Moving into student accommodation is exciting, but a UK heatwave can turn it into a sweaty, stressful ordeal. With most student rooms lacking air conditioning and offering little ventilation, they can become uncomfortably hot. Combine that with unpacking, navigating unfamiliar surroundings, and dealing with minimal shade, and the experience quickly turns draining. You’re not just battling the logistics of a move—you’re battling the heat, poor sleep, and physical discomfort. Luckily, with a few practical tips, the right gear, and a bit of planning, you can beat the heat and settle in comfortably, even during Britain’s increasingly frequent summer heatwaves.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
Beat the heat in poorly ventilated student housing.
Stay hydrated, healthy, and focused while settling in.
Make budget-friendly, heatwave-friendly upgrades to your new room.
Let’s help you keep your cool—literally and figuratively.
UK Heatwaves Are Now the Norm: Here’s What Students Need to Know
The UK Met Office confirmed 2022 as the hottest year on record, with July temperatures soaring to 40.3°C—the nation’s highest ever. Heatwaves like this are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, making it critical for students to prepare for hotter move-ins each summer.
Why does this matter for students?
Most UK student housing—especially older buildings—lacks air conditioning.
Urban areas suffer from the urban heat island effect, making nights unbearably warm.
International students from cooler climates may face acclimatisation issues, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
1. Prep Your Room Before the Heat Hits
A. Choose the Right Orientation
If you haven’t moved in yet and are choosing your room, ask for a north-facing unit if possible. These rooms get less direct sunlight, staying cooler during summer.
B. Bring or Buy a Portable Fan (Before They Sell Out)
During heatwaves, portable fans often go out of stock across local UK retailers. Order one before moving day or bring it with you.
Pro tip: Choose one with a built-in air ioniser or cooling mist function.
C. Invest in Thermal or Blackout Curtains
These reduce the sun’s glare and keep your room up to 5°C cooler during peak hours. Choose light colours that reflect, not absorb, heat.
2. On Moving Day: Stay Cool While You Unpack
A. Move Early in the Morning or Late Evening
Aim to unpack between 6–10 AM or after 6 PM, when temperatures are lower. Avoid the midday sun (12–4 PM), when heat and UV levels peak.
B. Dress for the Occasion
Wear loose, breathable clothing—cotton, linen, or sweat-wicking athletic fabrics are best. Skip dark colours that absorb heat.
C. Keep a Hydration Kit Handy
Pack:
A large reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5L)
Electrolyte sachets
Cooling wipes or facial mist sprays
3. Surviving the First Week: Beat the Heat Indoors
A. Master the Window Game
Early Morning: Open windows to let in cool air.
Midday to 6 PM: Shut windows and close blackout curtains.
Evening: Reopen to create cross-ventilation.
Avoid opening windows during the hottest part of the day—you’ll let hot air in instead of keeping it out.
B. DIY Air Conditioning (It Works!)
Here’s a trick that works in UK climates:
Fill a bowl with ice or frozen water bottles.
Place it in front of your fan.
Turn the fan on full blast.
The breeze becomes a makeshift air cooler, reducing the perceived temperature by a few degrees.
C. Use Your Fridge Strategically
Keep damp washcloths in the fridge. Apply to:
Neck
Wrists
Ankles
Lower back
These pulse points help cool your body fast.
4. Stay Safe During the Night: Get Some Sleep in the Heat
A. Use Breathable Bedding
Avoid thick duvets. Opt for:
Lightweight cotton sheets
Bamboo-blend pillowcases (naturally moisture-wicking)
Skip memory foam mattresses—they trap heat.
B. Freeze Your Bedding
Place pillowcases or even pyjamas in a sealed bag and pop them in the freezer for an hour before bedtime.
C. Try the Wet Sheet Trick (Carefully)
Soak a sheet in water, wring it out, and hang it near your bed with a fan blowing air through it. The evaporative cooling effect can drop the room temperature slightly.
Warning: Avoid this if your room has electrical hazards or poor ventilation.
5. Food, Fluids, and Focus: Summer Wellness Tips
A. Eat Light and Hydrating Meals
Heavy meals raise your body temperature. Instead, opt for:
Watermelon, cucumber, and oranges
Salads with high water content
Cold soups like gazpacho
B. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Both dehydrate you. Swap your usual energy drinks for:
Coconut water
Herbal iced teas
Oral rehydration drinks
C. Take Cooling Study Breaks
The average student spends 6–8 hours a day on devices. Blue light + heat = mental exhaustion.
Take 20-minute breaks every two hours and use apps like Stretchly or Pomofocus to remind you.
6. Budget-Friendly Heatwave Must-Haves for Students
7. Check In With Your Landlord or Property Manager
At StudentTenant.com, we work with accommodation providers who prioritise student well-being. Still, here’s what you can ask:
Can you provide extra fans during heat waves?
Is there ventilation maintenance planned for summer?
Are windows safe to leave slightly open overnight?
If something feels unsafe or unbearable, don't hesitate to raise a maintenance request or talk to your property manager.
8. For International Students: Acclimatising to UK Summers
If you’re coming from countries with moderate or tropical climates, UK heatwaves may feel strange because:
There’s often no AC indoors
Nights remain hot due to building insulation
Sunsets occur late, sometimes after 9:30 PM in July
Give your body time to adapt:
Gradually shift your sleep schedule before arriving.
Stay indoors during peak sun hours.
Avoid overexertion in your first few days.
Conclusion: Don’t Let a Heatwave Spoil Your Fresh Start
Moving into student accommodation during a UK heatwave doesn’t have to be a nightmare—armed with blackout curtains, portable fans, DIY coolers, and smart unpacking strategies, you can settle in smoothly, even in extreme heat. Stay hydrated, pace your setup, and don’t let the summer sun ruin your fresh start. Need help finding student housing that won’t leave you sweating? Explore thousands of season-ready options on StudentTenant.com and discover properties built with student comfort in mind—rain or shine, heatwave or hail. With the right accommodation and a bit of planning, your move-in week can be cool, calm, and completely manageable.