Welcoming international students from day one builds trust and helps reduce tenancy issues. This guide explains how UK landlords can design practical, affordable, student-focused welcome packs that improve satisfaction and loyalty. StudentTenant.com supports the landlords by offering them properties most preferred by students, allowing quicker arrivals, and forming a better landlord-tenant relationship. Landlords can make the property feel welcoming-a great starting point for the tenancy-with the appropriate essentials, a personal touch, and clear local information. A considerate welcome pack goes a long way; it is affordable, improves the review score, and shows that you are professional. Student Tenant ensures landlords stay ahead by highlighting this feature to attract reliable international students.
What should a student welcome pack include?
A concise, practical list helps new students settle quickly and reduces first-day friction when arriving after long journeys.
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet roll)
Kitchen basics (mug, plate, cutlery, tea towel)
Cleaning essentials (dish soap, sponge, bin bags)
Snacks and a hot drink sachet (tea or instant coffee)
Local information booklet and emergency numbers
Simple Wi-Fi setup instructions and maintenance contact details
Explanation
Start with essentials students actually use on day one. Toiletries and a basic crockery set stop simple problems from becoming maintenance requests. A small food item and tea or coffee give comfort after travel. The local booklet should list the nearest GP, pharmacy, supermarkets, and public transport links. Clear Wi-Fi directions and a named maintenance contact cut down late-night calls and confusion.
How can landlords personalise student welcome packs for international students?
Personal touches make students feel seen and supported, increasing positive reviews and referrals for your properties.
Handwritten welcome note with landlord contact details
Short multilingual guide or translated key phrases
Small, culturally considerate snack (neutral options work best)
Branded reusable item (mug or tote bag)
Info card about local student discounts and transport
Explanation
Personalisation is not costly but signals care. A brief handwritten message with clear contact hours reduces uncertainty. Translating key safety info or house rules into common languages among your tenants avoids misunderstandings. Branded reusable items promote your property while being genuinely useful. Include guidance on local student discounts and travel cards to help new arrivals budget.
How do student welcome packs improve tenancy and student satisfaction?
Clear orientation and small comforts reduce early problems, build trust, and help students settle faster into studies and community life.
Fewer first-week complaints and emergency maintenance requests
Faster integration into local life and routines
Higher tenancy retention and positive word-of-mouth
Better online reviews and a stronger landlord reputation
Explanation
When students arrive prepared, minor issues do not escalate. This lowers management time for landlords and creates calmer households. Evidence from sector guidance emphasises that pre-arrival information and practical support improve international student integration and belonging.
How can landlords keep welcome packs cost-effective?
Smart sourcing and durable branded items balance cost and impact while supporting long-term marketing for your properties.
Buy bulk essentials and refill kits from wholesalers
Use one durable branded item per pack (mug or tote) rather than many small freebies
Partner with local shops for small discount vouchers or trial offers (low cost to you)
Reuse packaging templates and templates for info booklets
Explanation
A typical effective pack can cost between ten and twenty-five pounds, depending on inclusions. Bulk buying and choosing items with utility extend your budget. A single useful branded item provides ongoing visibility and costs far less than many low-value giveaways. Keep information materials digital where possible, with a printed summary to save recurring costs.
How can landlords use a student welcome pack to attract students quickly?
Promote a clear arrival experience as a unique selling point and highlight it in property listings.
List “welcome pack included” in property descriptions
Show photos of the pack contents and a short welcome video clip
Offer a concise arrival checklist in the listing to set expectations
Link the listing to local transport and campus convenience features
Explanation
A guaranteed welcome pack helps your listing stand out and answers common queries from international students about arrival support. Mentioning this benefit in property headlines and descriptions increases click-through rates. Use the interlink title How UK Landlords Can Attract International Students Fast in your blog or property management pages to guide landlords on broader recruitment tactics.
What information should be inside the local info booklet for students?
A short, readable booklet with clear headings helps students immediately find what they need without getting overwhelmed.
Emergency contacts (NHS 111, police, fire)
Local GP surgery and pharmacy (names and addresses)
Nearest supermarkets and opening hours
Public transport links and station names
Waste collection days and recycling guidance
Explanation
Organise the booklet in bullet points and headings so students can scan. Add a one-page map showing nearest amenities and a small diagram of bins and recycling rules to avoid tenancy fines. Clear, concise information lowers anxiety and reduces calls to landlords for basic directions.
FAQ
Landlords often want quick answers before preparing packs, so here are some clear responses in a Q&A format.
Q: Should I give every student a pack?
A: Yes, providing the same pack ensures fairness and avoids misunderstandings.
Q: How often should packs be updated?
A: Review them seasonally and after collecting student feedback.
Q: Can I include religious or dietary items?
A: Only if specifically requested; keep standard packs neutral.
Q: Is a digital handbook sufficient?
A: No, combine a short printed summary with digital links for best results.
Conclusion
A clear and thoughtful student welcome pack helps your tenants feel supported, reduces early tenancy problems, and improves your property’s reputation. Implementing small, practical items plus clear local guidance reassures international students and saves landlords time and costs. Including welcome packs in StudentTenant.com listings increases interest from students seeking supportive and reliable properties.
Visit StudentTenant.com to add a “welcome pack included” tag to your listings and make your properties the first choice for international students. Bookmark this guide, share with your team, and comment below with the personal touches you plan to add.