Uni Kitchen Essentials: Must-Have Items for Student Life

Moving into your student accommodation for the first time is exciting, a bit nerve-wracking, and, if we’re being honest, slightly chaotic! Between figuring out your timetable and learning how to do your own laundry (yes, darks and lights do matter), it’s easy to forget just how important it is to have your kitchen essentials sorted from day one.

Whether you’re a budding chef or someone who considers toast a gourmet meal, having the right student kitchen items can make a world of difference. From saving money on takeaways to impressing your flatmates with a decent pasta bake, getting your uni kitchen essentials in order will make your uni life much smoother.

Your Kitchen Necessities 

Let’s start with the non-negotiables. This is your core student kitchen checklist—the items that will get you through everything from your morning cuppa to late-night cheesy pasta emergencies.

To cover the basics, here’s what to take to your uni kitchen:

• Kettle – You’ll thank yourself during those 9 am lectures and 2 am essay marathons.
• One small and one medium saucepan – whether you’re heating up soup for one or cooking pasta for the whole flat, you’ll need some versatile pans.  
• Frying pan – An egg-cooker by morning, a stir-fryer by night. Need we say any more?
• Cutlery (at least five of each) – You’ll inevitably lose one fork within the first week, and you’ll need spares for those weeks when you procrastinate your dishwashing.
• Plates and bowls – A couple of each is enough.
• Mugs and glasses – Tea, coffee, water, juice—whatever gets you through your studies.
• Sharp knife – You’ll only need one good one, we promise!
• Chopping board – You don’t want to lose your deposit, so use this instead of the countertop.
• Tea towels & washing-up sponge – Glamorous? No. Necessary? Yes.

Pro tip from Ella, a second-year psychology student: “Bring your own bottle opener. Someone will inevitably forget one, and you’ll instantly become the flat legend.”

What To Save Your Money On

When it comes to student kitchen items, it’s all too easy to overpack. Yes, that spiraliser seemed like a great idea at the time—but are you really spiralising courgettes at uni? Probably not. 

So, unless you’re a culinary wizard, you can probably skip these items:

• Toastie machines
• Waffle makers
• Too many mugs (you’ll accumulate these during Freshers’ freebies anyway)
• Matching dinnerware sets—something cheap and cheerful will do the exact same job.
• Recipe books – what do you think TikTok was made for?

Second-year student tip number 2: living with others? Consider sharing items like a toaster, microwave-safe dishes, and a bin. You can split the cost or ask who’s happy to bring what. It saves space and money—win-win!

Extras That Earn Their Shelf Space

Once you’ve nailed the university kitchen must-haves, there are a few extras that can seriously upgrade your kitchen game without taking up excessive amounts of room.

Storage

• Storage containers – Whether you’re meal prepping or storing leftovers, these will help you keep all of your food fresh.
• Zip-lock bags – Great for freezing portions or storing snacks to take to your lectures!

Handy cooking bits

• Measuring jug – For those rare moments when you’re actually following a recipe.
• Baking tray – You can’t make a Sunday roast (or fresh cookies at midnight) without one!
• Tin opener – You’ll always forget you need one… until it’s too late.
• Peeler – Because no one wants to peel a spud with a knife.

A little personality goes a long way

• Small storage caddy – Keep your bits and bobs in one place, especially if you’re in a shared kitchen.
• Fairy lights or a fun mug – It’s your space—make it feel like home!

Shopping Smart & Packing Light

Before you head off on a shopping spree, check what your student accommodation kitchen already provides. Some places might include a kettle or microwave. Others may expect you to bring everything short of the sink. You can see what’s included at your Now Students location by checking out their student accommodation page.

Top tips for a stress-free kitchen setup:

• Start small – You don’t need everything all at once. See what your flatmates bring and reevaluate. Remember, there are shops in your new city, too! 
• Thrift shop – You can find some great branded bargains in thrift stores and charity shops, so keep your eyes peeled!
• Label your stuff – Permanent marker or stickers work a treat. It avoids confusion (and sneaky spoon theft).
• Pack sensibly – Wrap breakables in tea towels to save on space and bubble wrap.
• Avoid overpacking – If it won’t fit in one cupboard or box, you probably don’t need it.

Freddie, a third-year economics student, shared: “I brought a massive blender with me in my first year. I used it once, and then it just sat there, taking up half my shelf for the rest of the year. Save your space for snacks instead.”

Setting up your uni kitchen doesn’t need to be a faff. With a simple student kitchen checklist and a few smart choices, you’ll be fully equipped for everything uni life throws at you, whether that’s budget-friendly dinners or late-night crumpet runs. Remember, always check what your student accommodation already provides before packing, and don’t stress if you forget something—you’ll be living near shops (and probably with people who have a spare spoon or two).

Explore your student accommodation options with Now Students and find a place that truly understands what students need—kitchen and all.