Humble coat hangers are the ‘most forgotten’ items on Uni packing list

• Kettles are considered most useful student accessory
• A well stocked fridge is the most missed home comfort
• But family pets are missed more than human family members

There can be a lot to remember when packing for uni – and it’s the unglamorous basics that are most often forgotten according to a new study from John Lewis. 

That’s the message from recent students who were asked what they wished they had taken to their halls or student houses. 

In a poll of more than 500 students, the humble coat hanger topped the list of most forgotten items, followed by chargers, towels, scissors and bottle openers. Surprisingly, bedding was also high on the list of forgotten items. 

And when asked what items they found most useful to take to university, recent students ranked kettles and extra towels far more highly than textbooks and stationery. 

Having a well stocked fridge was missed most by students while at university, followed by their own bed and having their favourite meal cooked for them. Meanwhile, our family pets are everybody’s best friend - piping human family members to the post as being most missed. 

Some of those who were already at university or had recently graduated stated they’d now look at taking different items with them given the cost of living crisis. 

37% said they’d consider taking a slow cooker, closely followed by a hot water bottle (29%), microwave (29%) and wearable blanket (29%). Almost a quarter (24%) said an Air Fryer would be on their list. 

The research comes as John Lewis’ affordable ANYDAY homeware range saw sales surge as we entered September, as shoppers start to stock up on traditional uni staples.

Rosie Chalk, Bedding Buyer at John Lewis, said: “Whether you’re a first-year student packing for halls, returning to a final year house share, or a parent waving them off - the departure for uni is a big right of passage. In the past week alone, sales of our affordable ANYDAY fitted sheets, duvet covers and throws were up 22% compared to the previous week, and ANYDAY pots and pans up 206% compared to last year. 

“We pride ourselves on being there for all life’s moments and are proud to be a one-stop-shop for student essentials. We’d just remind students not to forget those humble coat hangers!” 

Top student products: 

• John Lewis Hangers, Pack of 6 - £5.50
• John Lewis ANYDAY Spot Towel - £10
• John Lewis ANYDAY Microfibre Standard Pillow Pair - £10
• John Lewis ANYDAY Block Stripe Reversible Pure Cotton Duvet Cover Set, single - £30
• John Lewis ANYDAY Ripple Stripe Reversible Pure Cotton Duvet Cover Set, single - £30

Notes to Editors

Research carried out by OnePoll in August 2023, with 500 recent students