Move-in day marks the real beginning of your student life. Whether you’re heading to lively university halls, a shared student house, or a private studio, this is where you’ll eat, sleep, work, and relax for most of the year.
It can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming as there’s a lot to organise, and plenty of things you might not think about until the last minute. This guide covers everything you should know before you arrive, so you can settle in smoothly and start making your space feel like home.
- Understand your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement might not be thrilling reading, but it’s one of the most important documents you’ll sign. Skipping over it could mean missing key details about your rights, responsibilities, and costs.
Pay close attention to:
- Start and end dates: If you’re in halls, these will usually align with the academic year, but in private rentals they may be slightly different.
- Rent payment schedule: Some landlords or providers expect monthly payments, while university accommodation might be termly (some also might expect 12 months worth of rent upfront).
- What’s included? Is Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, water, and insurance covered? If not, you’ll need to budget and set these up with the providers yourself.
- Deposit protection: In private rentals, deposits must be kept in a government-approved scheme, so make sure you check these!
- Rules and restrictions: for example guests, pets, decorations, or even what kind of appliances you can have.
- Plan what to pack
Your room will likely come furnished with the basics: a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe. But you’ll still need to bring (or buy) essentials to make it liveable.
Must-haves:
- Bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, duvet, and pillows. Check the bed size first (it should be mentioned in your contract, if not make sure to ask).
- Kitchenware: At least one plate, bowl, mug, cutlery set, saucepan, frying pan, and a chopping board.
- Towels: A couple of bath towels and hand towels.
- Clothes: Enough for all seasons; the UK weather can change very quickly.
- Laundry items: Basket or bag, detergent, and maybe a drying rack if not provided.
- Extension leads: Especially if plug sockets aren’t conveniently placed.
Nice-to-haves:
- Decor: Photos, fairy lights (battery-powered if plugs are limited), plants (real or fake).
- Storage solutions: Under-bed boxes, drawer dividers, over-door hooks.
- Small appliances: Kettle or toaster, but check if it is provided and if they’re allowed first.
Leave behind:
- Large furniture (no space for it).
- Too many clothes—you’ll be surprised how little you wear.
- Bulky items that are easy to buy locally.
- Organise your arrival
How you move in will depend on your location and transport:
- Driving? Check if there’s on-site parking and how long you can stop for unloading.
- Public transport? Plan your route and avoid arriving late at night if possible.
- Many halls allocate time to avoid overcrowding, make sure to stick to yours.
- Documents: Bring ID, your tenancy agreement, and payment receipts (at least have them accessible digitally). You may not get your keys without them.
- Meet your flatmates
Your flatmates will be part of your everyday life, so it’s worth making an effort to get to know them early.
- Keep your door open while unpacking as it’s a friendly signal.
- Suggest a small shared activity, like a group trip to the grocery shop or explore the new area and surroundings.
- Respect shared spaces from the start, clean up after yourself, and label your food if needed.
Remember, everyone’s adjusting at their own pace, some will want to socialise immediately, others may take a bit longer.
Final thoughts
Moving into your accommodation is the first real taste of independence for many students. It’s busy, sometimes chaotic, and full of new experiences. Take your time to unpack, introduce yourself, and get familiar with your surroundings. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a routine, favourite spots, and a room that actually feels like yours.
