Whether you’re moving into student accommodation or a shared house this September, preparing for college life can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. 

Between registration deadlines, textbooks, and sorting out your class timetable, it’s easy to overlook one major part of your new life - your day-to-day essentials . And at the heart of that? The appliances and tech that will keep you fed, comfortable, and on schedule.

At DID.ie, we’ve put together the ultimate student appliance checklist for 2025, full of smart, space-saving, and budget-friendly solutions that will make your transition to college life smooth and stress-free.

Whether you're staying on campus or renting nearby, this guide will help you pack (and buy) with confidence.

Student accommodation in Ireland is changing. Purpose-built student apartments are becoming more common, but many students still live in shared houses or digs.

Some will have a full kitchen and laundry room; others, just a microwave and kettle. Your needs may vary depending on where you’re staying, so we’ve broken down appliances into essentials , handy extras , and nice-to-haves - with options that won’t break the bank.

These are the must-haves for almost every student, no matter your accommodation type.

1. Kettle

For: Tea, coffee, pot noodles, hot water bottles.
Top pick: A compact, energy-efficient kettle like the Russell Hobbs Travel Kettle is ideal for dorms or shared kitchens.
Tip: Look for fast-boil or quiet boil features if you’re on a tight schedule—or don’t want to wake your roommates.

2. Mini Fridge or Table-Top Fridge

For: Storing milk, snacks, drinks, leftovers.
Top pick: A Belling Table Top Fridge with an ice box gives you flexibility in tight spaces.
Tip: Always check with your landlord or accommodation if personal fridges are allowed in bedrooms.

3. Microwave

For: Quick meals, reheating leftovers, defrosting.
Top pick: The Sharp 20L Solo Microwave is a reliable, no-fuss option under €100.
Tip: Look for easy-clean interiors and clear dial controls for speed and convenience.

4. Toaster

For: Breakfast in a flash—toast, bagels, or reheated pizza slices.
Top pick: The Morphy Richards 2-Slice Toaster is compact and won’t hog counter space.
Tip: Models with extra-wide slots are great for bagels and specialty breads.

5. Desk Fan or Tower Fan

For: Staying cool during late-night study sessions.
Top pick: The ML 360⁰ Portable Chillmax Go Fan is quiet and has multiple settings.
Tip: Fans are a must for stuffy student halls with limited ventilation.

Keeping your clothes clean and your space livable is part of adulting. Start with these essentials:

Steam Iron or Handheld Steamer

For: Presentable clothes during placements, presentations, or nights out.
Top pick: A Russell Hobbs Steam Iron is affordable and easy to use.
Tip: A handheld garment steamer is great for tight spaces—no ironing board needed.

Vacuum Cleaner or Cordless Stick Vac

For: Dust, crumbs, and inevitable messes.
Top pick: The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum is lightweight and powerful.
Tip: If space is limited, consider a mini vacuum or handheld model for spills.

While your laptop and phone will be your main tools for studying, there are other smart gadgets that can help boost productivity and make student life easier.

Printer

For: Lecture notes, assignments, and applications.
Top pick: The Canon PIXMA All-in-One Printer is affordable and perfect for home use.
Tip: Ink subscriptions or refill kits can help keep costs down over the academic year.

Smart Alarm Clock or Smart Speaker

For: Waking up on time, managing your schedule, streaming music.
Top pick: The Apple Home Pos doubles as an assistant, and built-in temperature and humidity sensor.
Tip: Use voice commands to set reminders for lectures, assignments, or even hydration!

Power Banks & Extension Leads

For: Keeping everything charged in shared spaces.
Top pick: A multi-socket extension is a game-changer.
Tip: Look for surge protection if you’re charging multiple devices at once.

If you’ve got a bit more space or you're allowed to cook in your accommodation, consider these:

Air Fryer

For: Fast, healthier meals without an oven.
Top pick: The Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer is ideal for cooking two things at once.
Tip: Perfect for chicken fillets, chips, reheated pizza, and more. Also uses less energy than an oven.

Blender or Smoothie Maker

For: Quick breakfasts and post-gym snacks.
Top pick: The NutriBullet Personal Blender is a favourite for students.
Tip: Easy to clean, and doubles as a cup. Great for early classes.

Rice Cooker or Multi-Cooker

For: One-pot meals, soups, and budget-friendly cooking.
Top pick: The Russell Hobbs Multi Cooker is versatile and compact.
Tip: Look for keep-warm features—handy when cooking ahead.

We know starting college often comes with tight budgets. That’s why at DID.ie, we offer flexible finance options and frequent student discounts across many categories.

DID.IE Finance Offers:

• 0% interest on purchases over €80

• Flexible repayment terms - ideal for splitting your spend over the academic year

• Choose Click & Collect to save on delivery and pick up your items near campus

Where to Shop: Why Buy from DID.IE?

• Nationwide delivery & Click & Collect in 23+ locations across Ireland

• Trusted Irish retailer for over 50 years

• Huge selection of student-friendly appliances

• Friendly expert advice both in-store and online

• Back to college deals running all summer

• Check with your accommodation before bringing electricals - some items may be provided or restricted.

• Label your appliances if you’re living in shared housing.

• Keep receipts for warranties and potential returns.

• Don’t leave appliances running unattended - especially toasters, kettles, or microwaves.

Heading off to college is a huge milestone—and with the right appliances, it can be a much smoother ride.

Whether you’re the organised planner or the last-minute packer, having the right tools for your new lifestyle makes all the difference.

Browse our full Back to College range online at DID.ie, or drop into your local DID Electrical store for expert advice.

We've got the gadgets, appliances, and deals to help you hit the ground running.