Moving into university halls is exciting, but it’s also stressful. There’s the packing, the lists of things you think you need, and the shock when the bill for bedding, kitchenware, lamps and storage adds up before term has even started.
This is where our Reuse Fair, held on 13th and 14th September, came into play! Hundreds of pre-loved items got a second life, and a lot of waste was kept out of the bin.
Re-Use Fair: A means to save money and the planet
Moving into university halls is exciting, but it’s also stressful. There’s the packing, the lists of things you think you need, and the shock when the bill for bedding, kitchenware, lamps and storage adds up before term has even started. And you’ll probably only use half of it for a year.
What if moving in didn’t have to cost that much? What if the essentials were already waiting for you, for a fraction of the price, and with the bonus of shrinking your carbon footprint?
That’s what we set out to do at this year’s Reuse Fair, held on 13th and 14th September, Hundreds of pre-loved items got a second life, and a lot of waste was kept out of the bin.
The preparation for the fair began at the end of last term. As students moved out of their accommodation, many chose to donate their unwanted belongings instead of throwing them away. Our staff and volunteers then collected, cleaned, inspected and prepared every item, so that new students can pick up safe, clean essentials with confidence.
Lot of students flooded through the doors to pick up various things from cozy bedding to practical household items that instantly made their new rooms feel like home. More than 50 students specifically noted how much easier and affordable the fair made their move-in process, but the impact went far beyond saving money, the two-day event successfully diverted around one tonne of usable goods directly from going to landfills.
The Reuse Fair directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The goal is to reduce waste, use resources more efficiently, and make sustainable consumption part of everyday life. It also backs Queen Mary’s environmental ambitions under Strategy 2030.
The real success of the fair was reflected in the feedback from students, who praised the event as a remarkably simple and cost-effective start to university life. Many noted how straightforward the whole experience was, with one participant sharing, “I loved that it was simple and efficient, and I got some things I needed.” And another student reflected, “There were so many things I didn’t realise that I needed to bring, and I’m sure I’ll have to donate things once I leave too.” That shift in perspective is what made the event so powerful; it didn’t just pass along pre-loved goods. It inspired students to pass them on again, creating a community-led cycle of sustainability.
A huge thank you to the staff, volunteers and students whose donations and hard work made the fair possible. Together you turned a simple swap into a real example of sustainability in action at Queen Mary Students’ Union.
Reusing isn’t only about affordability. It’s one of the simplest ways to cut waste and emissions. Every small action counts, and together we’re making a real impact.
Missed out on donating? There are plenty of other ways to give your belongings a second life.
What’s Next for Sustainability at QMSU
Our next chance to get hands-on is the Big Green Canal Clean on 21st October, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Come and help protect our local environment and build a greener, cleaner campus.
Sign up for the Big Green Canal Clean