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 download our moving-in checklist, which is perfect to print and tick off as you pack! Or keep reading for a more in-depth moving away for university checklist.
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:
If you’re an international student, you might also want to bring:
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.
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:
There are a couple of larger household items that you might need, but you’ll need to check if they’re included in your accommodation.
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:
Whether you’re lucky enough to have an en suite or are sharing a bathroom, there are still some essentials you’ll need:
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:
You’ll also need stationary, course textbooks and any course-specific equipment:
If you’re moving into a shared student house (perhaps you’re in your second year or missed out on university accommodation), there are a couple of extra tasks you’ll need to do before or during move-in day.
You should have an inventory that will detail everything included in your accommodation and the condition the property should be in. On move-in day, it’s a good idea to check that everything matches the inventory to ensure you’re not unfairly charged for missing items or damage already there.
If your property uses gas, your landlord is legally required to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all the gas appliances. If you haven’t already been sent this, you can ask to see it or have it emailed to you.
It’s also a good idea to check that there’s at least one smoke detector on each floor and that they’re functional. Your landlord should have checked them before you move in, but it’s worth double-checking.
Student halls usually include utility bills and broadband in your accommodation price, but when you move into a privately rented student house or flat, you’ll have to handle the bills yourself (unless the accommodation is all bills included).
There are a couple of options for setting up and paying household bills – you can handle it yourself or use a bill-splitting service. Whatever option you choose, it’s best to get it sorted before you move in to avoid unnecessary stress.
We’ve written ‘The ultimate guide to splitting bills in a shared house in 2023’ to help you out.
Whether you’re about to move into a shared student house or just thinking ahead for next year, the thought of having to set up and pay utility bills can feel overwhelming. 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.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.