The Ultimate Student Move-In Checklist

The big move-in date is approaching, and you’re probably feeling pretty excited.

Moving into your new uni home can be fun. A new location, new room, maybe even new housemates, but there are also a few things to consider before you get in and get settled.

From making sure your bills are all set up and ready, doing the inventory check-in, and making sure you’ve packed everything you need, there can be a lot of things to remember.

On the topic of packing, we’ve compiled an essential list of what you need to remember to pack to help your move-in go as smoothly as possible (that’s one of our specialities).

Click below to read our student moving-in checklist, which is perfect to reference when you pack!

Moving into a new house: our student move-in checklist

1. Important Documents

There are several important documents you’ll need to remember to take with you – the most important one being some form of identification (otherwise, you won’t be able to get into most of the Freshers’ Week events!).

Here’s a comprehensive list of all the documents you might need:

You might also want to take copies of the following documents or ensure you’ve got a digital copy:

  • Car insurance documents and car logbook (if you’re bringing a car)
  • Other insurance documents (for example, phone insurance or contents insurance)
  • Student loan or other funding documents
  • National Insurance letter or a note of your National Insurance Number
  • University admission acceptance letter
  • Course acceptance letter
  • Scholarship or bursary letters
  • Prescriptions (if relevant)

If you’re an international student, you might also want to bring:

  • Visa documentation
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Proof of funds

2. Electrical items

Your phone and laptop are definitely essential items, but there are lots of electrical devices and accessories that you’ll need to consider bringing when moving to university.

  • Phone and charger
  • Laptop, charger, and a sturdy case
  • Printer and ink (if you think you’ll need one)
  • Games console
  • Headphones
  • Charging cables (plus a travel adapter if you’re not from the UK)
  • Hair dryer (and hairstyling tools)
  • Extension lead (handy if you’re studying from home)
  • External hard drive (for protecting all your uni work)
  • TV (make sure you have a TV Licence if you’re watching live TV)

3. Kitchen equipment

Moving to uni for the first time means you’ll be responsible for cooking all your own food (unless you’re living in catered accommodation). Here’s a breakdown of everything you might need in your student place:

  • Plates and bowls
  • Cutlery
  • A saucepan and a frying pan (if you’re a fan of cooking, you might want a larger range)
  • Mugs and glasses
  • A water bottle and reusable travel cup (if you like hot drinks on the go)
  • Washing up liquid, cloths, and tea towels
  • Knives and a chopping board
  • Food storage containers
  • Lunch box
  • Tin and bottle opener
  • Scissors
  • Kitchen utensils (tongs, ladle, and spatula)
  • Peeler and grater
  • Baking tray
  • Colander
  • Whisk

4. Bedroom essentials

You’ll also need some essentials for your bedroom. Although most student halls of residence are furnished, you’ll still need to buy some of the stuff yourself:

  • Bedsheets and pillowcases
  • Pillows and duvet
  • Laundry basket
  • Mattress topper and protector
  • Desk lamp
  • Coat hangers
  • Mirror
  • Clock
  • Clothes rack
  • Pictures or posters
  • Any other home comforts

5. Bathroom essentials

Whether you’re lucky enough to have an en suite or are sharing a bathroom, there are still some essentials you’ll need:

  • Dressing gown and slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Flip flops (if you’re sharing a bathroom and feel like you need them)
  • Hairbrush and hairbands
  • Make-up and remover
  • Tweezers and nail clippers/scissors
  • First aid kit
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Sanitary products
  • Painkillers
  • Cleaning products (whether you’re taking on a deep clean yourself or participating in a cleaning rota)

6. Personal items

Clothes and other personal items are a must – here’s a rough idea of some of the stuff you might want to pack when leaving home for the first time:

  • Clothes
  • Accessories
  • Coat
  • Sports kit
  • Smart outfit (for an interview or formal occasion)
  • Swimming kit
  • Pyjamas
  • Underwear
  • Bags
  • Any medication you need
  • Personal supplies (e.g. contact lens solution)

7. Course equipment

You’ll also need stationery, course textbooks, and any course-specific equipment:

  • Pens and pencils
  • Ruler
  • Pencil case
  • Highlighters
  • Staplers and stapler
  • Hole punch
  • Notebooks or writing pads
  • Folders
  • Post-It notes
  • Student planner
  • Calculator (if your course involves maths)
  • Textbooks, course literature, or mandatory reading
  • Course-specific equipment (for example, a lab coat or art materials).

Moving into a student house: checklist tips

If you’re wondering how to pay for all the items on this student move-in checklist, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of options available for those on a budget. To save yourself some money, you could:

  1. Use items you already own (such as clothes, stationery, and bedding) instead of buying more.
  2. For things you do need to buy, shop second-hand (to help our environment) or go to a bargain shop like Poundland.
  3. See if your university can offer any financial assistance or discount deals on kitchen/bathroom/bedroom essentials.
  4. Find out if you can borrow some of your housemates’ equipment (e.g., they may bring plenty of cutlery for everyone to share).
  5. Check what your accommodation offers – if the rooms are fully furnished, they may offer a few items that you don’t have to bring yourself.

Additionally, for more detailed checklist tips on what you should do when you move into your student house, please check out our specialist guide on moving tips. We’ll help you understand every action you should tick off, other than packing everything you need, of course!

How Split The Bills can help

After completing our student move-in checklist, you also need to set up and pay utilities when moving into your house. If calling suppliers, setting up direct debits, taking meter readings, and chasing your housemates for payments sounds like your worst nightmare, a bill-splitting service might be for you!

Split The Bills is a simple way to deal with shared household bills. We’ll do all the hard work for you – all you’ll need to do is pay one neat monthly bill (which includes uncapped water and energy, broadband and even a TV Licence if you need it). Everything will be split equally between you and your housemates – guaranteeing a complete lack of arguments about who paid who and who has left the heating on again.

Learn more about how we work, or get a monthly price estimate for your shared student house today.