This is a guest blog by Anastasia Kefalas - B2B Marketing & PR Intern at Pion. As some of you are preparing to go back to school - or are starting out for the first time - here's an honest insight into what you can expect during your first year, and how Student Beans is here to support
Everything you actually need before starting university
Starting college is a big milestone, and whether you're moving into halls, commuting from home or relocating to a brand new city, there's a lot to think about before your first day.
Between packing your bags, meeting your flatmates and figuring out your class schedule, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless lists of "must-have" university essentials.
The truth is, you don't need to buy everything you see online. The best university essentials are the ones you'll reach for every day, items that help you stay organised, comfortable and ready for whatever student life throws your way.
To help you get started, we've rounded up the first year essentials that are genuinely worth investing in. From everyday campus must-haves and study tools to the tech that'll see you through every assignment, these are the items you'll actually use throughout your degree. Even better, Student Beans members can unlock exclusive discounts on some of the biggest brands, helping you save money before term even begins.
So, whether you're putting together your first shopping list or making sure you haven't forgotten anything before moving in, here's everything you need to start university with confidence. PS check out our back-to-school collection for all your college must-haves.
Everyday essentials
Before you start thinking about laptops and lecture notes, it's worth getting the everyday basics sorted. These are the things you'll use from your very first day on campus, whether you're heading to lectures, grabbing lunch with friends or settling into your new routine. Here are 4 must-haves:
1. A backpack you'll carry everywhere
Your backpack is one of the hardest-working items you'll own at university.
It'll carry everything from your laptop and notebooks to snacks, chargers and that emergency umbrella you'll inevitably need halfway through the semester.
When choosing a backpack, comfort is just as important as style. Look for something with padded straps, enough storage for your daily essentials and compartments to help keep everything organised. After all, you'll probably be carrying it across campus almost every day.
Shop shoes and accessories now at Student Beans
2. Comfortable trainers
If there's one thing every fresher seems to underestimate, it's how much walking university involves.
From rushing between lectures to exploring your new city and meeting friends after class, chances are you'll spend more time on your feet than ever before. A comfortable pair of trainers isn't just nice to have, it's something you'll be grateful for every single day.
The good news? Student Beans offers discounts on some of the biggest fashion and footwear brands, making it easier to pick up a pair that'll keep you comfortable all semester long.
Shop shoes and accessories now at Student Beans
3. A reusable water bottle
University days can be long, and staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to help yourself stay focused throughout lectures and study sessions.
Having a reusable water bottle means you'll always have a drink with you, while saving money and cutting down on single-use plastic. It's no surprise that brands like Stanley have become so popular with students; they're built to last, easy to carry around campus and keep your drinks cold (or hot) for hours.
Stalney The IceFlow™ Bottle Flip Straw 2.0 | 24 OZ
Stay hydrated with a Stanley bottle and unlock exclusive Student Beans savings.
4. A planner that works for you
One of the biggest adjustments during your first semester is learning how to manage your own schedule.
Instead of teachers reminding you about homework, you'll suddenly be balancing lectures, coursework, society events, part-time jobs and your social life all at once. Whether you prefer using a paper planner or keeping everything organised digitally, finding a system that works for you early on can make a huge difference when deadlines start piling up.
Pair it with a notebook and some basic stationery, and you'll have everything you need to stay on top of your workload from day one.
Keep deadlines on track with our study and stationery discounts you'll actually use.
Don't forget the little things
It's often the smaller purchases that end up making the biggest difference once university starts.
Before you move in, make sure you've packed a few everyday essentials that'll make life easier from the get-go, including:
A reusable coffee cup
Tote bags for food shopping
A lunch box
An umbrella
A portable charger
An extension lead
A laundry bag
Spare charging cables
Study essentials
University is a big step up from school, and one of the biggest differences is how much responsibility you'll have for managing your own workload. From lecture notes and coursework to group projects and revision sessions, having the right study tools from the start can make life a lot easier.
You don't need the most expensive setup to succeed, but a few well-chosen resources can help you stay organised, save time and feel more prepared when deadlines start rolling in.
Creative software you'll use throughout your degree
Whether you're designing presentations, editing videos, creating portfolios or simply making your coursework look more professional, having access to the right software can be a game changer; luckily and we have plenty of software student discounts for you.
For students studying creative subjects, Adobe Creative Cloud is packed with industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. Even if you're not studying design, applications like Acrobat can come in handy for editing PDFs, annotating lecture notes and organising coursework.
With Student Beans, you can unlock exclusive Adobe student offers and save on software you'll likely use long after graduation.
Save on Adobe Creative Cloud with Student Beans.
Tech essentials
Once you've got the basics covered, it's time to think about the technology that'll support you throughout your degree. From writing essays and attending online lectures to staying connected with friends and relaxing after a long day, these are the devices you'll probably use every single day.
A laptop that's built for student life
A reliable laptop is one of the biggest investments you'll make before starting university, and it's worth taking the time to choose one that suits your needs.
Think about how you'll be using it. Will you be carrying it around campus every day? Editing large files? Spending hours writing essays? Battery life, storage and portability are often more important than buying the latest model.
Whether you're looking at Apple or Samsung, Student Beans members can unlock exclusive discounts to help make upgrading your tech a little more affordable.
Save now on laptops and computers with Student Beans.
Headphones that help you focus
From noisy halls to busy libraries, university isn't always the quiet environment you imagine. A good pair of headphones can make all the difference when you need to concentrate.
Whether you're listening to lecture recordings, joining online seminars or simply putting on your favourite playlist while studying, brands like Shokz and Sonos offer high-quality audio that works just as well for productivity as it does for downtime.
Tech accessories worth packing
Sometimes it's the smaller accessories that save the day. Before moving in, it's worth adding a few extras to your shopping list:
Portable charger
Laptop sleeve
USB-C adapter or hub
Extra charging cables
Extension lead or power strip
These might seem like small purchases now, but they'll come in handy more often than you think, especially when every plug socket in the library is taken or you're running low on battery between lectures.
Save on tech and mobile goods with Student Beans.
Whether you're moving into halls or commuting to campus, a little preparation goes a long way, with Student Beans back-to-school discounts on everything from tech to everyday essentials, you can start your first year feeling prepared without overspending.
Unlock even more with Student Beans
All your favourite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to college to life after graduation.
- Sign up for a Student Beans account or log in to start saving on the biggest and best brands.
- Download the Student Beans app to unlock exclusive app-only discounts.
