Heading off to university is an exciting time - a new home, new friends, new routines and, for many students, the first time living away from home.
It's also a chance to rethink some of the everyday habits we've grown up with. From reusable coffee cups to second-hand furniture, students are increasingly looking for sustainable university essentials that are practical, affordable and a little kinder to the planet.
And your bathroom is a surprisingly easy place to start.
What makes a sustainable student?
Being a sustainable student doesn't mean completely changing the way you live. It's about making small swaps that fit naturally into your everyday routine.
Choosing reusable over disposable. Buying things that last. Avoiding unnecessary plastic. And thinking twice before buying something simply because it's convenient.
When you're living in student accommodation, these small choices can add up.
1. Swap shower gel for a bar of soap
One of the easiest sustainable bathroom swaps for students is switching from bottled shower gel to a bar of soap.
Traditional bar soap doesn't need a plastic bottle, making it a simple way to reduce plastic in your bathroom.
2. Choose products with less packaging
University accommodation isn't exactly known for having endless storage space.
Choosing plastic-free toiletries can help keep your bathroom simpler as well as reducing unnecessary packaging. Look for products that use minimal packaging and avoid buying products where you're mostly paying for the bottle. A bar of soap is a great example: it's compact, easy to store and doesn't need a plastic container.
3. Buy things that you'll actually use
Student budgets matter.
Sustainable living shouldn't mean buying lots of expensive "eco" products you don't need. Instead, focus on replacing everyday essentials when they run out. Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, laundry products and cleaning supplies are all things you're going to need. Sometimes spending a little extra means you'll get a product with a lot more longevity.
The most effective way to be more sustainable is investing in the thing that you'll use everyday.
4. Look for natural ingredients
If you're trying to make more sustainable and natural choices, it's worth looking beyond the packaging too. Check the ingredients in your toiletries and consider choosing products made with thoughtfully selected plant-based ingredients.
At Kleensoaps, our handmade soaps are made with plant oils, butters and pure essential oils. They're vegan and palm-oil free, and we don't use synthetic fragrances or unnecessary extras.
We believe what's inside the product matters just as much as what it's wrapped in.
5. Make things last longer
Sustainability isn't only about what you buy. It's also about how you use it.
A bar of soap will last much longer if it's allowed to dry properly between uses. This is particularly known in a university bathroom, where a constantly wet bar can quickly become soft and disappear down the plughole. A soap on a rope makes this easy. Simply hang it somewhere with good airflow after washing and let it dry naturally.
Small habit. Big difference.
6. Create a sustainable university essentials list
Heading off to university? Here's a simple starting point for your sustainable student essentials:
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable coffee cup
- Tote bags for shopping
- Reusable food containers
- Soap on a rope
- Reusable toiletries
- Refillable cleaning products
- Second-hand or pre-loved furniture where possible
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with what you'll actually use.
A little luxury for student life
Being sustainable doesn't mean your university bathroom has to feel basic. In fact, choosing fewer, better things can make a small space feel much more considered.
A beautifully scented handmade soap is an affordable way to add a little everyday luxury to student life - without adding another plastic bottle to the bathroom. Our soaps are handmade in small batches in our Kent studio and cured for at least six weeks.
A simple swap for a more sustainable student life
University is full of new beginnings. New routines. New independence. New choices.
You don't have to get everything right from day one. Start small.
Swap one bottle for one bar. Choose something that lasts. Buy less, but buy well.
And make your everyday essentials work a little harder for you - and a little more gently for the planet.
Discover our handmade natural soaps and find an easy sustainable swap for your student bathroom.
For parents or loved ones of new students, our soaps also make amazing gifts - either a one-off or a little luxurious subscription can make them feel at home.
