Moving In? Here's Your Complete Student Accommodation Guide
Starting university in the UK is a huge milestone. For international students, it’s a blend of excitement and uncertainty. Between unfamiliar cities, new rules, and cultural adjustments, moving in can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry—help is here.
By the end of this guide, you'll know:
How to get settled in your first week
What safety and legal steps to follow
How to make your room feel like home
Let’s get you prepared and confident from day one.
1. Inspect Your Room Thoroughly
Before you start unpacking, inspect every part of your room. This ensures you're not held responsible for pre-existing damage.
Look for:
Stains or cracks on walls and ceilings
Broken furniture or missing items
Mould or water damage in hidden corners
Take photos and email them to your landlord. This documentation protects your deposit. According to the National Union of Students (NUS), 30% of students face housing disputes due to unreported damages.
2. Unpack and Personalise Your Space
A tidy room feels more welcoming. Start by unpacking essential items like bedding, chargers, and toiletries. Use drawer organisers, shelves, and under-bed storage to maximise your space.
Add personality with:
Family photos or posters
Plants and soft lighting
A comfortable desk chair
Using smart storage keeps your room clutter-free and peaceful.
3. Set Up Wi-Fi and Utilities Early
Internet access is essential for lectures, research, and staying in touch. In most student accommodations, Wi-Fi is included. If not, ask your landlord which provider to contact.
If you're renting privately, you may also need to set up:
Electricity and gas accounts
Water and waste services
Some providers offer student-friendly discounts, so compare deals online before signing up.
4. Register With a Local GP and Dentist
Healthcare is vital. If you're staying for more than six months, you qualify for free NHS treatment.
To register:
Visit the NHS website
Find your local GP surgery
Complete the GMS1 registration form
Bring ID, proof of address, and your BRP card. Also, locate your nearest dental practice.
5. Secure Your Valuables
Student rooms are often targeted during freshers’ week. Make safety a priority.
Consider:
Locking your room when unattended
Using a small safe or lockable drawer
Taking out student contents insurance (some Student Tenant properties include this)
Store high-value electronics and documents out of sight.
6. Get a UK SIM Card and Open a Bank Account
A UK SIM card makes life easier. It lets you:
Access data for maps and emails
Receive university and visa updates
Contact landlords or emergency services
Network providers like Giffgaff, EE, and O2 offer prepaid student plans. For banking, consider Monzo or Santander. These are great for budgeting and often include student perks.
Opening an account usually requires:
Passport or BRP
Proof of address (accommodation letter or tenancy agreement)
University acceptance letter
7. Explore the Local Area
Familiarising yourself with the neighbourhood helps reduce stress. Walk around your area and find:
Supermarkets and pharmacies
The nearest bus or train stop
Cafés, takeaways, and parks
Use Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate easily. Knowing your surroundings makes you feel more in control.
8. Meet Your Flatmates and Make Friends
Making connections early builds a sense of belonging. Students with social support are more likely to succeed academically.
Try these tips:
Knock on your neighbour’s door and say hello
Suggest cooking a group meal
Join your building’s WhatsApp or Facebook group
Creating friendships early helps reduce homesickness.
9. Understand Your Tenancy Agreement
Your tenancy agreement outlines your rights and responsibilities. Take time to read it carefully.
Key areas include:
Rent payment deadlines
Maintenance responsibilities
Guest and noise policies
Also, locate fire exits and understand safety procedures. According to the UK Government’s Fire Kills campaign, knowing evacuation routes can save lives. Some accommodations run safety briefings—attend them.
10. Register for Council Tax Exemption and to Vote
Full-time students in the UK are exempt from paying council tax, but you must officially apply for this exemption through your local council to avoid any unexpected penalties. Start by asking your university for a student status letter, which confirms your full-time enrolment. Submit this letter online through your council’s website. In addition, registering to vote can help build your UK credit score, even if you're not eligible to vote in general elections. It shows stability and a UK presence to credit agencies.
Bonus Tip: Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Save important contact numbers on your phone:
University accommodation or support team
Local GP and NHS 111
Student Tenant’s support contact
Also, know your national embassy’s details. In emergencies, these can be a lifeline.
Final Thoughts: Settle In With Confidence
Your first week in UK student accommodation is an important period of adjustment and discovery. As you navigate unfamiliar surroundings and begin to settle into a new academic and social environment, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. However, by following these 10 essential steps, you can ease the transition, protect your well-being, and create a space that feels like home. From registering with a local GP to understanding your tenancy agreement and meeting your flatmates, each action helps build confidence and clarity in your new chapter as an international student in the UK.
To recap, you should:
Document your room condition
Set up the internet and banking
Register with a GP
Meet flatmates
Understand your rights
Looking for a trusted place to stay? Visit Student Tenant to book verified UK student accommodation—fast, secure, and designed for international students.