Top practical presents university students will ask for this Christmas

And with 51 percent feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, 49 percent would rather have shampoo and tins of food bought for them – so they don’t have to spend the money on it themselves.

Others intend to ask loved ones to gift them underwear, bath products, and hot water bottles.

However, 33 percent are still hoping for an average of four expensive gifts from their parents this Christmas.

Alex Gallagher, chief strategy officer at UNiDAYS, which commissioned the research, said: “Priorities are changing for many students this year.

“With prices rising, asking for those more practical presents for Christmas provides students with financial peace of mind – as they won’t have to fork out for essential items themselves.

“Money is understandably tight, so it’s important that we help support cash-strapped students and give back to them over the festive season, so they can have the best experience possible.

“To help, we are sharing the “Affordable Gift Guides” on Instagram, so members can get the best offers for their most-shopped Christmas categories – from electronics to clothing.”

The study also found a quarter of students plan to buy fewer presents for their friends and family this year compared to last.

And while 38 percent feel relieved at the thought of buying less, 37 percent feel sad about it – and a quarter feel embarrassed.

But 31 percent have had to be more frugal with their spending since the cost-of-living crisis – with 47 percent dreading this Christmas, because they don’t know how they’re going to afford it.

As a result, three in ten (29 percent) now class some items they used to see as ordinary essentials as more of a luxury since the price increases.

Food prices, petrol prices, and bills are the top three things that have surprised students the most following the increases.

But it’s not just Christmas that has been affected, with a third claiming the cost-of-living crisis has had a negative impact on their university experience in some way.

And of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll, almost three-quarters (73 percent) said they already work two part-time jobs alongside their studies.

A spokesman for UNiDAYS added: “There is no doubt that the word on Gen Z’s lips is “value”, and UK students will be particularly determined bargain-hunters this holiday season.

“Despite their financial concerns, the holiday spirit is still going strong, with students taking savvy measures to complete their Christmas gift lists – proactively seeking discounts to help make the things they want and need more affordable, as shown in our recent Holiday Report.

“You can still celebrate Christmas on a budget, and there are lots of discounts out there that are available exclusively to students and graduates.

“So, it’s now more important than ever to make the most of these offers that are available, especially at this time of year.”