Starting university? Make second hand your first choice

September 7, 2026

a female student sat at a desk in a book lined room using a laptop whilst writing in a naotepad.

Moving away to university is an exciting step. Whether you’re heading into halls of residence or sharing a house with friends, you’ll probably need to buy a range of everyday items to help you settle in. 

Before filling your basket with brand new products, take a moment to consider whether second hand, refurbished or borrowed alternatives could meet your needs instead. 

Choosing pre-loved items can help you save money, reduce waste and keep useful products in circulation for longer. 

Why choose second hand? 

Many items used by students only need to last for a few years and don’t have to be brand new to do the job. 

Buying second hand can help you: 

  • Save money on essential purchases 
  • Reduce demand for new products and raw materials 
  • Prevent perfectly usable items from being thrown away 
  • Give unwanted items a new life 
  • Reduce your environmental impact 

You may be surprised at the quality of items available through charity shops, online marketplaces, reuse organisations, refurbished technology suppliers and university swap groups. 

What can you buy second hand?:

Furniture 

Beds, desks, chairs, shelving, sofas and storage units are often available second hand for a fraction of the cost of buying new. 

If you’re moving into unfurnished rented accommodation, consider waiting until you’ve seen the available space before making purchases. 

Technology 

Laptops, monitors, tablets and other electronics can often be bought refurbished from reputable suppliers. 

Many refurbished devices are professionally tested, cleaned and supplied with warranties, offering a reliable and affordable alternative to buying new. 

Books and Course Materials 

University textbooks can be expensive, particularly during your first term. 

Try: 

  • Buying used copies online 
  • Looking for previous editions recommended by your course 
  • Checking university libraries 
  • Using student buy-and-sell groups 

Kitchen Essentials 

Pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, kettles and toasters are commonly available second hand and can often be found in excellent condition. 

Consider splitting purchases with housemates to avoid unnecessary duplication. 

Bicycles 

A bike can be a cost-effective way to travel around campus and your local area. 

Second hand bicycles are often available through bike recycling projects, local cycle shops and online marketplaces. 

Home and Study Equipment 

Items such as lamps, storage boxes, printers, desk organisers and home décor are frequently available second hand and can help personalise your space without stretching your budget. 

Clothing and textiles

Our Wear Care and Repair pages have lots of information and advice on choosing durable and long lasting clothing, caring for clothing and textiles and guides to simple alterations and repairs.

Where to Find Second-Hand and Refurbished Items:

Local Reuse Organisations 

If you’re studying in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, there are several organisations that sell affordable second-hand furniture, appliances and household items while helping to reduce waste and support local communities. Check the reuse section on our Waste Prevention Map, and our furniture reuse page. You could also try: 

Refurbished Technology 

If you need a laptop, monitor, tablet or smartphone, consider a refurbished device before buying new. 

Useful websites include: 

Books and Study Materials 

Before paying full price for textbooks, check whether second-hand copies are available. 

Useful websites include: 

Many students also sell course textbooks through university social media groups and student marketplaces. 

Bikes 

A bike can be one of the most affordable ways to travel between your accommodation, campus and local amenities. 

You may find second-hand bicycles through: 

  • Local bike shops 
  • Community cycle projects 
  • Student buy-and-sell groups 

Student Reuse and Swap Groups 

Many universities run: 

  • Student buy-and-sell Facebook groups 
  • Accommodation swap groups 
  • End-of-term reuse schemes 
  • Campus noticeboards and online marketplaces 

These can be excellent places to find furniture, kitchenware, study equipment and household essentials from students who are moving out and no longer need them. 

Before You Buy New 

Whenever you’re about to buy something, ask yourself: Can I borrow it, buy it second hand, or choose a refurbished option instead?

Even choosing pre-loved items for just a few purchases can save money and reduce waste. 

Don’t Forget to Reuse When You Leave 

At the end of the academic year, many students find themselves with unwanted items that are still in good condition. 

Rather than throwing them away, consider: 

  • Selling them to other students 
  • Donating them to charity shops 
  • Passing them on to friends or housemates 
  • Using local reuse organisations 
  • Returning items home for future use 

By choosing second hand where possible and passing on items you no longer need, you’ll help reduce waste, keep useful products in circulation for longer and support a more circular economy. 

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