Go Higher: Send them off with a real treat
As your son or daughter prepares for the uncertainty of living away from home, a few comforts could go a long way to easing their passage into university life. Sophie Morris suggests some gifts to mark the occasion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pure Evoke Mio DAB/FM radio
Pure has finally caught on to the popularity of retro styling in radios, and has come up with this amazing package – the Evoke Mio has an alarm and clock (a must for all students), works as an iPod speaker and has a USB port, so it can play music stored on a computer too. This all-in-one is much simpler to transport to uni than separate components, and the cherry red finish gets my vote.
How much: £149.99
Where from: Argos (www.argos.co.uk)
Muji storage solutions
Storage is a problem for most students, so why not invest in a selection of Muji’s smart wardrobe drawers to help keep things in order? These stackable containers come in a variety of sizes and are intended for clothes and shoes,but needn’t be used solely for clothing. Use them to cart your belongings to uni, then stash a few inside a wardrobe and under the bed, but they’re good enough to keep on display too.
How much: from £9.95
Where from: Muji (www.muji.eu)
Yes No Maybe Streetglam Hood
Every student needs a hoodie to keep them warm on chilly winter walks to lectures. They should stand out from the crowd in this distinctive design from hip Londonstreetwear label Yes No Maybe. Each sweater is a one-off thanksto the string-vest texture printed on to the material, topped off with a sparkly logo.
How much: £59.99
Where from: Yes No Maybe (www.yesnomaybe.co.uk)
OXO Good Grips self-pulling corkscrew
Lakeland, the kitchenware supplier, is every practical parent’s best friend. And if students want to eat well during their studies, a good start would be to stock up their cupboards with some handy accessories. A durable, easy-to-use corkscrew will be appreciated by all students – and all their friends.
How much: £9.78
Where from: Lakeland (www.lakeland.co.uk)
M&S Fairtrade bedding
If your progeny are going to need some new bed linen for university, it may be prudent to make them ethical consumers from the get-go. M&S has a lovely Fairtrade range in shades of chocolate brown, blue and white, which is made from 100 per cent organic cotton. They’ll be snuggling up in pesticide-free bedding knowing their purchase has caused little harm to the planet.
How much: from £12
Where from: Marks and Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com)
North Face Rolling Thunder holdall
This huge, durable holdall is an ideal investment for any student. It will come in handy for weekend trips home, going to the laundrette, and any exploring they might do in those long student holidays. The wheels make it easy to cart about and the bulk of the case squashes down for storage.
How much: £170
Where from: Cotswold Outdoor (www.cotswoldoutdoor.com)
Tu Rounded Square 12-piece dinnerware set
Being a penniless student needn’t mean compromising on style. Sainsbury’s offers a number of starter crockery sets, including this elegant, Japanese-style design. It’s a good idea to buy items that can be replaced easily, because things have a habit of going missing or getting smashed in shared accommodation.
How much: £21.99
Where from: Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk)
Uni-Box study pack
Stationery should be top of the list for uni starters, but pens, pencils and Pritt Stick can often be forgotten in the rush to findmatching pots and pans. This generous kit from includes pens, a desk tidy, lever arch file, highlighters, an A4 pad, sticky tape and a desktop calculator.
How much: £19.99
Where from: The Uni-box (www.theuni-box. com; 0870-042 9479)
John Lewis four-slice toaster
Students consume toast by the loaf-ful, so this generous four-slice model will win many friends in the kitchen. It’s very good value, given the functionality and the brushed stainless-steel finish is unarguably chic. The three-year guarantee means it should see its proud owner through their degree and beyond.
How much: £45
Where from: John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com; 08456 049049)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments