From Left Behind to New Beginnings: How ResLife ReHome is Helping Students and the Planet

Ever wonder what happens to all the stuff students leave behind at the end of term?

At Newcastle, it’s not going to waste - it's helping new students settle in and making our campus greener at the same time.

If you’ve ever stood in your student kitchen at the end of the year, looking at the leftover cutlery, utensils, plates and hangers wondering what to do with it all - you're not alone.

That’s exactly where ResLife ReHome comes in, turning forgotten items into a fresh start for someone else.

This initiative, run by ResLife at Newcastle University, invites students to donate good quality, unwanted items when moving out of accommodation.

These items are cleaned, sorted, and then re-distributed during International Arrivals and Welcome Week to new students moving in. It’s a brilliant way to cut waste, save money, support each other, and build a more sustainable student community.

So, how does ResLife ReHome actually work?

In June, just after the academic year ends, the ReHome project really kicked into action. Fifteen staff members from across the university and four student workers rolled up their sleeves to sort through all the donations gathered from university accommodation and King's Gate.

From cutlery and pans to laundry baskets and books - there were piles of perfectly usable items just waiting to be re-homed.

Anything that wasn’t quite right for student living was instead donated to charity partners like the British Heart Foundation and Mind, supporting wider communities as part of Newcastle’s charitable pledge.

We sorted through hundreds of items, and in the end, only eight bin bags worth had to be thrown away. The rest? All reused or donated. That’s pretty impressive.

Welcome home, with a little help from others

The best part of the ResLife ReHome project is what happens in September.

When new students arrive - many of them from overseas and settling into a new country for the first time - those donated items are waiting for them.

Essentials like plates, pots and bedding make such a big difference, especially for international students arriving without the basics.

This year, ResLife have worked closely with Student Success to support their Donate a Plate / Take a Plate project, specifically aimed at helping international arrivals with standard kitchenware.

The rest of the rehomed items will be set up at collection points during arrivals and intake, making it easy for students to grab what they need, free of charge.

There’s something really special about the idea that someone else - who lived in your room, cooked in your kitchen, or studied in your building - is passing something on to you.

]It feels like an unofficial welcome, a silent “you’ve got this”.

Why ResLife ReHome matters

This initiative might seem simple, but the impact is huge.

Here’s what makes it worth shouting about:

• It reduces waste: Less stuff in landfill means a healthier planet.
• It supports students: Especially those who might be on a tight budget or arriving with very little.
• It saves money and resources: No need to buy everything new when there are quality items already available.
• It builds community: Students helping students, without even meeting—it’s low effort, high impact.
• It sets a sustainable example: Starting your time at uni with reused items encourages conscious habits from day one.

Don’t hear it from us – hear it from one of our volunteers!

“Helping with ResLife ReHome was honestly one of the most satisfying ways I’ve spent my time at Newcastle. There’s something very grounding about scrubbing down second-hand items, knowing it’ll make someone’s move-in just a bit easier. The team atmosphere was brilliant too—staff and students working side by side to get everything in shape.

It also gave me a new appreciation for just how much stuff we go through each year, and how important it is to think about where it all ends up. This experience definitely made me more mindful of my own habits and how I can contribute to a more sustainable campus.”

– Karley Peacock, Student Experience Administrator, Accommodation.

Want to get involved?

If you're moving out in the future, keep ResLife ReHome in mind before you bin your stuff. And if you’re just arriving - check out the collection points during move-in and see what’s available. You might find just what you need, without spending a penny.

Got questions or want to know more about how to donate or collect? Visit the ResLife pages or check out our Instagram

Whether you're moving out or just moving in, you're part of a community that looks out for one another -  and for the planet.

ResLife ReHome is a small action with a big impact.

Watch our promo video on TikTok!

Let’s keep it going. 🌍💚