Life in Halls

Budget-friendly buys for uni

By SanctuarySocial 18 Aug 2022

If you've just moved to university and realised you haven't got everything you're going to need for halls life, don't fret, as there are plenty of budget-friendly options for you.

Whether you're lacking kitchenware, need inspiration for dinner time or just want a place to charge all your electronic devices at once, you won't be short on choices online or in popular high street stores.

We think you'll love the following items as they're super-useful and won't break the bank either. The perfect combo!

50(!) Piece Kitchen Starter Set - £25 (Argos)

We've started with this one because it's incredible value. The set has everything you'll need to start rustling up your own dinners - and at half price. A no-brainer!

Nosh for Students - £4.99 (World of Books)

Octavia Selena Alexandru preparing food in a kitchen

For those of you who don't know a wok from a frying pan, this is the perfect book for you. There's lots of basic information in here to build a foundation from, and it's filled page-to-page with tasty, simple and cheap meals.

Bedding set - £10 (Wilko)

You've probably come to university with at least one bedding set, but if you've only come with one, it's always good to have a spare so you're not without bedding whilst it's in the wash. This set from Wilko is just £10 and comes in a range of colours.

Pssst! Wash your bedding every week or two! 

A reusable water bottle - £12.99 (Amazon)

When you're juggling deadlines, forgetting to drink water is a common mistake, but with a reusable water bottle it's a little easier to stay on top of your water intake, and to prevent those pesky headaches! One that can hold hot and cold drinks is especially useful because you can have coffee to wake you up in the morning and then water throughout the day.

Clothes airer - £12 (Dunelm)

Using the dryers in the laundry room costs money, which can add up each week when you're doing a few loads. With this clothes airer from Dunelm, you'll keep that money in your pocket for more important things!

A door stop - £9 (Dunelm)

Having a little door stop to prop your door open is great for making friends whilst living in halls. An open door makes it easier for people to pop in and have a chat with you. This giraffe door stop is a bit wacky, but they have plenty of others on the website too if you prefer something plain.

Extension lead tower with USB - £22 (Amazon)

With the amount of electricals you'll have with you at university, you'll soon find out that an extension lead is a necessity - especially if you need to charge a few items at the same time! This extension lead tower allows you to plug in 11 devices at once, through eight plug sockets and three usb ports, and it saves floor space too.