Crusty Coke bottles to Stanley cups: Here’s what your uni water bottle says about your vibe

When you’re dashing across campus for your 9am lecture or taking it easy on the library lawn between classes, one item is always with you: Your water bottle (unless you’re part of the “no bottle” crew). Let’s be honest – your choice of water bottle says more about you than you might realise. In fact, we’re pretty certain that your water bottle reflects your personality, lifestyle, and priorities subtly. So, here’s what your university water bottle says about you, because you really can tell a lot.

1. Thermal bottle warriors

You are the environmentally conscious one, always striving to minimise your impact on the planet. Whether it’s a sleek, minimalist metal bottle or a colourful Hydro Flask adorned with artistic stickers, your choice of bottle reflects your dedication to sustainability. You’ve probably participated in at least one environmental protest on campus or are known as the friend who consistently encourages others to use reusable bags for uni.

Let’s face it: You likely own bamboo cutlery and a compost bin and have the know how to cultivate your own herbs on your windowsill. You’re also the person who shares links to environmental documentaries in the group chat without asking for permission. While everyone admires your commitment, sometimes they wish you wouldn’t make them feel so guilty for using a plastic bottle.

Nevertheless, kudos to you for making a positive impact on the planet, one sip at a time.

2. The Stanley cup stan

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You’re the kind of person who always stays ahead of the latest trends and loves to be seen with the newest must-have items at uni, whether it’s the latest fashion or the trendiest hydration accessories. You’re known as the go-to person for recommendations on the best cafes around campus and the perfect spots for those aesthetic Instagram shots.

Your style exudes an effortlessly cool and polished vibe (too polished sometimes), making it seem like you woke up looking fabulous. While lugging around a large cup may not be the most practical, it’s a must-have accessory for your coffee-fueled, influencer-in-the-making lifestyle. Your friends definitely envy your ability to maintain a chic look even when you’re exhausted and sneak in boozy beverages under the guise of a water tower.

3. Bottles from cosmetic brands or random businesses

You have a quirky and artsy personality and love a good brand aesthetic. Your university water bottle might have once been a limited edition product from a holiday collection (leave your window open for me if you have the Glossier metal bottle with a pink silicone cap from last year’s Christmas drop) or it could have been from a random PR package from your internship. Maybe it was even emblazoned with a logo from some obscure local business. You don’t try too hard but somehow manage to pull off this casual coolness with ease. There’s definitely a chaotic edge to your style, and your water bottle is just another element of that vibe.

You’re the type who has an Instagram account dedicated to your side hustle, whether it’s selling vintage clothes or running a cute, quirky online blog. Your notes are probably colour coded, but your phone screen is shattered because of priorities, right? You are effortlessly creative and manage to find beauty (and functionality) in unexpected places – especially on campus.

4. The single use plastic bottle

You are someone who lives life on the edge, especially when it comes to hydration. Even though you have the means to purchase a proper water bottle, you choose to use a plastic Coke bottle from Freshers’ Week three weeks ago as your go-to water vessel.

It’s not that you don’t value sustainability, it’s more about being too busy to prioritise it. You are practical and low maintenance, often repurposing items for extended use, such as using the back of a receipt for lecture notes. You thrive in the last minute rush, effortlessly excel in group projects, and demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness when needed. Despite these qualities, it would be beneficial for both you and the environment if you consider investing in a proper water bottle soon.

5. The tracking bottle

You know you need to drink more, and you’re doing something about it! Although these bottles are ugly, they’re getting pretty advanced. A strap and a cap? Say less.

6. The rectangular bottle

Points are awarded here for aesthetics over practicality. Still, if you are hitting those hydration goals, does it really matter? You were definitely the person to hop on the Voss and Fiji water trends once upon a time, and you’re not afraid to be yourself unapologetically. Whether that means you’re cracking out an odd shaped vessel as your university water bottle in the lecture, or going hard on a Wednesday night fancy dress social, you’re just living.

7. The Love Island bottle

Throw it out.

8. No bottle at all

Do you often forget to stay hydrated? Are you the type of person who doesn’t bring a water bottle and insists that you don’t need one? Maybe you’ll take a quick sip from a water fountain if it’s nearby, but that’s about the extent of your water intake. You’re more likely to be seen with a coffee/matcha cup or energy drink because, let’s be honest, caffeine is what truly keeps you going.

This relaxed attitude may mean that you’re either very laid-back or just have a god complex because you “don’t need water”. You can probably get by with minimal effort in terms of sleep, hydration, and preparation for much longer than the average person. Your friends find this both impressive and a little worrying. They’re not entirely sure if you adopted a laissez-faire attitude or just one missed deadline away from a meltdown. Either way, you’ve embraced the “wing it” lifestyle, and honestly, we respect that.

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