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The ultimate student and uni essentials guide

Well, well well, look who's going to university! (We kinda guessed because you’re searching ‘Uni Essentials’ in your search engine). Or maybe you’re going back to uni and just wanna triple-check you’ve got all the must-haves to take back with you. Whether you’re a first-time fresher, a seasoned second-year or finishing up for third year, we’ve got a whole host of back-to-uni tips and budget-friendly buys for ya in our one-stop student shop. Here’s our uni guide on how to survive and thrive at university. (Just don't forget to study - we can't do that for you!)

Starting uni can be a mix of excitement and total chaos, but with the right student essentials, you’ll be more than ready to take it all on. From bedding and kitchen gear to stationery, tech and everything inbetween, we’ve covered the absolute uni essentials to help you feel at home from day one. Need help figuring out what to pack? Our uni guide breaks it down for you—no fluff, just the real stuff students actually use. Whether you're setting up your new room or just stocking up on bits you missed last year, we’re here to make sure you're sorted, stress-free and ready to smash the term ahead.

Uni bedroom essentials

Messy Maggie or Tidy Tyler? You’ll be spending a lotta time in your bedroom, so you’ll need to make sure it feels like a safe little sanctuary. Our uni bedroom essentials will make your student digs look like a 5* hotel room in no time at all. And the best part? They're all up to 60% less*, so you can save your cash for the more important things, like pizza. Yippee!

When thinking about things to take to uni, make sure you have special pieces that make it feel like 'home'. This will help you settle in quickly if it's a new place (or settle back in if it's not). From soft bedding and stylish cushions to practical storage and calming lighting, having the right uni bedroom essentials can make all the difference.

Don't forget the little details either—photo frames, a cosy throw or a few decorations are some of the best things to take to uni to make your room feel warm and welcoming. Whether you're a fresher moving into halls or a returning student upgrading your setup, we've got everything you need. With these uni bedroom essentials, your space will be as functional as it is fabulous.

Wall art
Inspirational quote lover? Artist in the making? Or just have a boring, empty wall you need to fill? Turn your room into a Pinterest-worthy paradise with our ah-mah-zing selection of wall décor.

Candles
If you leave TK Maxx without buying a candle, did you even go to TK Maxx? Light up your life (and your room) with home fragrances aplenty - all for our flame-ous prices, of course.

Photo frames
Pics or it didn’t happen, right? You’re gonna need some snaps of you and your new mates (and the obligatory family photos) so why not pop ‘em in some of our decorative picture frames?

Soft furnishings
Want to give your room a glow-up without it getting proper expenny? Say no more. Cool cushions? We've got 'em. Luxe throws? In the bag. Cosy blankets? You know the answer.

Uni bathroom essentials

Let’s face it—dorm bathrooms aren’t exactly known for their style or comfort. But with a few clever upgrades, you can turn yours from basic to brilliant. Think luxe towels, fancy bath mats, handy shower caddies and even a posh loo roll holder to top it all off. It’s all about adding those little touches that make your space feel more like home and with the right uni bathroom essentials, it’s easier than you think.

When it comes to your back to uni essentials, don’t just focus on your bedroom. Your bathroom deserves attention too. With smart storage solutions, soft textiles and stylish accessories, you can create a space that feels clean, organised and comfortable. Matching towel sets, toothbrush holders, over-the-door hooks and non-slip mats are just a few of the uni bathroom essentials that can make all the difference.

Whether you're moving into student halls or a shared house, having your own bathroom setup means less stress, more comfort and way fewer awkward moments. So, before term kicks off, make sure you’ve ticked off all the bathroom must-haves from your back to uni essentials list. Your future (well-organised, pampered) self will thank you.

Uni kitchen essentials

Culinary queen or king of the kitchen? Whether you’re meal prepping the protein-packed dishes you saw on TikTok or just making a mean bowl of super noodles (we’ve all been there), we’ve got uni kitchen essentials by the dozen, all with student-friendly savings, too.

Your student kitchen might be compact, but with the right gear, it can still be mighty. Stocking up on the right uni kitchen essentials means you’ll be ready for anything—whether it’s cooking up a storm for your flatmates, trying your hand at a new recipe or just getting through the week on beans and toast. From non-stick pans and measuring cups to chopping boards, containers and cutlery sets, having your own stash of cooking tools can make uni life a whole lot easier (and less of a treasure hunt after your flatmates 'borrow' them).

Don’t forget those handy extras like a kettle, toaster or even a blender if you're feeling fancy. These often-overlooked uni kitchen essentials can take your culinary skills to the next level—or at least help you survive the midnight munchies. So, whether you're a kitchen newbie or a Nigella wannabe, make sure you've got all your uni kitchen essentials ticked off before term starts. Bon Appétit!

Tech & gadgets

*Little Mermaid voice* We’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty. No but really, we do. From noise-cancelling headphones to super-fast charging cables, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make studying more manageable — and maybe even enjoyable. Whether you're a newbie settling into student halls or preparing for your second or third year and trying to up your study game, having the right tools is vital. Our curated selection of uni essentials covers everything from practical tech accessories to space-saving solutions for your room. Think portable chargers for long library sessions, LED desk lamps for focused study nights, durable computer chairs that support both your posture and maybe even a sneaky mini fan for hot summers. These aren't just "nice-to-haves", these uni essentials are pretty much lifesavers when it comes to adulting. Shop 'em here and thank us later...

Stationery for university

The smell of a freshly unwrapped rubber. The feel of a brand-new pen. The joy of opening a notebook and having 60 pages of unmarked paper. There’s something weirdly satisfying about new stationery. It almost makes you excited to start working... almost. Whether you're colour-coding your notes, highlighting key readings or just doodling in the margins during lectures, having the right uni stationery can make all the difference.

You’ll need to stock up on the basics — think pens that don’t smudge, highlighters that actually pop, sticky notes for every deadline and reminder, and folders to keep your avalanche of handouts under control. Don’t forget a sturdy pencil case to keep it all together and a planner or wall calendar to keep your schedule on track. Diaries are a lifesaver for managing deadlines, tutorials and essay plans, while whiteboards are perfect for visual thinkers who like to map out their week or brainstorm.

Let’s be honest, that dissertation isn’t going to write itself and when the deadlines pile up, being organised is everything. Luckily, we’ve got everything you need for a fraction of the cost, so you can stay prepped without breaking the bank. Our uni stationery range has you covered.

Uni bags

Choosing the right bag for uni is essential for staying organised and stylish throughout the semester. Whether you prefer a uni backpack or a uni tote bag, the best uni bags combine practicality with comfort. A uni backpack is perfect for students who need to carry laptops, books and supplies across campus. Look for one with padded straps and multiple compartments for maximum support (and no sore shoulders).

Alternatively, a uni tote bag offers a more relaxed, fashionable option. Totes are lightweight, easy to carry and ideal for students who don’t need to bring as much to class. Some even come with padded laptop sleeves, making them just as functional as backpacks. When shopping for the best uni bags, consider durability, size and your daily needs. Water-resistant materials, stitching and thoughtful designs go a long way in helping you stay prepared. University bags come in many styles, so whether you're a minimalist or someone who likes a bit more pizzazz, there’s a perfect bag for uni right here for you. The best uni bags are the ones that support your lifestyle and make campus life just a little bit easier and let's be honest, who wouldn't want that?

Tips and tricks

Stress-free student life? Ha! We all know that's a myth. But fret not, we've got some handy hacks to make uni a whole lot easier. So listen up...

Storage

Socks that have been MIA for months? Textbooks for that presentation due yesterday? Baked bean tins that have somehow ended up in your room? Not on our watch. With storage as stylish as ours, you can kiss being messy goodbye. Get organised with our practi-cool baskets, crates, trunks and boxes. Not only will you actually be able to find your things and keep them tidy but you’ll save heaps of space too. It's a win-win. And who knows, maybe you'll even find that missing sock.

Meal plan

Meal prepping is like having a personal chef but without the fancy hat. So, don’t underestimate the power of a good, weekly plan. You’ll avoid the chaos of last-minute shopping, the stress of figuring out what to eat, wasting food AND spending precious pennies. Pick some nutritious and delicious recipes, hit the shops, then store the goods in your fridge/freezer using our reusable containers. And don’t forget to stock up on snacks and revision supplies, too!

Cleaning

Remember: tidy house, tidy mind. So, no matter how sleep deprived you may be, you can be proud of the fact that your student digs are spick and span and your kitchen floor isn’t as sticky as the student union on a Saturday night. Polish, cloths, wipes and sponges make doing it a doddle. House sharing? Between you, get a mop, vacuum cleaner and some bin bags and create a big ol' rota of who will clean when. Teamwork makes the dream work, after all.

Pack like a pro

Remain calm and think of the essentials. There’s no need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. And there is absolutely no need to bring your collection of pyjamas from the last decade. Anything you’ve forgotten, you can buy from the shops when you get there. (If you’re lucky, there just might be a TK Maxx.)

TOP TIP: Maximise space by vaccum packing your clothes. Lifesaver.