The ultimate university kitchen starter pack

Sending your kid to uni is a proud (and slightly terrifying) moment. But with the right kitchen appliances, they’re one step closer to independence – and you can breathe a little easier knowing they’re not purely living off cereal and crisps.

We’ve pulled together a shortlist of must-have uni appliances that’ll fit student budgets and compact kitchens:

 

SIA 20L Retro Microwave

Our price: £64.99

Save 35% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• 700W power for quick reheating
• Retro black finish adds style to student kitchens
• 6 power levels and 30-minute timer
• Compact and counter-friendly

 

Why it’s a Ship it student essential

Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to love. This retro microwave is great for reheating leftovers, defrosting meals from home, or quickly cooking student staples like jacket potatoes.

 

SIA 20L Freestanding Microwave

Our price: £49.39

Save 65% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• Classic white design suits any uni kitchen
• 800W for faster cooking
• Straightforward manual dials
• 35-minute timer

 

Why it’s a Ship it student essential

A microwave that does what it says on the tin. Reliable, budget-friendly, perfect for students who want to keep things simple and kitchens where space is limited.

 

SIA 5.5L Digital Air Fryer

Our price: £44.99

Save 55% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• 5L capacity great for meal prepping or sharing
• 8 preset functions for chips, chicken, veg & more
• Digital display with auto shut-off – safe and simple
• Uses less oil, less mess, and less electricity than an oven

 

Why it’s a Ship it student essential

Saves money, time and washing up. Cheaper and faster than using an oven, and a great way to cook more than just chips (think toasties, frozen veg, even salmon if they’re feeling fancy!). Great for students who want real food without real effort.

 

Wilko Plus Power Blender

Our price: £25.99

Save 46% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• 1000W power for smoothies, soups & sauces
• Sleek grey design
• Durable stainless steel blades
• Compact enough for student kitchens

 

Why it’s a student essential

Ideal for the gym-goers, breakfast-sippers, and TikTok smoothie bowl makers. Not just for soups, this blender is a handy budget-friendly all-rounder that earns its space.

 

SIA 45L Retro Mini Fridge

Our price: £113.99

Save 37% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• Compact enough for bedrooms and under desks
• Fits snacks, milk and leftovers
• Retro black finish adds a cool touch to their setup
• Quiet enough not to disturb sleep or study

 

Why it’s a student essential

Ideal for students in shared halls who want their own cold storage. This mini fridge gives them their own space in shared accommodation (because, yes, fridge politics is a real thing).

 

SIA 52L Mini Fridge

Our price: £109.24

Save 39% vs RRP

 

Why we love it

• Large 52L capacity to hold approximately 18 bottles
• Glass door (fancy!)
• Adjustable thermostat keeps foods and drinks fresh
• Space-saving and quiet for small rooms

 

Why it’s a student essential

Whether it’s for yoghurts or water bottles, this fridge is a solid choice for independent living. Looks great too. (It’s not just for beer. But yes, it’s very good at keeping beer cold too.)

 

Make university life a little easier for everyone

Sending them off with the right appliances sets students up for independence, confidence, and maybe even a decent meal every now and then.

These picks are compact, affordable, and actually useful. Whether they’re in halls, a student house, or a tiny studio flat, these essentials help them eat well, live better, and feel a bit more at home.

We’ve picked appliances that are:

• Compact and halls-friendly
• Easy to use (even on zero sleep)
• Great value with fast, free delivery
• Student life tested

 

Shop the full back-to-uni edit here.