New Home Essentials for University

You’ve completed your first year of university and now you're about to move into your first student house with your best friends. It’s an exciting moment and a big step toward independence. Having an entire house to manage can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right essentials, you can make your new space feel like home in no time. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the non-furniture items you should bring along. Some can be shared with housemates, making them even more affordable.

Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen is where most of your daily routine will take place. From quick breakfasts before lectures to house dinners, having the right tools on hand will make all the difference.

Kettle – Essential for hot drinks and instant noodles. It will quickly become one of the most-used appliances in your home.
Toaster – Great for quick meals. Grab some toast for breakfast and you're ready for the day.
Plates and Bowls – Stock up on a few dinner plates and bowls. A full set means you're always ready for any meal.
Knives and Forks – With multiple housemates, cutlery goes missing fast. Get a few full sets of cutlery so no one is left eating with a spoon.
Mugs and Glasses – Have plenty of glassware on hand for everything from morning coffee to evening drinks.
Saucepans and Frying Pans – You don’t need many. A couple of saucepans and one good frying pan will let you cook most dishes.
Cooking Utensils – At the very least, pick up a wooden spoon and a spatula. You’ll use them every day.
Colander – Pasta and rice will be regular features on your menu. A colander makes draining easy and mess-free.
Tea Towels – Keep a few in the drawer for drying dishes or cleaning up spills. Tea towels are multi-use and essential.
Scissors and Tin/Bottle Opener – These two items are easy to forget but constantly needed. Whether opening a tin of beans or a bottle of soda, you’ll be glad you brought them.
Baking Tray – A simple baking tray can help you whip up oven meals like chips, roasted veg, or frozen pizza.
Tupperware – Take your leftovers to campus or store batch-cooked meals in Tupperware. It’s a money-saving essential.
Chopping Board – Protect countertops and prep food safely with a durable board.
Oven Gloves – Unless you enjoy burnt fingers, a good pair of oven gloves is a must-have for cooking safely.

Bedroom Essentials

You’ll spend a lot of time in your room, so make it as cosy and practical as possible with the following essentials.

Mattress Protector – If your mattress is provided by your landlord, a protector helps keep it clean and hygienic.
Duvet, Pillows and Two Sets of Sheets – Choose a duvet suitable for year-round use. Keep an extra set of bed sheets so you’re not caught out on laundry day.
Bedside Table Lamp – Ideal for reading or creating a softer ambience before bed. Use it instead of your main light for a relaxing evening routine. Try one that’s perfect for bedtime reading.
Under Bed Storage Boxes – Maximise space by storing off-season clothes or extra supplies in stackable containers under your bed.
Clothes Hangers – You’ll need plenty of hangers to keep your wardrobe organised and wrinkle-free.
Printer – Having your own printer is a game-changer during exam season or while writing your dissertation. No queues, no stress.

Bathroom Essentials

Even if your student house has a shared bathroom, having your own supplies keeps everything more hygienic and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

Toilet Brush and Cleaning Supplies – You’ll want to keep the toilet clean, especially in shared bathrooms. Rotate cleaning duties with housemates or take responsibility for your own ensuite.
Shower Caddy – If you’re sharing a bathroom, a portable shower caddy keeps your shampoo, body wash, and razor all in one place and avoids mix-ups.
Bath Mat – Prevent slips and keep the floor dry after a shower. Choose one that’s machine washable.
Toothbrush Holder – Helps avoid toothbrush clutter and keeps things hygienic.
Bathroom Bin – You’ll need a small bin for tissues, wrappers, and other bathroom waste. Line it with a plastic bag for easy emptying.
Mirror – Most bathrooms will have one, but a small personal mirror is useful for shaving or applying makeup.
Towels – Buy two sets of towels so you always have one clean and ready while the other is in the wash.
Personal Hygiene Products – Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, razors, and sanitary items.

Living Room Essentials

Your living room will be the central hub for socialising, studying, and relaxing. Make it a space everyone can enjoy.

Beanbag – Add extra seating with a fun and comfortable beanbag. It’s great for movie nights or gaming.
TV and Console – Perfect for downtime, whether you're watching your favourite series or hosting a gaming session with friends.
Side Tables or Stools – Keep drinks off the floor and avoid spills with some handy side tables.
A Lamp – Cut down on electricity costs and create a relaxed vibe with one or two lamps. They’re ideal for soft lighting during evening study sessions.

Final Tips

Moving into a student house for the first time is both exciting and challenging. With this list of non-furniture essentials, you’ll be prepared for just about anything university life throws your way. Coordinate with your housemates before buying big items to avoid doubling up, and consider splitting costs on shared essentials like kitchenware and cleaning supplies.

Being well-equipped from day one will help you settle in faster and enjoy your new independence to the fullest.