Fresher’s Week will be here before know it! Start prepping early for one of the most exciting times on campus!
Fresher’s is the perfect opportunity to connect with new students and keep your message top of mind all semester long.
From freebie favourites to functional campus gear, we’ve put together the ultimate list of university essentials. These are the items that students love, use, and remember – perfect for welcome packs, society giveaways or branded departmental merchandise. If you’re looking to make your brand shine, these products will keep your logo front and centre while giving students tools they’ll genuinely appreciate.
Shopper Bags and Drawstring Bags
With more students going eco-conscious, reusable shopper bags are a brilliant giveaway. They’re practical for groceries, gym kits, or books – and they’ll keep your brand moving all over campus.
Stress Balls & Fidget Spinner Ball Pens
Help students stay calm with branded stress balls and fidget spinner pens. Fun, functional, and therapeutic – these are perfect for your stand at the Fresher’s Fair or for wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
Recycled Notebooks and Sticky Notes
Every student needs a notebook, so why not offer one that’s eco-friendly and stylish? Recycled notebooks are practical and show your brand’s commitment to sustainability. A definite win. Revision, reminders, or notes for flatmates—sticky notes are a stationery staple. Branded packs keep your name in sight while being incredibly useful for students of all disciplines.
Bucket Hats, Baseball Caps & Beanies
Hats are always a hit! Whether it’s a sunny day or just a fun fashion statement, bucket hats and peak caps fly off the table. Students wear them all year round regardless of the weather.
Lanyards and Wristbands
Lanyards never go out of style – mainly because they’re needed all year long. From holding ID cards to keys, lanyards are one of the most useful and visible branded items out there. Wristbands are simple, effective, and always on trend. Branded wristbands are a low-cost way to spread your message and boost visibility. They’re perfect for entry to events or as part of a welcome gift pack.
Hoodies
Campus can get chilly, especially during those autumn months. Branded hoodies and woolly beanie hats are always in high demand. They’re not only wearable but turn your brand into walking promotion.
Water Bottles & Travel Coffee Mugs
Reusable drinkware is an absolute essential. Whether students are heading to lectures or working in the library, water bottles and travel mugs are a daily go-to. Durable and eco-friendly, these are some of the most appreciated and useful gifts you can give.
Lunchboxes
Help students stay fuelled during long days with branded lunchboxes. A practical addition to any student’s routine, lunchboxes make for a unique yet memorable giveaway item.
Sunglasses
When the sun does shine, students will be reaching for their shades. Branded sunglasses are a fun, fashionable item that brings your brand to life and gives off feel-good vibes.
Tech items for students on the move
Having the right tech setup can make a big difference in how smoothly your university life runs. Whether students are in lectures, working on assignments, or just trying to stay organised, there’s loads of tech items that can help them through the day. Get these branded items in the hands of your students and they’ll use them again and again!
Make Your Brand Unmissable
Fresher’s Week is a golden opportunity to connect with thousands of students who are forming new habits, making new friends, and discovering what matters to them. With the right branded merchandise, you can be part of that journey.
Choose products that students will actually use, wear, or keep, and your brand won’t just be a name, they’ll remember how you made life on campus a little more fun, stylish, or practical.
So, if you’re getting ready for Fresher’s 2025, don’t just show up – stand out. Stock up on these campus essentials and make your mark from day one.
Interested in any of these? Get in touch with the team to discuss their top picks. We’d love to help you find the perfect branded merch for Freshers week.
Contact the Graphic Arts Team today