10 tips for living sustainably in university

This post shares 10 tips for living sustainably in university, created through my own experiences.

It’s that time of year again: students are preparing to head back to school. For some of you, you are getting ready for their first year of university, the first time you will live away from home. It can be a scary time, but also very exciting! 

For me, my first year of university was when I really wanted to transform my habits to live more sustainably. Moving to a new city felt like I was pressing the reset button. I was also starting an environmental program, so it only seemed natural for me to step up my sustainability game.

While this is a great time to change your habits, it can also be very overwhelming with moving, meeting new people, starting new courses and everything else accompanying the university transition. To help, I have 10 tips for living sustainably in university that are quick, easy and inexpensive (because student budgets exist). I used all of these tips when I started university three years ago, so I can vouch that they are effective! You can choose one, two or all 10 to try out. No matter what, every little bit helps.

1. Bring your own reusable containers.

You’ll be surprised by how often you order food out. Most of my money is spent on food in university. That said, the number of take-out containers you go through will quickly add up! 

Many universities now have a container program that allow you to bring your own cleaned food containers to campus food shops, and all coffee places (Tims, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.) allow you to use your own thermos. Some schools even have an eco-container program where you can purchase a school-certified container that you receive discounts from using. In Waterloo we also have many food places off campus that allow you to bring your own containers for leftovers/take-out. Check out what container programs your school offers! 

2. Say no to straws.

Another thing you will be doing a lot of is drinking coffee or other beverages. Some of my friends order iced coffee every day: if you use a straw for each one of those, that’s 365 straws each year being wasted by you alone! An easy fix to this is to ask for no straw when ordering a drink to go or at a restaurant. Many places will gladly comply; some even offer metal straws for you to use! You can also bring your own straw: I have two metal straws, one normal one and one larger one for bubble tea. And no, paper straws are not the “solution” because they are still a single-use product that requires resources and energy to make something you use for a short period of time.

3. Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere.

There are water filling stations all over campus, so there is no excuse for carrying a single-use water bottle. It makes me happy when I’m in a lecture and see my entire class using reusable water bottles. They’re fun to have because you can choose a pretty pattern or insulated one that keeps your water cold for hours. Pro tip: you may want to purchase a clear bottle (universities sell many with their logo/faculty colours) because you must have clear bottles with no label for exams!

4. Learn to cook!

With so many cafeterias and food shops around campus, it can be very tempting to just pick up food rather than make your own. Not only does this get expensive and wasteful, but it also disconnects you from your food’s supply chain. If you have the space in residence to do so, try cooking at least one meal for yourself each week. Choose ingredients you know and can source back to their origin. Arrange a cooking party with friends to build memories over the food. This connects you to your food, makes the experience more enjoyable, and is likely healthier than what you would be purchasing on campus. 

5. Use scrap paper.

When studying for exams, I tend to write and write and write. I practice equations, make brainstorming charts, draw diagrams, over and over until the day of the exam. I go through a lot of paper by doing this, so my solution is to re-use old papers, the inside of cereal boxes, forms and other scraps that I have lying around. Instead of letting those papers go immediately to waste, I give them a second life by doing this. It also saves money on my end by not having to purchase a bunch of notebooks each school term.

6. Join a campus club.

One of the best ways to get motivated to change your lifestyle is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Find a club you can get involved in on campus that promotes sustainable living. You’ll make plenty of new friends, maybe learn a new skill, and be motivated to take action! A few examples from Waterloo include Campus Compost, Sustainable Campus Initiative, Campus Market Garden and the Environment Student Coffee Shop.

7. Join a Facebook group.

This is another great way to get connected with like-minded people, both on and off campus. I am in several groups around the Kitchener-Waterloo area, from vegan/vegetarian recipe ideas, to zero waste living tips, to free environmental events happening around campus. Check out what is being offered around your school! 

8. Take advantage of free public transit.

Most schools offer some sort of public transit deal with enrolment. For me, my student card gets me on the bus and ION train for free. This saves so much money versus using a ride-sharing service, and most developed cities have great public transit systems. You’ll cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions from not driving everywhere, and it is also ensures you can travel responsibly if you are out drinking.

9. Buy products with little/no packaging.

Moving off to university probably means you are buying new bedding, toiletries, decorations, cookware and other highly-packaged items. To cut down on this waste, look for products with minimal or better packaging. If you have to buy an item that is packaging, opt for ones not in plastic, or have a recycling program where you can return packaging. For instance, if you have the option between plastic and cardboard packaging, go with the cardboard one. I also love LUSH’s black pot program where you can return five pots to their stores to get a free face mask.

10. Be kind to yourself.

Living more sustainably is not always easy, especially when you are adjusting to a whole new life in university. My best advice is to not put pressure or expectations on yourself to be a certain way. No one is ever “perfectly sustainable.” There will be times that you may “slip up” and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going!

I wrote other helpful posts about making your daily routine more sustainable. Here are just a few you will want to check out:

By practicing these 10 tips for living sustainably in university, you will become a sustainability pro in no time. Even if you are still in high school they can apply to your daily life, or if you are in the workplace. Every little step counts when striving to create more sustainable habits in your daily life.

What tips are you most excited to try out? Do you have any that aren’t on the list? Let me know in the comments below!

As always, thank you for reading, and until next time!



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