The 11 Most Popular Gifts for New University Students in the UAE for 2024

But don’t worry. After speaking with several students and parents, we’ve found one clear trend is emerging: practical, stylish, and functional gifts are all the rage. Our carefully curated guide, featuring a list of highly rated items from essential tech to home amenities, can help you shop for the perfect student gift. Whether it’s for the tech-savvy freshman or the graduating student, you’ll find something to suit every student’s needs and wants.

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University life is hectic. After a long day, a student probably just wants to curl up with a blanket and pillow. Amayra Singh, a graduate from Abu Dhabi, swears by her pillow and blanket as she says they calm her nerves. That’s where the soft Martian Dreams Hybrid Memory Pillow comes in. It’s a cozy choice for a student who wants optimal comfort and quality sleep. With its microfiber and shredded memory foam filling, this pillow combines the best of both worlds, offering customizable support and pressure relief. It features a unique combination of materials including blue gel and hollow microfiber that provides a firm feel along with comfort. Additionally, students can customize the pillow to their preferred sleeping position thanks to the customizable filling. The bamboo viscose fabric is also micro-ventilated in a honeycomb pattern to improve air circulation throughout the night and enhance the cooling effect of the gel memory foam.

As students get used to new class schedules and timetables, they can use a little midnight snack. That’s where the Coolbaby UK Compact Minibar Electric Mini Fridge comes in. Its compact size makes it ideal for dorm rooms, while its 40-litre capacity provides ample space for storing snacks, drinks, and even small meals. It’s convenient, and students don’t have to keep going to the kitchen to grab something to eat. It’s also energy efficient, so you’re helping them save on bills. By providing a mini fridge, you’re offering students a bit of independence and convenience, making their dorm life more comfortable. It’s also quiet, so it won’t disturb students’ surroundings with noise.

The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones help students overcome their study stress. This device is not just a pair of headphones, but a personal concentration capsule. Students can immerse themselves in a world of uninterrupted concentration, with powerful noise cancellation that eliminates distractions. From the crisp clarity of lectures to the rich melodies of a study playlist, the Space Q45 delivers exceptional audio quality. With an impressive 50-hour battery life, students can power through marathon study sessions without interruption. Comfort is key, and the Space Q45’s memory foam earcups ensure a perfect fit for hours of wear, so you can help them improve their study performance and achieve academic excellence with this useful audio gift.

Imagine the freedom of enjoying hot, delicious meals without leaving your dorm room. A lifesaver for students, the Midea 25L Digital Solo Microwave Oven is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a dorm must-have. With its compact design, it fits effortlessly into tight spaces, while its powerful 900W power ensures quick and efficient meal preparation. From reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen foods, this microwave does it all. The user-friendly controls make it a breeze to operate, even for the least kitchen-savvy student. While it doesn’t offer the versatility of a full-size oven, its efficiency and ease of use make it a top choice for students looking to save time and energy.

Guarantee: Amazon offers a one-year warranty for Dh18 and a two-year warranty for Dh25.

If the hustle and bustle of university life is overwhelming you, there’s no better way to relax than in a bean bag chair. Its generous dimensions (75 x 75 x 110 cm) provide ample space to relax, study or just unwind. In fact, Lucinda Merryton, a sales professional from Dubai, bought it for her daughter. “Sometimes a desk chair becomes incredibly uncomfortable for her, so we bought this one and she’s very happy with it,” explains Merryton, adding that they added a soft blanket to increase the chair’s comfort. It’s also very versatile: it can be used for sitting, relaxing or even sleeping, making it a useful piece of furniture for dorm rooms or small apartments.

Late nights, early mornings? We’ve all been there. But don’t worry, the Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask is here to calm your nerves. It’s extremely soothing for sleepless students. Designed to mimic the feeling of a gentle hug, this innovative sleep mask uses gentle pressure to relax the mind and body. Unlike traditional sleep masks, the Nodpod’s unique design eliminates pressure points for maximum comfort. Ideal for students who suffer from insomnia or have trouble adjusting to new sleep environments, the Nodpod offers a calm refuge from distractions. Its light-blocking properties create a pitch-black environment, while its gentle pressure promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. By investing in a Nodpod, students can significantly improve their sleep quality, leading to increased focus, productivity, and overall well-being.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed at university. Classes, timetables, task planning, what’s the big deal? To keep track of everything, you can buy a student the La Lune Undated Goal Journal, which can become their personal roadmap to achieving their academic and personal goals. Thelia Lin, an expat living in Dubai who graduated last year, says she can’t stress the importance of a planner enough. “You get a sense of accomplishment,” she says. And that’s how the Lune will serve students well. Designed to inspire and organize, this journal helps students stay focused and motivated. With its undated format, students have the flexibility to start their planning journey at any time. The journal’s spacious layout encourages detailed note-taking, goal setting, and habit tracking. The items provide a constant source of motivation, helping students stay positive and determined. Whether it’s managing coursework, balancing extracurricular activities, or setting long-term goals, the La Lune Undated Goal Journal offers a resourceful outlet for students looking to make the most of their college experience.

Never let a dead battery ruin your day again. The Anker 533 PowerCore can be a lifesaver for students. With its fast-charging capabilities and compact design, it’s the perfect power solution for on-the-go use. So, students don’t have to worry about a low battery as they can effortlessly charge their devices throughout the day. The power bank’s generous 10,000mAh capacity ensures multiple charges, keeping them connected for lectures, assignments, and entertainment. Keep in mind that while it can charge laptops with PD 3.0 support in a pinch, the 30W output may not be enough to quickly fully charge a laptop. Still, the Anker 533 power bank is a lifesaver for students who need to stay connected and powered throughout the day. Its compact size, fast-charging capabilities, and reliable performance make it an essential tech companion on campus.

College life is all about balancing studies and style, and kitchen appliances are no exception. They’re useful and fun to use, says Bhavana Sharma, a student from Dubai. Feller Germany’s kettle is a stylish and functional addition to a dorm, and its sleek stainless steel design combined with its practical features makes it the perfect choice for students and young professionals. So they can start their day with a precisely prepared cup of tea. This two-in-one appliance allows students to effortlessly heat water to the desired temperature and then let their tea brew. Pretty handy, confirms Sharma.

A gift that satisfies cravings for a quick and easy snack? The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper is every college student’s best friend. This innovative popcorn maker turns ordinary corn kernels into a fluffy, delicious treat in minutes. Its collapsible design makes storage a breeze, while its BPA-free silicone construction ensures safety and durability. Perfect for movie nights, study breaks, or just satisfying a crunchy craving, the Hotpop Popcorn Popper is a must-have for any college student looking to add a touch of fun and flavor to their dorm life.

Guarantee: Amazon offers a one-year warranty for Dh12 and a two-year warranty for Dh17.

College life is full of unforgettable moments, and the Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the best way for students to capture those moments. This pocket-sized camera lets them instantly turn digital memories into tangible keepsakes. They can even use it to decorate their dorm room with snapshots of friends, adventures, and study breaks. With features like double exposure and a selfie mirror, students can unleash their creativity and capture their unique college experience. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, made from 30 percent recycled content, so help your loved ones photograph, print, and cherish those golden college days.

Guarantee: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh23 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh33.

Our recommendations are independently selected by Gulf News editors. When you choose to purchase through links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission because we are part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.