What’s trending for University branded merchandise and clothing?

When it comes to branded merchandise, clothing and print for your University or Student Union, you need to make sure that you are keeping up with the latest trends to ensure that your University stands out.

Whether it is for Welcome Week/Fresher's events, Graduation, recruitment events or a University or Student Union shop, choosing on trend and sustainable merchandise and clothing will help create a memorable experience, that keeps students engaged on and off campus. 

With all this in mind, we have taken a look at what is trending, both on social media and also with our University clients!

Sustainable essentials

Gen Z is a generation that is increasingly concerned with sustainability, and University students are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of the products they use. In fact, 64% of Gen Z are willing to pay more to purchase environmentally sustainable products or services, and 62% of Gen Zs said that they feel anxious or worried about climate change. This means that having sustainable options for your University branded merchandise and clothing is essential.

It could be branded reusable water bottles, cutlery sets made from recycled plastic, recycled notebooks or even notebooks made from apple peel - our top trending items align with the eco-conscious values of your University students. 

The Lunch Mate: This practical knife, fork and spoon set is made from rHIPS.b (a certified proprietary biodegradable recycled plastic). Made in the UK, we love these so much, we even ordered our own Allwag branded ones.

Other trending sustainable merchandise products include...

	Weekender Aware™ Recycled Tote Bag Big totes are in! This tote bag incorporates Cyclo recycled fibres which not only reduce the demand for virgin resources, they also exhibit a commitment to a circular life. Each bag also comes with an Aware tracer which allows you to trace the origins and journey of the bag through a QR code.
Skye RPET Water Bottle with Wrist Strap The Skye 500ml water bottle is made from recycled PET plastic, and is a great low cost, practical giveaway. It features a stainless steel, leakproof twist lid and a convenient wristband for easy carrying.

Trending Tumblers

You only have to scroll through TikTok and Instagram and you will know that these influencer-approved cups and tumblers are extremely popular, especially amongst Gen Z. These trending drinkware items are ideal for keeping drinks hot or cold for hours, making them perfect for on-the-go students who want to stay hydrated in between lectures. Plus, they come in a range of colours that can be customised with university logos for that extra touch of school pride. We even have full colour wrap options.

	Mega Mug The Mega Mug has an impressive 1182ml capacity and double-walled stainless steel design. It features a built-in recycled polypropylene handle, powder-coated finish, screw-top lid with recycled PP slider, and RPE straw. BPA and PVC free, it’s sustainable, highly durable and on trend.
Tahoe Recycled Cup This smaller 590ml capacity cup is made from recycled stainless steel and comes with a removable straw. The ergonomic design makes it comfy to hold and drink from. Ideal for both cold drinks with the straw or for hot drinks with the sipping spout.
	Circular & Co Recycled Paper Travel Cup This 8oz (or 12oz) recycled travel cup is made from single-use paper cups and keeps drinks warm or cool for 60-90 minutes. It has a Trust-Lock 360° drinking lid with a unique push lid mechanism which minimises spills during lectures and is dishwasher safe.

Aesthetic Stationery

Aesthetic stationery is really trending on campus, turning everyday study essentials into Instagram-worthy accessories. From pastel-coloured highlighters UK made, full colour designed notebooks allowing your brand team to get creative, students looking for stylish items that add a touch of personality to their University stationery will be pleased!

	Pastel Bold Capped Highlighter Not only is pastel makeup trending, so is pastel stationery. These on-trend pastel highlighter features a chunky design with water-based ink, and is ideal for students wanting to highlight key items on their paperwork. Its casing is made from 30% recycled material, with a chisel nib.
Cafeco A5 Notebook Peach Fuzz was the Pantone colour of the year and these sustainable notebooks follow trend. UK made, from recycled post consumer industrial cup and office waste - the whole book can be recycled at the end of its life and is sewn bound minimising the use of glue and aiding end of life recycling.
	Diser Wiro Bound Recycled Sticky Notepad This sustainable notepad features 50 recycled cardboard sheets and also includes a pen. It also comes with 15 sticky notes, 75 mini sticky notes, and an inner pen holder, making it a practical and eco-friendly stationery choice for your students as a revision tool.

Comfy Clothing

From hoodies and t-shirts to hats and caps - classic University clothing and accessories are not only great for brand exposure, a bestseller for retail stores but also an essential for student ambassadors on open days, staff uniforms for UCAS and recruitment fairs or casual clothing for sports teams. Why not opt for the trending oversized hoody, a slouchy beanies for the Winter or organic cotton t-shirts with fun slogans to make them a keep sake.

	SOL'S Unisex Stellar Organic Hoodie This trending hoodie features a cotton-faced fabric with brushed back fleece for comfort and style. It comes in a huge range of colours and is sustainably made.
Mica 6 Panel GRS Recycled Cool Fit Cap This sustainable cap is made from 100% GRS certified recycled polyester. It features a pre-curved visor, laser-cut ventilation holes on the back panels and is sustainable, lightweight and stylish.
	Result Genuine Recycled Prism PU Waterproof Jacket This trendy waterproof jacket is crafted from recycled polyester with a soft feel. It is waterproof, breathable and windproof! We love the vibrant full-length zip.

Stylish Tech

Your tech-savvy University students love stylish gadgets which are useful and also on trend, so why not include these in your branded merchandise options? Choose from branded wireless chargers, phone stands, speakers and headphones. Branded fitness trackers and smart wristbands are also a fun, techy way to encourage a healthy student lifestyle.

	Xoopar Mr Bio Long Smart Multi-Charging Cable This multi-charging cable is made from recycled materials, has a dual USB and USB-C input connector, three different connectors to charge your devices and an integrated NFC chip which can link to any webpage of your choice. Perfect for your sustainably-focussed students.
PowerBox Bamboo Gift Set This sustainable tech gift set includes a 4000mAh compact power bank with bamboo casing and battery indicator light, plus a rechargeable wireless mini speaker (Bluetooth 4.1) with bamboo casing and great sound quality.
	Terra RCS Recycled Aluminium 3 in 1 Charger This sustainable foldable 3-in-1 wireless charger is made from RCS recycled ABS and RCS recycled aluminium and comes equipped with a magnetic 15W wireless charger and an additional 5W wireless charger suitable for earbud cases and a 2.5W wireless charger for apple watches. This is a great high end gift for conference speakers.

Wellness and Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced academic environment, student wellness and wellbeing are more important than ever. Wellness-related promotional products such as desktop gardens, lip balms, wellbeing kits and fitness gear can all encourage healthy habits and self-care among students.

	VINGA GRS Recycled Paper Journal This unique A5 journal allows your students to document daily thoughts and experiences over three years, with three lined columns and date markings on each page. Certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard), guarantees that the entire supply chain of the recycled materials is certified.
Desktop Tube Garden This sustainable growing kit featuring a recycled aluminium tube with a screw-top lid. It includes growing instructions, seedsticks, and three organic dried soil coins and is available with wildflower or mixed herb seeds. An excellent idea for students in halls or flats to add a little greenery.
	A5 Colouring Therapy Book Encourage your students to take time out, with this adult colouring therapy book. The cover can be personalised with your own design and if you wish you can provide your own internal page designs too. These are a great way to help your students to relieve stress and increase focus and creativity.

Trending Merch for Welcome Week

From tote bags and water bottles to hoodies and sweet treats, these items aren't just giveaways, they are trending everyday essentials that will ensure your university brand is seen on a regular basis as students go about their daily routines. 

Top trending ideas for University Welcome Week events and merchandise including:

• Trending for 2024: Scavenger Hunts!
• Games Nights
• Wellbeing and Chill Zones (to take a minute)
• City or Campus Tours
• Club and Society Events
• Sporting Events and Club Tasters
• Movie nights
• Bands, Quizzes and Much More

University branded merchandise and clothing is more than just putting your logo on a product. It is about showing you are on trend and connecting with your students, leaving a long-lasting impression.

Ready to get started? Explore our range of trending products and make your next university event unforgettable! Get in touch with our dedicated Education Division team today: [email protected] 

Sources: The Deloitte Global 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey