The Things We’d Buy Before Freshers (And What We’d Leave At Home)

The Debrief

Moving to uni comes with one big question: what do you actually need?

Between the TikTok room hauls, endless “uni essentials” lists and panic buying everything you think you might need, it’s easy to overpack.

By Hazaar Team August 20, 2026

Make Your Space Yours

More than just a place to sleep, your uni bedroom will become the setting for all of the most important first year moments - morning after debriefs, late night chats, getting ready and all-nighters during exam season. It’s worth upgrading your space to be somewhere you actually want to spend your time. A few personal touches, good lighting and clever storage can completely change how a room feels.

Because let’s be honest, uni rooms are not exactly known for their size. Make the most of every corner; under-bed storage, shelves, drawers and those random spaces you didn’t realise could fit half your belongings.

We’d buy:

a fun duvet set

a bedside lamp

storage baskets

photos or prints

a laundry basket

and a good mirror.

Daily Essentials

Some of the best uni purchases are the ones you barely think about, until you need them urgently. Like the extension lead that means you can doomscroll in bed, or the first aid kit when someone inevitably takes it a bit too far at pres.

an extension lead,

reusable water bottle,

tote bag,

chargers,

laundry bits,

and a basic first aid kit.

Kitchen Essentials

Stick to the things that make everyday life easier. A decent pan, a good mug and a few containers will get you much further than anything you think you need. Plus, guaranteed one of your flatmates will bring a full kitchen set up.

food storage containers,

a good mug,

frying pan,

cutlery,

and a few cupboard basics.