With the start of the new academic year in September, UK students preparing for university are turning to second-hand shopping as a practical way to manage living expenses.
To examine the trend, student accommodation provider aparto commissioned a survey of current and recent university students. Of 530 eligible respondents, 94% had bought second-hand items during their time at university, with 65% making such purchases at least once a month. The detailed findings are based on 500 qualified respondents after those who had never made second-hand purchases were screened out.
What students are buying
Pre-loved items span across various essential categories
- Clothes and accessories: 73%
- Textbooks and course materials: 65%
- Tech and electronics: 44%
- Furniture or homeware: 41%
- Kitchenware: 33%
- Sports equipment and bikes or scooters: 18% each
Financial savings and environmental drivers
Value for money is the strongest overall motivation, with more than half of students choosing second-hand items primarily to stretch their budgets for bills, food, and essentials. Sustainability also plays a major role, with 84% describing it as very important to their purchasing decisions.
Nearly half of those surveyed said second-hand shopping saves them between £101 and £500 during a typical academic year, while 1 in 10 save more than £500. These savings typically build up through repeated smaller purchases, such as course books and room furnishings, rather than individual high-value bargains.
Top platforms and local sources
Vinted emerged as the most popular platform, chosen by more than two-thirds of respondents, followed by eBay in second place. Students also rely on charity shops, with around 2 in 5 visiting them regularly. Facebook Marketplace and local student buy-and-sell groups are preferred for larger items requiring local collection, while friends and family serve as another trusted source.
Personalising student living spaces
Beyond basic supplies, 79% of students reported buying second-hand items to make their university accommodation feel more homely. Artwork, lamps, mirrors, rugs, and storage items help turn basic rooms into personal spaces without the cost of brand-new goods, allowing first-time students to mix pre-loved finds with essential new purchases.
Advice from Experienced Student Shoppers
Respondents shared practical tips for first-time second-hand buyers
- Test items carefully: “Always test the item thoroughly in person before handing over any money. Make sure tech turns on, clothes fit, or textbook editions match exactly what your syllabus requires.”
- Take your time online: “Read every description and look closely at pictures before ordering, and record yourself opening the parcel for future reference.” Asking for additional photos, checking seller reviews, and using buyer protection can also help reduce risks.
- Avoid unnecessary spending: “You’re only saving money if you were going to buy that item at a more expensive price anyway. Don’t just buy for the sake of buying.”
Overcoming shopper concerns
Concerns about pre-loved goods remain common, with quality ranking as the top concern for more than 3 in 5 respondents. Others cited fake products, hygiene, and scams as potential risks. While more than half of those surveyed had experienced a problem with a transaction at some point, most said this did not stop them from shopping second-hand again. Many manage these risks by combining the convenience of online shopping with in-person inspections.
Almost 4 in 5 respondents believe second-hand shopping is becoming increasingly fashionable among students. Resale has become an established part of university life, helping students manage their budgets while extending product lifespans and supporting more sustainable purchasing choices.