Getting Ready for Your Student Accommodation Adventure
You’ve got your exam results, your university place is confirmed, and now the next big step begins – finding your new student home. It’s an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming as you start organising things you may never have thought about before.
From choosing the right place to live to moving in and meeting your housemates, there are a lot of details to consider. Don’t worry though – our top tips will help you stay organised and get ready for this exciting new chapter of university life.
Find somewhere you love (and that fits your budget)
For many first-year students, the university you’re attending will provide a list of accommodation options. These usually include:
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University halls of residence
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Privately owned purpose-built student accommodation
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Approved private landlords offering shared housing, often called HMOs (Homes of Multiple Occupation)
If you’ve already visited your university and seen some accommodation options in person, you may already have a favourite. If not, now’s the time to do a little research. Jump online, compare facilities, check locations, and see what fits your budget.
Remember, the best-value places with great facilities tend to get snapped up quickly, so it’s worth exploring your options early.
Complete your paperwork (without rushing!)
Once you’ve found your ideal student home and confirmed availability, it’s time to take the next step: sorting out the paperwork and payments.
This might include:
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Completing application forms
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Providing identification or documents
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Paying a deposit or initial rent payment
It’s important to act quickly, but also carefully. Double-check everything before submitting forms to make sure all details are correct. Missing documents or mistakes could mean losing the accommodation you’ve chosen.
You may also be asked to provide a guarantor. This is usually a parent, family member or close friend living in the UK who agrees to cover the rent if you’re unable to.
If you don’t have someone who can act as a guarantor, don’t worry. RentGuarantor can provide a professional guarantor service to meet your landlord’s requirements.
Pack smart for student life
Once your accommodation is confirmed, the fun part begins, packing for your new home.
You’ll need the essentials such as:
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Clothes and bedding
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Bathroom items
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Study supplies
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A few decorative pieces to personalise your room
Student accommodation can sometimes feel a little plain at first, so adding photos, posters or small decorations can quickly make it feel more like home.
One area where it helps to coordinate with your future housemates is the kitchen. If possible, connect with them through social media or messaging groups before move-in day.
You can split who brings what so you don’t end up with five kettles, four toasters and a mountain of frying pans. It’s also a great way to start getting to know each other before you even move in.
Move-in day!
The big day has finally arrived, moving into your new student home.
If you’ve packed well, everything should fit neatly into the car and you’ll arrive with everything you need (without bringing your entire bedroom from home).
Once you’re there:
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Start unpacking and settling in
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Keep your door open to welcome new flatmates
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Put your kitchen items away and get organised together
Before you know it, you’ll be chatting about cupboard space, making your first cup of tea in the new kitchen and starting to feel at home.
Your university journey begins
Moving away from home for the first time can feel a little daunting, but it’s also one of the most exciting milestones in student life. With a little planning and preparation, the whole process becomes much easier and much more fun.
Soon you’ll be settled into your new space, meeting new friends and making memories that will last long after your university years are over.
