Our expert's top 5 Uni essentials

Written by: Ryan O’Connell
Published on 19 September 2024

As summer comes to an end and university approaches, many students are preparing to return for their second or third year, while others are embarking on this transformative experience for the first time. Starting university can be overwhelming; it marks your first taste of independence and, for some, financial responsibility. With this newfound freedom, it’s easy to overspend—especially on nights out. If you find yourself low on funds, a simple way to save is by searching for discount codes before shopping online. You'd be surprised at how much you can save with just a few minutes of browsing. When shopping online, use the Voucherbox search tool to find your retailer—our platform features over 1,000 stores—and select a voucher to apply at checkout for instant savings.

Beyond discount codes, there are countless financial tips and tricks we've gathered from our own university experiences. We’re eager to share these with you so you can stretch your budget and have a little extra cash to spend on the things that matter most.

Frozen food is your friend

Balancing affordability and practicality is essential for student life. As you begin living independently, it’s tempting to rely on quick takeaway apps, especially when time is tight. However, stocking up on essential kitchen items for your freezer is a smart way to stay within your budget while making healthier choices. Our team of savings experts reviewed various online retailers for their student-friendliness, and Iceland emerged as the top pick for both value and convenience. By keeping a well-stocked freezer, you can avoid overspending on takeaways and always have affordable meal options on hand.

We reached out to university students to ask what their favourite meals were, and we hunted for the ingredients at Iceland to see how much it would cost to make. The top response was a Chinese takeaway (Chicken Chow Mein). Here’s what we found:

• Blue Dragon Medium Egg Noodles 250g - £1.50 (38p per portion)

• Blue Dragon Chow Mein Stir Fry Sauce 120g - £1.00 (50p per portion)

• Iceland 15% Extra Free Boneless Chicken Thigh Fillets 690g - £3.50 (58p per portion)

• Iceland Broccoli Florets 1kg - £2.00 (10p per portion)

• Iceland Mixed Vegetables 1.2kg - £2.00 (10p per portion)

Total: £1.66 per portion!

Instead of grabbing your iPhone to order from the nearest Chinese takeaway, why not keep a selection of long-lasting ingredients stocked in your pantry and freezer, and prepare a meal yourself? Pressed for time? No problem—this dish takes just 30 minutes to make, which is likely quicker than waiting for your favorite fast food delivery to arrive!

Invest in comfortable basics

Now that your university kitchen is fully stocked, it’s time to focus on other essentials. Every uni student knows the struggle of racing to make a 9 a.m. lecture after hitting snooze multiple times. But that doesn't mean you have to look like you just rolled out of bed. Adidas offers a range of comfortable, everyday clothing and footwear that you can easily throw on in the morning, no fuss required. Their athleisure collection is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s attending lectures, grabbing lunch with friends, or heading straight to the gym. We’re particularly fond of the Essentials Rib Flared Leggings, ideal for those going from Pilates to lunch after class. And, of course, no outfit is complete without the trendy Adidas Sambas!

Come prepared

We’re sure you’re well aware of the stereotype that follows British universities; drinking, partying and, well… you know. We won’t get into the ins-and-outs of this, but it’s important to be prepared. Lovehoney’s condom range includes well-known brands such as Pasante and Durex. There’s much more to discover but we’ll leave the rest up to you.

Budget for your trips back home

As you head home to reconnect with family and friends, you’re looking for an affordable, convenient travel option. Known for its budget-friendly fares, Megabus provides a stress-free journey, allowing you to relax or catch up on studies while en route. Whether you’re heading back for your holidays or short weekend full of mum’s cooking, Megabus helps bridge the distance between campus and home, making it easier for you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones without breaking the bank.

Treat yourself every now and then!

While we've emphasized the importance of making smart choices between cooking and ordering in, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself from time to time! Takeaway offers a convenient, time-saving way to enjoy a variety of restaurant-quality meals right in your own space. We’re big fans of ordering through Deliveroo—their loyalty program ensures you receive exclusive deals and discounts straight to your inbox as well as free delivery, perfect for those moments when you need a hassle-free meal.

Now that you’ve got our top 5 uni essentials, there’s just one thing left—show up! The Voucherbox team wishes all Freshers a fantastic start to the academic year filled with success and fun. And don’t forget to check out our discount codes for huge savings on thousands of items when shopping online!