What to Buy and Bring for a Student Picnic

A student picnic needs more than sandwiches and drinks. You’ll need a way to keep food cold, enough reusable tableware for everyone, seating, shelter, and simple games for the afternoon. Plan food and drinks from the final participant list, then allow extra time for chilling drinks, washing produce, and packing picnic crates. Check dietary requirements before shopping so vegetarian portions and other suitable options are ready from the start.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Picnic blanketsqty 15
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 75
Reusable bowlsqty 65
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 10
Scissorsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's uniformsqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 5

Equipment

Portable speaker
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 4
Badminton setsqty 3
Picnic gamesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Egg salad - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Corn - 8 cans
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Pesto sauce - 6 jars
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Plastic storage containers - 30 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Plan drinks for the first hour separately from the rest of the picnic: allow two to three drinks per person, plus water in jugs or coolers. Chill them at least 4 hours before leaving.
Buy food according to the confirmed headcount, with vegetarian portions set aside before serving. Prepare bread, wraps, salads, and washed fruit close to the event so they travel well.
Pack one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and set of cutlery per guest, plus serving spoons and a few extras. Bring serving platters and mixing bowls so food does not have to stay in shopping packaging.
Use one cooler for drinks and another for perishable food if possible. Add cutting boards, kitchen knives, and thermos flasks only after checking what must be prepared or served at the venue.
Do not leave shelter and seating until the last day. Party tents, foldable tables, folding chairs, picnic blankets, tablecloths, and lighting all need transport space and setup time; bring extension cords and power banks for equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a student picnic?: Use the final participant list as your base and prepare a full meal portion for each person, including bread or wraps, salad, fruit, and suitable vegetarian portions. Add about 10% extra for unexpected guests or larger appetites.
How many drinks should I buy for a student picnic?: For the first hour, plan on two to three drinks per person, including water. Bring additional water for the rest of the picnic and keep drinks chilled in coolers for at least 4 hours before serving.
What tableware do I need for a student picnic?: Bring one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery set per participant, plus around 10% extra. Add serving spoons and serving platters so shared food can be served without using personal tableware.
When should I shop for a student picnic?: Buy shelf-stable supplies and equipment at least 2 to 3 days ahead. Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, wraps, salads, and drinks no later than the day before, leaving at least 4 hours to chill drinks and pack the coolers.

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