hectic, and misplacing essentials like keys, wallets, or backpacks is all too common. A Tile Mate tracker helps you locate your stuff instantly, saving you from panic.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Wireless
Sure, headphones are great for vibing to your favourite tunes while walking around campus, but they’re also a lifesaver for studying in noisy environments. This Noise-Cancelling Headphones have excellent sound quality and noise-control tech that can significantly enhance your focus amidst distractions.
Personal Alarm (Loud Siren)
Safety first! A Personal Alarm is a compact device that emits a loud siren to alert others if you’re in trouble. Whether you’re walking home after a late-night study session or heading out for a jog, this gadget provides peace of mind.
Are you looking for more tips and tools for university life? Check out our other guides for a comprehensive look at everything you need to succeed!
Student essentials, everything you need for university!
We have ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life:
Student essentials, a day on campus;
Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect for gifts!)