Waving a child, grandchild, or friend off to university is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like a huge adjustment. While it’s tempting to fill a care package with chocolate, instant noodles, and novelty gifts, the most appreciated presents are often the ones that make everyday student life just a little bit easier.
Whether they’re moving into halls for the first time or settling into shared accommodation, here’s a list of some thoughtful essentials that support health, wellbeing and comfort long after Fresher’s Week has finished.
A Reusable Water Bottle
Between lectures, study sessions, and social plans, it’s easy for students to forget to stay hydrated. A good-quality reusable water bottle encourages them to keep water close by throughout the day, whether they’re heading onto campus or off to the gym.
You could even level up their daily hydration with a Doulton Water Filter Bottle, giving them better-tasting filtered water on-the-go with a built in carbon block filter that reduces that swimming pool-esque taste and odour tap water may sometimes have. Not only will they stay hydrated throughout the day, but it also comes in a stylish range of colours to suit their preferences.
Healthy Snacks
Late night study sessions and busy timetables often mean skipped meals or unhealthy picky bits on the go. Stocking a care package with nutritious snacks gives students convenient options they don’t have to think about when they’re short on time.
Ideas include:
- Oat bars
- Dried fruit
- Rice cakes
- Popcorn
- Mixed nuts
Basically, anything healthier that pre-packaged to grab and go whatever time of day they're studying hard to meet any deadlines!
A First Aid Kit
It may feel a little dramatic to pack a first aid kit, but if it is their first time away from home it may be the first time having to navigate illness or minor injury without some trusty parental advice. A few everyday essentials can make all the difference when they’re feeling under the weather (self inclicted, or otherwise) or get a fresher’s week scrape. Pop in items such as pain relief tablets, plasters, antiseptic cream and flu remedies such as lemon tea. This saves any unexpected trips to the shop, coughing and snotty while in their pyjamas.
Practical Kitchen Basics
Kitchen essentials are core to student life, regardless of whether they’re in halls or a house. Even if the kitchen comes equipped, chances are the shared utensils and pans will often be left to 'soak' in classic shared accomodation style, so having their own kitchen basics will make student life a lot easier.
Useful additions include:
- Food storage containers
- A pot and frying pan
- A chopping board
- Reusable food bags
- A sharp knife for cutting
- A tea towel or two
- A measuring jug
- Small water filter system
Cosy Home Comforts
University rooms can feel a bit sterile and bare, so some cosy, homely touches can make all the difference for settling in. Soft blankets and cushions can transform a basic bed into a comfy seating area during the day, and a pair of slippers or cute pyjamas can make it feel more like home. Extra touches like photos, fairy lights, a favourite mug, or a selection of books will also add that familiarity that may be lacking.
A Gravity Water Filter System
A gravity water filter system might not be the first thing that comes to mind when packing up for university, but it’s one of those everyday essentials that becomes part of a student’s routine.
Ideal for university accommodation, whether it be in halls or a shared house, a gravity system requires zero plumbing or installation. Simply fill it with tap water, pop it on your desk, bedside table, or kitchen counter, and let gravity do the work.
A Handwritten Note
Ok, so maybe this one isn’t a ‘student essential’, but if it’s their first time away from home for such a long period (quite likely) then a handwritten letter can make all the difference after the initial excitement has died down and homesickness creeps in.
Reminding them how proud you are, encouraging them to enjoy the experience and reassuring them that you’re always just a phone call away can mean more than any gift ever will. Sometimes the most valuable things cost nothing.
Thoughtful Gifts That Keep on Giving
The best university gifts are all about making someone feel supported as they begin their exciting new chapter.
Practical gifts that encourage healthy habits, make everyday life easier, and create a sense of homely comfort can have a lasting impact. From a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks to a gravity water filter system that provides fresh, better-tasting drinking water, thoughtful additions help students settle into independent living with confidence. If you're looking to cover all bases when it comes to the quality of water, you could even invest in our Back to University bundle. The perfect gift for students everywhere.
For more inspiration, visit our back to better water, student-focussed landing page here: https://doulton.com/pages/back-to-better-water
