A Fresh Guide to Eco-Friendly Student Living

University isn’t just a place to learn about sustainability; it’s somewhere you can put it into practice. Being a mindful consumer and making manageable adjustments to your lifestyle will have a far bigger impact than you know. Why not start with cycling to lectures, shaving a few minutes off your shower or recycling in your Fresh student accommodation? Building a greener future begins with you and the changes you make today.

What is Mindful Consumerism?

Mindful consumerism encourages conscious decision-making around what, where and how you buy. Things like environmental impact and the ethics of production shape those decisions. Making mindful choices around your buying habits helps reduce waste and pollution and challenges the use of unfair labour.

Six Tips for a More Sustainable Student Lifestyle

Choose the Right Student Accommodation

Fresh is committed to providing eco-conscious student accommodation across the UK and reducing our carbon footprint. How? By reducing energy use, preserving water and cutting down waste in our student halls. Renewably sourcing electricity, using public transport and encouraging biodiversity in student accommodation green spaces are all long-term measures we are taking.

Try Second-Hand Shopping

Textile and clothing production is responsible for over 92 million tons of waste a year, a figure that is steadily climbing. Buying second-hand helps reduce carbon emissions and water waste. Another big pro is that less actual clothing ends up in landfills or incinerators. Apps like Depop and Vinted make buying and selling old clothes easier than ever. You can find great deals and bargains on clothes that are practically brand new!

Charity shops are also great places to look for budget-friendly clothes or second-hand furniture. British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, or Salvation Army are well known for their reused furnishings. Browse online or in your local shop for lamps, mirrors, fridges and more. Plus, it’s hard to beat charity shop prices. You’re sure to find a new top or pair of jeans in your budget.

Careful Food Sourcing for a Sustainable Diet

Shop Local

Shopping locally reduces CO2 emissions from transporting food or travelling further afield to buy.

Buy Seasonal Produce

Seasonal, home-grown produce doesn’t need to be imported. It has a much lower carbon footprint and supports UK farmers.

Eat Less Meat

Producing meat requires land to be repurposed for livestock. This often results in deforestation and pollution. More meat production also results in more plastic packaging to keep it fresh and stop it from contaminating other food.

Plan Your Shop

Planning your shop around set weekly meals encourages you to buy what you will use, which helps minimise food waste.

Buy Organic

Growing organic fruit and veg involves less artificial pesticides and uses natural fertilisers. That means healthier food and healthier farming practices.

Grow Your Herbs

You don’t need much space at all to start growing herbs from your kitchen windowsill. Low-maintenance herb plants that are happy in a small pot include:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Mint
• Chives
• Thyme

Sustainable Transportation Options for Students

Walking and Cycling

Choosing to walk or cycle around your local area is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint. City centres and areas close to your university will often have cycle lanes and cycle storage. Your Fresh student accommodation has cycle storage too.

Public Transport

On the mission to hit net zero, using public transport rather than driving is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. Replacing your car journey with a bus trip can reduce CO2 emissions of road users by up to 42% and by an even greater 73% if travelling by train.

As a student, it’s well worth applying for a 16-25 Railcard, which takes 1/3 off your train fares. The discount adds up, especially on longer cross-country journeys. Many local councils also offer subsidised bus fares for students when you present a valid student ID.

Get Involved with Eco-Conscious Student Societies

There are often eco-friendly societies at university for you to get involved in, hosting events like beach cleans and litter pickups in public spaces. They will also host social events, workshops and talks where you can stay informed about how to make a difference within the student community.

Save Energy and Water in Your Student Halls

Turning off your lights and electronics when they’re not in use will help to save electricity every day. Make sure to turn things like phone chargers, laptops and TVs off at the mains, as they still draw electricity when they're on standby.

Heating your apartment efficiently will also help reduce your energy consumption. Remember to keep your windows closed if you have the heating on and turn down the temperature when you’re not around.

When it comes to saving water, small changes go a long way. Just one minute less in the shower can save up to nine litres of water, so keep your showers short and remember to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.

A Fresh Approach to Student-Led Sustainability

Caring for the environment isn’t just about living greener; it’s about building a student community that cares as much about the future as you do. The Fresh Be Wellbeing programme is here to help you feel welcome, supported and connected as you start your student adventure. Explore our wellbeing initiatives here.