A legendary student party doesn't need a big budget — it needs the right ideas. If you've ever thrown a party in a shared flat, you know the challenges: little space, little money, thin walls, and still the expectation that everyone has a night people are still talking about next term. That's exactly what this guide is for. From decorations to games, we'll show you the ultimate party supplies for young people — big impact, small budget, and tips that work in any shared flat.
What are good party supplies for young people? Kit that creates maximum atmosphere with little money and little space — from cheap decorations and lighting hacks to drinking gadgets and games. It's built for shared flats, student rooms and spontaneous parties: affordable, reusable and easy to use.
Last updated: 28 July 2026
💡 By the way: the cheapest upgrade with the biggest effect is the Miniski to wear round your neck — more on that below ↓
Cheap decorations that still make an impact
Decorations don't need to be expensive to make an impression. A few cheap touches turn your shared flat into a party location:
- Balloon garlands: A few bags of balloons in matching colours, tied to a string — the biggest effect for under ten euros.
- Bunting & fringe curtains: Quick to hang up, instant party feel, often reusable.
- Homemade posters & signs: A funny slogan on the wall only costs paper and printer ink.
- Theme corner: Instead of decorating the whole flat, one well-styled corner is enough as a photo backdrop.
You'll find more cheap ideas among our funny decoration ideas.
As a 2-pack for friends – @apresallstars
Lighting hacks: the cheapest mood weapon
Nothing changes the atmosphere as much, or as cheaply, as lighting. The single most important tip for any shared-flat party: turn off the harsh ceiling light:
- LED fairy lights: A few euros buy you metres of warm light — around shelves, windows, or strung across the room.
- Coloured bulbs: A red or blue bulb in the floor lamp changes the whole mood.
- Phone disco apps & cheap LED cubes: Club effect without expensive equipment.
- Candles & lanterns: Cheap and instantly cosy (keep an eye on them and use with care in a shared flat).
Drinking gadgets: the biggest wow factor for your budget
If there's one thing every young party needs, it's drinking gadgets. They break the ice, bring the group together, and are the cheapest route to a party highlight:
- Miniskis to wear round your neck: The shot on a cord round your neck — everyone has one, everyone clinks together. Perfect for a shared-flat party because it gets everyone talking straight away.
- The Shotski: Several glasses on one ski, the whole line drinks together — the group ritual that bonds every round.
- Miniski roulette: The spinning gadget decides who's next — spin the bottle, but cooler, and it always keeps things moving.
- Ski boot shot glasses: Original shot glasses that get people talking and look great on any shared-flat table.
The perfect party gear for a shared flat: the set of 4 wooden Miniskis to wear round your neck. Everyone wears their own shot around their neck, everyone clinks together — cheap, reusable, and an instant icebreaker.
Games & entertainment: the engine of the night
Games are the heart of any young party — they bring strangers together and create the funniest moments. Best of all: most of them cost almost nothing:
- Drinking games without any kit: "Never Have I Ever", Kings Cup or Bingo only need cards, or nothing at all — perfect for a tight budget.
- Beer pong: A few cups, a ball, a table — the classic student party game.
- Roulette round: With Miniski roulette as the random gadget, every round gets exciting.
- Observation & guessing games: "Who Am I?" or party bingo run in the background all night.
You'll find plenty of rules to try out among our drinking games without kit and best drinking games.
Three drinking games with no kit needed — with instructions
Ideal for a shared-flat party because they cost nothing and start straight away:
Buzz (the number game): Everyone counts up in turn. On any number containing a 7 or divisible by 7 (7, 14, 17, 21 …), you say "Buzz" instead of the number. Whoever gets it wrong or hesitates drinks — and it only gets funnier as the night goes on.
Categories: One person names a category (e.g. "beer brands", "Netflix shows"). Everyone takes turns naming an example without repeating one already said. Whoever can't think of one, or takes too long, takes a sip.
I Packed My Bag (drinking edition): The classic memory game — everyone repeats the list and adds one more item. Whoever forgets one drinks. After a few rounds it's a guaranteed laugh.
Food & drink: simple, cheap, good
For catering at a young party, one rule applies: simple beats elaborate. Here's how to feed your guests without much effort:
- Self-service finger food: Crisps, pretzel sticks, nachos with dip, sandwiches or a big pizza — anything you can eat with one hand.
- Drinks station: A corner with drinks, ice and glasses where everyone helps themselves — takes the pressure off the hosts.
- Punch or fruit punch: One big pot for lots of guests is cheaper than individual drinks and always a hit.
- Everyone brings something: The classic shared-flat principle — splits the cost and makes for more variety.
Practical party supplies nobody should forget
A few unspectacular items make the difference between a party and a cleaning nightmare:
- Sturdy cups & glasses: A reusable set beats mountains of disposables — cheaper and less rubbish.
- Bottle opener & corkscrew: Sounds obvious, but is missing at every other party.
- Bin bags & kitchen roll: For quick cleanups during the night and the morning after.
- Drink markers: So half the group doesn't mix up their glass — writeable glasses or small tags do the trick.
Cheap theme ideas for a young party
A theme turns any party into an event — and often costs nothing but a bit of creativity. These themes work in any shared flat and on any budget:
- Après-ski party: Norwegian jumpers from the back of the wardrobe, a bit of cotton wool as snow, cheesy tunes from the speaker, and Miniskis to clink glasses — winter vibes in the middle of term.
- Neon & blacklight: A cheap blacklight tube, white clothing and neon colours — the cheapest way to a spectacular look.
- 2000s or 90s party: Old outfits, the right playlist and a few retro decor touches — costs almost nothing and gets maximum laughs.
- Beach in winter: Summer decor, flower garlands and cocktails while it's grey outside — the ultimate mood-lifter.
Whatever the theme: a well-styled photo corner beats decorating the entire flat — that's where the photos everyone shares later actually happen.
The most common mistakes at a shared-flat party
You learn from every party. These classics you can skip:
- Lighting too bright: Full ceiling lighting kills any mood. Switch to fairy lights in good time.
- No plan for warming up the crowd: Without an icebreaker at the start, the group stays stiff for a while. Miniskis or a drinking game right at the start fix that.
- Neighbours not informed: A quick note in the stairwell or an invitation saves the hassle when it gets louder later.
- Not enough glasses & openers: Nothing slows a party down more than hunting for the one bottle opener. Check beforehand.
- Fragile things not put away: Get expensive electronics and breakable decor out of harm's way beforehand.
Party checklist for a shared flat
| Area | Cheap basics |
|---|---|
| Decor | Balloon garland, bunting, theme corner |
| Lighting | LED fairy lights, coloured bulbs |
| Drinking gadgets | Miniskis, Shotski, Miniski roulette |
| Games | Beer pong, drinking-game cards, roulette |
| Food & drink | Finger food, punch, drinks station |
| Practical | Cups, opener, bin bags, kitchen roll |
Tips for the perfect shared-flat party
- Warn the neighbours: A quick heads-up (or an invitation) beforehand saves hassle once it gets louder.
- Put valuables away: Get fragile electronics and expensive decor out of harm's way before the party.
- Split the costs: Set up a shared kitty for drinks and supplies, and it stays cheap for everyone.
- Invest in reusable gear: A Shotski or a set of Miniskis lasts many parties — buy once, party often.
- Party responsibly: Have water on hand, look out for each other, and make sure everyone gets home safely.
More party inspiration
For the trendiest gadgets, check out our trending party gadgets, for a deep dive into drinking gadgets read the best drinking gadgets, and for matching games see our drinking games without kit.
FAQ
What party supplies do you need for a shared-flat party?
Cheap decorations (balloon garland, bunting), lighting hacks instead of the ceiling light, drinking gadgets like Miniskis and a Shotski, a few games and simple finger food. That turns any student room into a party location.
How do you throw a party on a small budget?
Focus on effective, cheap basics: fairy lights instead of expensive equipment, homemade decorations, drinking games that need little to no kit, and a shared drinks kitty. Reusable gadgets are the cheapest option in the long run.
What's the best icebreaker for a young party?
Mini-skis to wear round your neck, or a Shotski. Because everyone clinks glasses together, even unfamiliar guests get talking straight away — the most reliable way to bring the group together.
How do I turn my room in a shared flat into a party location?
The most important hack: ceiling light off, warm LED fairy lights on. Add a balloon garland, a theme corner as a photo backdrop and a decent Bluetooth speaker — and the location is ready.
What's cheap to cook for lots of guests?
Simple finger food like crisps with dips, nachos, sandwiches or big pizzas. Add a punch in a big pot — cheaper than individual drinks and always a hit. The shared-flat principle "everyone brings something" keeps costs low.
Is reusable gear worth it for students?
Yes, especially for students who party often. A Shotski or a set of Miniskis costs little as a one-off and lasts many parties — cheaper and more sustainable than constantly buying new throwaway gimmicks.
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