Gift ideas for university students

15th August 2025Rachel.McCarty Share:FacebookShare

Searching for the perfect gift for a university student? Get them excited for this new chapter with a little something to help with the prep. 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:

 

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.

 

World Map Ring Binder

 

Perfect for geography students. World Map ring binder. Was £3.95, now £1

 

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!

 

Pink, blue and orange notebooks

 

Shop all notebooks

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 a sense of the decor they want already, but it’s great to offer an idea or two to get them started. Trinket trays are ideal for putting keys, jewellery and spare in change in one place - and stopping student rooms getting too messy from day one!

 

Trinket tray on table with flowers and notebook

 

Blue enamel trinket tray, £14.95

 

Why not treat them to something unique for their desk with this popular set of storage tins - ideal for showing off plants or storing all that new stationery!

 

2 storage tins with plant in one and sunglasses in other

 

Old Leopard Brewery storage tins (set of two), £8.95

 

With winter just around the corner, this ultra-soft woven blanket is just what they need. Perfect for curling up on chilly evenings with new friends!

 

Blue blanket hanging over a bed

 

Light blue ultra soft woven blanket (127 x 152cm), £39.95

 

Don't forget the kitchen! Student diets are famously cheap and cheerful, but they can still be nutritious. Soups are a great option as they're cheap, 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 Food Flask

 

Periodic Table stainless steel food flask, £19.95

 

Making the move

On moving day, 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 every year.

 

Storage bag with clothes hanging out and on floor

 

Jumbo storage bags, £5.95 each

 

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 a great idea, but they might find that a bit embarrassing. Instead, you could frame a group shot of their school friends, a family pet, or something else that sparks a reminder of home. 

 

Wooden frame on a desk, with some pressed flowers inside

 

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. 

 

Share:FacebookShare