Moving into student accommodation doesn’t mean giving up your love of the outdoors. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to double up on gear that works just as well in a cramped dorm room as it does under the stars.
The trick? Choose compact, safe, and versatile gadgets designed for camping, but equally handy for study sessions, late‑night snacks, and spontaneous weekends away.
From rechargeable lights that replace dodgy desk lamps to coffee systems that fuel both 8 am lectures and sunrise hikes, these 9 picks prove that outdoor kit can earn its keep year‑round.
We picked items that are safe to use indoors, rugged enough for the outdoors, and versatile enough to justify their spot in your limited storage space.
That said, please always check with your university what's allowed in the accommodation and what isn't. You don't want to end up wasting money on gear you can't use!
BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
RRP: £90
This rechargeable LED lantern delivers warm, natural light for cosy dorm vibes and bright task lighting for cooking in camp. It’s dimmable, has fun colour modes, and charges via USB‑C, meaning there is no fire hazard and no fuss.
Stanley Adventure All‑in‑One Food Jar
RRP: £43.95
Keeps soup hot from morning lectures to afternoon hikes, and doubles as a container for overnight oats in the dorm fridge. Durable, leakproof, and built to last a lifetime.
EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank
RRP: £129.99
A pocket‑friendly powerhouse with enough juice to keep your phone, tablet, or even a small laptop alive through all‑nighters and weekend getaways. With multiple USB‑C and USB‑A ports plus fast‑charging support, it’s perfect for topping up devices in the library or on the trail. Its rugged build and slim profile make it easy to slip into a backpack without adding bulk.
LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Water Filter
RRP: £45
LifeStraw's water filter lets students drink safely from any tap, park fountain, or wild water source on hikes. Takes up almost no space and doubles as an emergency backup for boil‑water notices in student housing.
Sea to Summit X‑Brew Coffee Dripper
RRP: £21.99
A collapsible silicone coffee dripper that folds flat when not in use. Great for brewing fresh coffee in a cramped dorm kitchen or in a tent at sunrise.
Nalgene Sustain 1L Bottle
RRP: £17.99
A classic for good reason. It’s virtually indestructible, BPA‑free, and doubles as a hot‑water bottle on cold nights. In the dorm, it’s a constant reminder to stay hydrated.
Helinox Chair Zero
RRP: £129.95
Light enough for hiking trips, yet comfortable enough to be your extra dorm chair when friends drop by. Packs down small and takes seconds to set up.
Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0
RRP: £28.95
Unfolds into a picnic‑sized waterproof blanket for park hangs or beach days, then packs down to pocket size. In the dorm, it’s a spill‑proof throw for your bed or floor.
Jetboil Stash Cooking System
RRP: £165
Ultra‑compact and lightning‑fast, the Jetboil Stash boils water for noodles, tea, or instant porridge in under two minutes. Perfect for when the shared kitchen is a mess, or for brewing coffee at a remote trail. Just make sure you don't use it near flammable items!
