Gift ideas for university students
Searching for the perfect gift for a university student? Get them excited for this new chapter with a little something to help them out along the way! We've compiled a handy guide to sorting those essentials and university gift ideas, from stationery and home decor, to big bags for the big day.
What stationery do you need for university?
Students will need different stationery depending on what they're studying, but there are a few essentials that will come in handy whatever their course. Here's a quick checklist of university stationery essentials:
- Pen and pencils
- Highlighters
- Sticky notes
- Notebooks
- Ruler
- Rubbers
- Sharpener
- Pencil case
Stapler (plus staples)
Leaving home for the first time is daunting, even for the most confident of teenagers. So getting organised is key! Mark key sections in textbooks with bookmarks or sticky notes, and store lecture notes or printed materials in a sturdy ring binder.
Perfect for geography students. World Map ring binder, £3.95
Many students carry their laptops everywhere, but a good notebook will never go amiss. Great for jotting down notes on the go, or sketching out ideas for the creatives amongst us! Check out our extensive range of A5 and A6 notebooks.
Cheetah A6 notebook, £1.95
University decor ideas
If you're looking for a thoughtful gift, why not treat them to something to brighten their new room! They might have an idea of what sort of decor they want already, but it’s great to offer a few classic pieces to get them started. Students love quirky lighting ideas, so why not pack yours off to uni with some vintage party lights, perfect for all the nights partying... er studying, in halls!
Vintage party lights, £14.95
Treat them to something unique for their desk with this popular set of storage tins - ideal for keeping all that new university stationery organised!
Fish design storage tins (set of two), £8.95
Add a pop of colour to their new room with a lightweight rug. This multicoloured rug has been made with various recycled rag pieces, so no two are the same!
Recycled rag rug. Was £8.95, now £4.95
Don't forget the kitchen! Anyone for Pot Noodles? Beans on toast? Student diets are famously cheap and cheerful, but they can still be nutritious. Soups are a great option as they are cheap to make or buy, filling, and can be packed full of veg. For students on the move, they can also be stored in flasks, perfect for a hot meal on the go.
Periodic Table stainless steel food flask, £19.95
Making the move
When the big day arrives, you'll need some big bags to help make the move. It can feel like there's never enough room for everything, which is where our jumbo storage bags come in handy. Jam them under the bed, on top of cupboards, or hang them from the back of the door. With 45+ unique designs to choose from, they’re a hit with students.
Jumbo storage bags (£5.95 each) are ideal for moving and then hiding the mess.
Other gift ideas for students
Given the emotion involved in leaving home for the first time, you might want to send them off with something sentimental. A family photo is great idea, but if they might find that a bit embarrassing, you could frame a group shot of their school friends, a family pet, or something else that sparks a reminder of home.
Students may not be allowed to put hooks on their walls, so a standing frame is a smart move. Wonders of Nature wooden frame. Was £5.95, now £1.50
Looking for more gift ideas for a university student? Be sure to take a look at our university collection for lots of stationery and decor inspiration.
