The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Uni Packing List
Set yourself up for a smooth start and reduce your impact on the planet with some thoughtful, sustainable choices. Heading off to uni is one of the most exciting times of your life – but it can also be a time when a lot of unnecessary stuff ends up getting bought, used once, and then thrown away. The good news? You can set yourself up for a smooth start and reduce your impact on the planet with some thoughtful, sustainable choices. Here’s the ultimate eco-friendly uni packing list to help you settle into student life without the extra waste 🙌
🛏️ Bedroom & Living Essentials
Organic Cotton Bedding – breathable, durable, and made without harmful chemicals.
LED Desk Lamp – uses less energy, lasts longer.
Second-hand Decor – charity shops or Facebook Marketplace are perfect for unique finds that don’t cost the earth.
🍳 Kitchen Must-Haves
Reusable Coffee Cup – keep your caffeine fix sustainable.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle – long-lasting and saves you from endless plastic bottles.
Glass Storage Containers – for leftovers, batch cooking, and cutting down on cling film.
Second-Hand Pots & Pans – check with flat mates to avoid duplicates!
🧺 Cleaning & Laundry
Eco-Friendly Washing Detergent Sheets – lightweight, zero-waste alternative to heavy plastic bottles.
Wool Dryer Balls – cut drying time and replace disposable dryer sheets.
Reusable Cleaning Cloths – ditch single-use wipes.
Multi-Surface Eco Cleaner – one product, less packaging.
🧴 Bathroom Basics
Bamboo Toothbrush – biodegradable handle, just swap out the bristles.
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars – long-lasting and plastic-free.
Safety Razor – reusable, cost-effective, and planet-friendly.
Organic Cotton Towels – soft, absorbent, and sustainably made.
🎒 Study & Tech
Refillable Notebooks – or go digital with a tablet to cut down on paper.
Recycled Stationery – pens, highlighters, and folders made from post-consumer waste.
Energy-Efficient Laptop – look for models with good energy ratings.
Reusable Cable Organiser – keeps wires neat and prevents buying extras.
🚲 Lifestyle & Transport
Bike & Lock – the ultimate eco-friendly uni transport option.
Reusable Tote Bags – for shopping, laundry runs, and carrying textbooks.
Meal Prep Kit – lunchbox, reusable cutlery, and a water bottle = less takeaway packaging.
Clothes Swap Bag – host swaps with friends instead of buying new fast fashion.
Top Tip: Before buying anything new, check what you already own and what family or friends can lend you. Borrowing, swapping, and second-hand shopping are your best friends when it comes to saving money and the environment.
By making a few smart swaps and conscious choices, you’ll not only cut down on waste but also save money in the long run. Moving into student life sustainably is all about balance, bringing what you need, avoiding what you don’t, and making eco-friendly living part of your everyday routine.
Here are quick-fire links to check some sustainable purchases out before you move!
UniKitOut: Offers an Eco-Friendly Super-soft Student Duvet & Pillow Kit priced at £28.
Joseph Joseph: Offers reusable coffee cups with flip-top caps, prioritizing hygiene and ease of use.
BAMWOO: Provides biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes with medium and firm bristles.
Waterdrop®: Sells vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottles that keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 6–12 hours.
IKEA UK: Provides a wide range of affordable LED desk lamps suitable for home offices and study spaces.