If you or a loved one have left university recently and have good quality pre-loved items in need of a new home, consider donating them to one of our shops.
9 August 2024
Sustainable Style: 9 second-hand essentials for university students
When it comes to shopping for students, look no further than our handy guide
To help combat some of those new-student expenses, we are encouraging freshers and their families to shop second-hand!
Heading off to university is an exciting time, however, with so many things to buy and experience, it’s handy to find ways to save money where you can. Shopping in your local charity shop means you can find the great items you’ll need in your new home at affordable prices, and you’ll be embracing a more sustainable way of living too.
Quick links: download our free student shopping list here
Here are 9 items we think are ideal to buy second-hand from our shops:
1. Crockery
You can pick up single plates and cups, or matching crockery sets easily. Choose vintage styles or more modern patterns – we’ve seen plenty of both in our shops. If you’re looking for convenience when cooking and cleaning in halls, make sure you look on the underside to check whether items are dishwasher and microwave safe.
2. Glassware
From your everyday drinking glasses in various shapes and sizes, to more sophisticated wine and cocktail glasses, you can find them all in our shops!
3. Cutlery
We all love finger-food but owning a set of knives, forks and spoons is probably non-negotiable. You may find matching sets in our shops but there are plenty of options to pick and mix in too.
4. Cookware
Whether you’re a cooking novice or an enthusiastic chef, you can buy the practical pans and baking dishes you’ll need second-hand. Find smaller ones for those quick single-portion meals or buy larger ones for shared dinners with your new housemates.
5. Utensils
From a trusty tin-opener to spoons and spatulas, having a good set of utensils makes meals a lot easier to manage.
6. Furniture
While most halls of residence will provide your basic furniture, other shared accommodation may require furnishing. Find beds, desks, chairs, wardrobes and cabinets at our larger Home & Living shops; if you’re feeling creative you could always upcycle furniture with a splash of chalk paint to make it suit your style.
7. Electricals
For kitchen and desktop appliances, you can find lamps, slow cookers, coffee makers and everything in between in our shops. We PAT test all of our electricals for safety before they head onto the shop shelves.
8. Room décor
Make it your own! Take your new room from drab to fab with pre-loved picture frames, lamps, blankets or artwork. Thrifting second-hand home accessories if a fun way to add your own unique personality into the room without spending a fortune.
9. Clothing
It’s not just your room that can get a makeover. If you want to transform your wardrobe ready for your new adventure, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and stylish pieces in our shops, including winter coats and boots, pretty party dresses, comfy loungewear and more.
Take our recommendations to go!
Tick off purchases as you go with our handy university shopping list available to download for free here:
