Moving into university accommodation, whether halls or a house share, can be a very exciting time. However, it can also be a big adjustment and a little nerve-wracking, so you want to make sure the process is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

The best way to achieve this is to be as prepared as you possibly can be. To help you do this, we’ve compiled some of our top tips for finding the right place, organising, packing and moving your belongings into your chosen university accommodation.

Read on to find out how you can make your move a smooth one, so you can avoid the common traps lots of new students fall into.

  

1. Check what’s already provided

 

Lots of university accommodation will already provide certain amenities; the same can apply to student housing. Therefore, to avoid going out and buying unnecessary items or ending up with multiple appliances, it’s a good idea to check what is already provided.

 

You can do this by getting in touch with the accommodation office, letting agent or checking out the university website. Often, you will find that things like kettles, microwaves, ovens, etc., have already been provided.

 

That being said, this is not always the case, which is why it is so important to check first.

 

2. Speak to your flatmates

 

Whether you know them or not, it’s a good idea to connect with your flatmates to discuss who is bringing what. Again, this stops you from all bringing the same appliances, cooking equipment, etc.

 

You can decide between you who should bring things like an iron, a toaster, large baking trays and more. Because, let’s face it, you don’t all need to have your own sets. This will only take up space and mean you all go out and spend money on the same things.

 

This can also be a nice way to start building relationships with new flatmates, starting conversations early and getting to know a little more about each other before you move in.

 

3. Pack light

 

Although you are moving out to go and live on your own (well, sort of), you don’t need to take everything you own with you. A common mistake students make is packing up their whole lives, only to find they have limited space.

 

Plus, you often move out of your first-year accommodation by the summer, which means packing it all up again.

 

Deciding which appliances you do and don’t need to bring can already cut down on your packing. You should also be realistic about what belongings you will need. Start with the obvious things like clothes, books, laptops, kitchen stuff, etc. and then work backwards from there.

 

4. Label your bags and boxes

 

To make it easier for you to unpack when you get to your accommodation, it’s a good idea to label all your bags and boxes.

 

That way, when you arrive, you can immediately place these in the right room. It also means you’ll be able to find the things you need right away, such as bedsheets, food, toilet roll, etc.

 

5. Use a shipping service

 

If you only have a small vehicle, or perhaps no vehicle at all, you might wish to consider using a door to door shipping provider. This can stop you from having to make multiple trips or from cramming your car so full that you end up pressed against the window for the entire journey.

 

These shipping providers will collect your belongings and drop them at your new accommodation on your chosen date, at your chosen time. This way, you can have a stress-free journey to your new home and simply wait for someone else to do the hard work.

 

Then all you have to do is unpack once your belongings arrive! 

 

6. Don’t neglect the aesthetics

 

Most halls or student accommodations tend to be kept fairly neutral in terms of layout and decoration. And although you obviously can’t come straight in and start re-painting, there are plenty of other ways you can make it feel more like home.

 

And even though we said not to overpack, don’t forget the importance of bringing some of your home comforts and aesthetics. You might want to bring a few little ornaments or things from your bedroom.

 

You could bring with you some fairy lights, lamps, posters, wall hangings and comfy cushions. Plants, whether real or fake, also make an excellent addition to your new home. Also, don’t forget what a difference some nice bedsheets can make to your room or perhaps a throw for the sofa.

 

By adding these smaller touches, you can quickly make your university accommodation feel like home.

 

7. Pay attention to the inventory

 

In most university accommodations, you’ll be given an inventory that outlines the current condition of the flat or house you’re moving into. For example, it might contain details of older paintwork, marks left on walls by previous tenants or the fact they’ve just kitted out the kitchen with all new appliances.

 

This is designed to protect both parties, and although it might seem boring when you’re keen to unpack and start your new life, it is so important to check it over at least once.

 

Go through each stage of the inventory and make sure it’s accurate; if you notice any other damage or anything missing, take pictures and take notes. This stops you from losing your deposit when the time comes to move out.

 

Plus, it doesn’t have to take long or ruin moving day, but you’ll be glad you did it if your landlord tries to charge you for something that was there when you arrived.

 

8. Get there early

 

Finally, you will often be allowed to move into your university accommodation a week or two before your lectures actually start. Getting there as early as possible gives you a better chance to get everything unpacked and organised before the term starts.

 

It also gives you a chance to settle into your new home, find your way around the house and get to know your flatmates a little better. After all, chatting to your new friends can be more awkward with parents sticking about trying to help you unpack.

 

What’s more, if you realise you’ve forgotten anything important, you’ll have time to go out and buy it before your lessons begin. That way, you can start university feeling completely prepared for the year ahead.