Student barbecue shopping list

A student barbecue needs more than burgers and drinks. Plan food by guest count, then check the items that are easy to overlook: vegetarian portions, sauces, chilled storage, serving utensils, gas, cups and waste bins. This list also covers the practical equipment for preparing and serving food outside, including coolers, trays, cutting boards and barbecue tools. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping so you can buy the right quantities instead of adding last-minute alternatives.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 100
Mugsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 10
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 12
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Wireless speakersqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 80 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Pork satay - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 25 pieces
- Vegetarian vegetable skewers - 25 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Baby potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 1 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Chili sauce - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Barbecue seasoning - 500 grams
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 10 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 1 kilogram
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 50 bags
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Kitchen foil - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Barbecue firelighters - 2 boxes

Tips

Allow about 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian food per person, depending on sides and appetite. Keep vegetarian portions separate from raw meat during storage and cooking.
Buy roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive and keep extra ice or cold packs available.
Plan one reusable plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Serving spoons and small bowls are often forgotten until salads, sauces and herbs are ready to put out.
Check barbecue fuel before shopping day and arrange gas cylinders early enough to replace an empty one. Test extension cords, power strips, coffee machines and kettles before setting up outdoors.
Provide at least one waste bin near the buffet and another near the seating area. Buy or bring enough tablecloths, name badges and lighting so the serving tables remain usable after daylight fades.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a student barbecue?: Plan 250–350 g of meat and vegetarian food per person, including sausages, burgers and other main items. Add salads, bread and vegetables separately rather than reducing the main portion for side dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for a student barbecue?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, followed by 1–2 drinks per person for every additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first supply before guests arrive.
How many plates, cups and cutlery sets do I need?: Buy or bring one reusable plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each item so replacements are available.
What barbecue supplies do people usually forget?: Gas cylinders, coolers, serving spoons, small bowls, aluminum trays and waste bins are commonly missed. Check these at least 2 days before the barbecue, and verify that the barbecue fuel and electrical equipment are ready.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.