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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 £130 from IKEA.Ìý

Student kitchen essentialsÌý

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 one or two of your plates and cutlery from home to save money. If not, IKEA has some great offers on the basics and students getÌý

Student kitchen essentialsÌý

Ikea has you covered with their Student Box for just £49 with all kitchen essentials at any Ikea UK store all the items have been listed below so make sure to grab one for yourself!Ìý

• ooking pot with lid
• Ìýfrying pan
• 3-piece kitchen utensil setÌý
• BowlÌý
• Deep plateÌý
• Plate
• 16-piece cutlery set 

• Chopping boardÌý

• ²Ñ³Ü²µâ€¯â¶Ä¯Ìý
• ColanderÌýÌý
• Can opener â¶Ä¯Ìý
• clear glass â¶Ä¯Ìý
•   pot stand 19 cork Ìý
• Resealable bags  Ìý
• dish washing brush grey â¶Ä¯Ìý
• spoon round/beech Ìý
• box 56x39x28 transparent Ìý
• lid for box transparent Ìý
• pizza cutter Ìý

Total = £49.00

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 –Ìý, , . 

Other useful kitchen items

While IKEA’s Student Box covers most of the essentials, there are still a few extra items you might find useful for your kitchen.Ìý From chopping to storing, these essentials will make life easier as you get settled into your university accommodation.Ìý

Student bedroom essentials

If you’re coming to live in ̽»¨Ö±²¥, 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.

Total = £58.00

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.

• Bath towel - £5

• Hand towel - £2.80 Ìý

• Bath mat - £1.75 Ìý
• Toilet brush/holder - £1 Ìý
• Carrier bag – 75p (use this as your laundry bag to be super thrifty) Ìý
• Clothes drying rack - £6 Ìý
• Hanging dryer 16 clothes pegs - £3 (very convenient for hanging your underwear) Ìý

Total = £20.30

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 = £127.30

Prices correct as ofÌýSeptember 2025.

Coming in at under £130 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 SeptemberÌý 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 studyingÌýat BCU, have a look at our recommended accommodation providers hereÌýand see where you might be living.