🎒 10 Tips Every Student Needs to Know Before Moving Into Student Accommodation

Moving into student accommodation is one of the most exciting parts of university life — it’s your first real taste of independence, late-night chats in the kitchen, and learning how to do laundry without turning everything pink (or shrinking it to toddler size). But before you dive headfirst into uni life, here are 10 essential tips to make the move smooth, stress-free, and honestly… kind of fun.

1. Pack Smart — But Don’t Overpack

You really don’t need to bring your entire life with you. Most student rooms are fully furnished and space is tight. Focus on the essentials:

Bedding & towels
Toiletries
A week or two’s worth of clothes
Basic kitchen bits (a pan, cutlery, mug, and plate go a long way)
A few home comforts (more on that later!)

Pro Tip: Bring a doorstop — not for fire safety violation, but for making it easier to leave your door open and meet your flatmates in those first few days.

2. Know What’s Included in Your Rent

Not all student accommodations are the same. Some offer all-inclusive rent with bills, WiFi, and even contents insurance; others don’t.

Check:

Are utility bills included?
Is WiFi fast and reliable?
Do I need a TV licence?
Is there a laundry room, and how much does it cost?

🔗 Want the full breakdown? Check out our blog:
👉 What’s Included in Your Rent? A Guide to Student Accommodation Costs
Or visit MoneyHelper’s guide to student bills

3. Get to Know the Area — Before You Arrive

A bit of local knowledge goes a long way. Hop on Google Maps and check out:

Nearest supermarkets 🛒
Bus/tram stops 🚍
Your uni campus 📚
Cafés, gyms, or cheap eats ☕🍕

You can even check if your accommodation has a student group chat or Facebook page. Some student halls also run welcome events — don’t miss them!

4. Label Everything (Yes, Even Your Milk)

Flat-sharing 101: Avoid passive-aggressive fridge notes by clearly labelling your food and kitchenware. It helps with:

Avoiding mix-ups
Keeping your budget in check
Setting clear boundaries early on

If you’re happy to share some basics like salt, oil, or spices — great! Just make sure it’s agreed upon so nobody’s left fuming over an empty butter tub.

5. Bring a Few Home Comforts

Moving away from home can feel strange at first, so bringing a few familiar things can help ease the transition:

Photos of friends/family
Your favourite mug or blanket
Small plants or fairy lights
Posters or art prints for your walls

Making your space feel like yours makes a big difference when homesickness hits.

6. Learn a Few Basic Recipes

You don’t have to be the next MasterChef, but learning how to cook a few easy meals will save you money and impress your new flatmates.

Try:

One-pan pasta 🍝
Stir-fry 🥢
Jacket potato with toppings 🥔
Easy curries or chilli 🌶️

Cooking together is a great way to bond with your flatmates too. Plus, homemade food > takeaways (for your wallet and your health).

7. Bring Important Documents

There’s admin involved in moving too (sorry 😅). Bring a folder or document wallet with:

Photo ID (passport or driver’s licence)
Student loan documents
NHS number and medical info
University offer & course details
Accommodation contract
Bank account info

Bonus tip: Scan or take photos of everything and store it digitally, just in case.

8. Be Friendly — Everyone’s in the Same Boat

Worried about making friends? Everyone else is too. Even if they look confident, chances are they’re just as nervous underneath.

Say hi in the kitchen, suggest a group meal or quiz night, or just leave your door open and be approachable in those first few days. You don’t need to become best friends with your flatmates — but getting along makes everything easier.

9. Sort Out WiFi & Tech Stuff Early

If your accommodation has its own WiFi provider, you might need to register your devices or sign in the first time. Get this sorted early, so you’re not panicking over tech the night before a deadline.

Also pack:

An extension lead
Charging cables
Headphones (you’ll thank yourself when your flatmate starts blasting house music at 8am)

10. Relax — You Don’t Have to Get It All Right Immediately

Moving out, starting uni, making friends, doing laundry — it’s a lot. Don’t put pressure on yourself to have everything perfect straight away. You’re allowed to take time to adjust.

Some days will be amazing, others a little overwhelming. Just remember: everyone’s winging it. You’ve got this.

🎓 Final Thoughts

Student accommodation is more than just a place to sleep — it’s where late-night chats, Netflix marathons, and lifelong friendships are born. With a little planning (and a decent doorstop), you’ll be ready to take on uni life like a pro.

🔍 Still Looking for Accommodation?

Check out our available rooms here — with all-inclusive rent, ensuite options, and flexible contracts that fit your lifestyle.