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 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:
- 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. 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!

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!

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!

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!

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 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.

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.

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.