Heading to university this September and wondering what you really need to buy? If you’re living in a flat for the first time, we’ve rounded up the actual essentials you’ll need to get, plus the total comes in at under £150 from IKEA.
Posted 27 June 2024
Student kitchen essentials
If you’re moving out for the first time it can be hard to know what you’ll need to bring to cook with. If you can, bring at least 1 or two of your plates and cutlery from home to save money. If not, IKEA has some great offers on the basics.
- ANNONS 5 piece cookware set - £12
- TOLERANT Wok - £9 (A wok is more versatile than a frying pan, plus you can cook larger meals in bulk)
- DIREKT 3-piece kitchen utensil set - £4
- ORDNING Kitchen utensil rack - £3
- PRUTA Food container, set of 17 - £4
- OFTAST Bowl – 75p
- OFTAST Deep plate – 75p
- OFTAST Plate – 75p
- MOPSIG 16-piece cutlery set - £3.50 (Bring just one or two of these from home if you can to save money and space)
- LEGITIM Chopping board - £1.75
- FÄRGRIK Mug - £1
- FÖRDUBBLA 2-piece knife set - £2.50
- UPPFYLLD Colander - £2
- HILDEGUN Tea towel – 75p
- KONCIS Can opener - £3.50 (this also doubles up as a bottle opener)
- IDEALISK Grater - £2.50
- POKAL Glass - £1.25
Total = £53.00
You can save by bringing any spares you have from home. It’s useful to only have two of your plates, cutlery, glasses and mugs so you save on washing up!
Things to buy with your flatmates once you’ve arrived – Drying rack for washing up, sponges, cutlery organiser.
Student bedroom essentials
If you’re coming to live in Birmingham, most student accommodation will provide a bed, mattress and mattress protector, plus bedroom furniture like a desk and chair, wardrobe, drawers, mirror and a bookshelf. Be sure to check what size the bed in your room will be before buying bedding, many university rooms have a ¾ bed rather than a double, so fitted sheets will need to be that size.
- SMÅSPORRE Duvet, 7.5 TOG - £30
- SKOGSFRÄKEN Pillow - £16
- DVALA Fitted sheet - £9
- SPRUTTIG Hanger, 10 pack - £2
- VITKLÖVER Duvet cover and 2 pillowcases - £10 (it’s useful to bring two sets of bed linen for wash day)
Total = £67
You might want to bring your own mattress protector for freshness, plus a foam mattress topper is a small expense and can make a mattress feel as good as new.
Student bathroom essentials
Whether you’re sharing a bathroom, or you’ve got an en-suite, there are a few essentials you’ll need either way.
- VÅGSJÖN Bath towel - £6
- DIMFORSEN Hand towel - £2
- FINTSEN Bath mat - £1.75
- BOLMEN Toilet brush/holder - £1
- FRAKTA Carrier bag – 75p (use this as your laundry bag to be super thrifty)
- JÄLL Clothes drying rack - £6
- PRESSA Hanging dryer 16 clothes pegs - £3 (very convenient for hanging your underwear)
Total = £20
If you’re sharing a bathroom, split the bath mat and toilet brush with your flatmates, along with any other cleaning products.
Total student essentials basket cost = £140.50
Prices correct as of June 2024.
Coming in at under £150 these student essentials will get you started making your uni accommodation a home. To make your bedroom feel more comfortable, bring some of your stuff from home like photos, decorations or blankets. Every September BCU Students’ Union does a trip to IKEA Wednesbury as part of Welcome Week, so you’ll be able to pick up your essentials then. IKEA also regularly offer a Student Essentials box, so check around late August or September to see what special deals they’re offering.
Things you don’t need to buy for university
All self-catering student flats provide a cooker, fridge and freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, iron and ironing board. A vacuum will also often be provided so check with your accommodation provider.
If you’re thinking about studying at BCU, have a look at our recommended accommodation providers here and see where you might be living.
