Coeliac University Kitchen Essentials: What I Wish I Knew in First Year 🎓

Glutenfreetogether
May 4
2 min read

Updated: May 29

Gluten-Free Student Life Tips From My Own Experience

Starting university can feel overwhelming especially when you’re newly diagnosed with coeliac disease. I was diagnosed less than a year before I started uni, so I was still figuring things out on the go. Through trial and error, I quickly discovered what gluten-free kitchen essentials I actually needed to survive and thrive at uni.

Here’s my ultimate checklist of must-have gluten-free kitchen items all based on personal experience:

1. Toaster Bags or a Personal Toaster

Shared kitchens = cross-contamination risk. If you're sharing a toaster with 6+ people, toaster bags are a lifesaver. They allow you to safely toast gluten-free bread without crumbs getting on it.➡️ [Link to toaster bags]

Top tip: In second year, I bought a cheap toaster from Argos and kept it in my room no stress, no risk. Totally worth it.

2. Tupperware – Your New Best Friend

Most uni cafés and Co-ops don’t stock gluten-free sandwiches. I learned this the hard way and often ended up skipping meals or snacking on crisps. Having Tupperware means you can bring home-cooked meals, pasta, or salads to class.

💡 Pro tip: Cook extra pasta at dinner and save it for lunch the next day it saves time and keeps you full.

🛒 Check out my TikTok on B&M university bargains for affordable finds!

3. Your Own Colander

This is something people often forget! But for coeliacs, it’s essential you don’t share. Gluten particles can get trapped in the holes and lead to cross-contamination.➡️

4. Pizza Tray

It might seem random, but you’ll thank yourself for bringing one. Everyone always forgets, and you'll avoid constantly lending yours out (or having to borrow a gluten-contaminated one).

5. Resealable Freezer Bags

Ideal for batch-cooking, freezing leftovers, or keeping your snacks safe from shared cupboard contamination. Plus, super handy for meal prepping!

6. Tea Towels & Cleaning Cloths

Never share! Always have your own set of tea towels and cloths. Use them to wipe down surfaces before cooking and avoid gluten crumbs from others' meals. Cross-contamination is real even from a crumb.

7. Smoothie Blender (Optional, But Worth It)

This isn’t essential, but it made my mornings so much easier. I’d throw in frozen fruit, oats, and protein powder for a quick, healthy, gluten-free breakfast on the go.

Bonus Tips for Gluten-Free Uni Life:

Label your food clearly if you’re sharing fridges/cupboards
Have a small spice rack or keep seasonings in your room
Join gluten-free Facebook groups to find other coeliac students - Gluten Free Uni Students
Follow gluten-free TikTok creators (like me!) for uni meal ideas

Being gluten-free at university does take more planning, but once you’ve got your essentials sorted, it becomes second nature. You’ll feel so much more confident, prepared, and safe knowing you have what you need.

👉 Want to make uni even easier? Don’t forget to pack your Coeliac Travel Cards for takeaways, restaurants, or that spontaneous trip abroad.➡️ [Shop Coeliac Travel Cards here]