Moving to university is a huge milestone. It’s a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of nervousness.
Whether you’re a first-year student heading off to university for the first time or a returning student settling into new accommodation, there’s a lot to prepare before the big day.
But don’t worry – we’ve got your back! We’ve put together the ultimate university moving checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for this new chapter.
GET YOUR ESSENTIALS IN ORDER
First things first – before you even think about packing, there are a few crucial tasks you need to tick off your list. These are the things that will make your move smoother and less stressful.
Confirm your accommodation – double-check your accommodation details, including the move-in date, location, and what’s included in your room or flat. If you’re staying with YourTRIBE, rest assured you’ll be stepping into a premium space designed for comfort and community. Contents insurance is also a good idea – this is included in your rent with YourTRIBE, but other accommodation providers may not include this so it’s a good idea to check!
Get your finances in order – make sure your student loan is sorted, and you’ve set up a bank account if you haven’t already. If you’re an international student, ensure you have a UK bank account set up. You might also want to carry some local currency when you first arrive to cover initial expenses before your bank account is fully functional. To support our YourTRIBE residents with this, we’ll be hosting two bank registration days on the 10th and 17th of September – drop us a message or ask one of our team at reception for more details.
Don’t forget your travel essentials – if you’re an international student, don’t forget to bring important travel documents, including your passport, visa, and any necessary paperwork for customs and immigration. It’s also a good idea to have digital and physical copies of these documents in case of emergencies.
Check your university portal – ensure all your enrollment documents are completed, and keep an eye on your university email for any important updates about your course or induction week.
Health matters – register with a local doctor’s surgery and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. It’s also a good idea to get health insurance if you’re an international student. The closest GP surgeries include Silverlock Medical Centre, The Acorn & Gaumont House Surgery and Trafalgar Surgery
PACKING SMART: WHAT TO BRING
Packing for university can be overwhelming, but with a well-thought-out plan, it doesn’t have to be. Below, we’ve listed all the essentials – and a few little luxuries – to make your new space feel like home.
Let’s dive in…
Bedroom basics
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so making sure it’s comfortable and cosy is key. Start with these essential items to create a space where you can relax and recharge:
Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets) – our beds are all ¾ doubles, so if you’re moving in with us, make sure you’re getting the right fit!
Mattress topper – if you claim our limited time upgrade deal, we’ll provide a luxury Silentnight mattress topper which will help you catch those much-needed zzz.
Hangers and storage boxes – these will come in handy for keeping your room organised, and we also have spacious wardrobes and underbed storage in all of our rooms to help keep your space calm and clutter-free.
Laundry basket and hamper – because while we might offer complimentary laundry credits as part of our limited time upgrade deal, the time has come for adulting to begin…and laundry to be washed.
Desk lamp – for those late night study sessions. If you’re moving in with us at one of our YourTRIBE properties, we already provide a desk light but why not bring a lamp for additional (and relaxing) mood lighting.
Tech and study supplies
Staying connected and on top of your studies requires the right tech and tools. Ensure you’re fully equipped with these supplies:
Laptop/tablet and charger – essential for taking notes, writing essays,staying on top of assignments and Netflix watching.
Smartphone – to keep in touch with friends and family and for those essential university apps. For international students, consider getting an international SIM card or setting up a mobile plan in the UK to stay connected with friends and family back home.
Stationery – planner or calendar, notebooks, pens, and highlighters.
Extension cables and adapters – make sure you have enough sockets to charge all your devices. If you’re an international student, be sure to bring an adapter.
Portable charger – perfect for those long days on campus or exploring the city when you can’t find a plug.
Headphones – a must-have for studying in busy environments, attending online lectures or listening to the latest episode from your favourite podcaster.
Kitchen essentials
At YourTRIBE, we’ve got you covered with shared flat kitchens or kitchenettes in our studio apartments, so you’ll have everything you need to whip up your favourite meals.
Fancy yourself as the next rootedinspice or diningbykelly? Here’s what you need to add to your kitchen kit:
- Pots, pans and cooking utensils like this spoon rest, this ladle and this pot holder.
- Cutlery, crockery, and glassware.
- Tupperware and storage containers – the limit does truly not exist.
- Kettle, toaster, and microwave (although no need to bring a microwave to ours, we’ve got you covered for all your heating needs!).
- Avocado slicer – for all brunching needs.
- CRIMPiT toasted sandwich maker aka the pinnacle of melted cheese meals.
- Smoothie maker so you can assure your parents that you are eating your greens.
- Rice cooker to make life much easier.
- A bottle opener like this (!) or a corkscrew like this.
Bathroom must-haves
A well-stocked bathroom is essential for your daily routine. Make sure you have everything you need to stay fresh and organised with these bathroom must-haves:
- Towels and bathrobe.
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash).
- Shower caddy – ideal for shared bathrooms, though all of our YourTRIBE rooms are en-suite.
- First aid kit and essential medicines.
- Fluffy bath mat – because your toes need a treat.
- Over the door hair tools organiser – to avoid all ‘stepping on plug and cursing the day you were born’ incidents.
- Tree Hut body scrub, Naturium body wash and Olaplex shampoo for your Everything Shower.
Personal touches
With all the essentials out of the way, it’s time to put your own stamp on your space with decorative pieces including:
Photos and posters – choose wisely (and remember Command strips instead of sellotape 👀).
Fairy lights or lamps – it’s truly unbelievable how much lighting can change a room so don’t rely on your included desk light to do all the heavy lifting. Instead, pack up cute fairy lights, LED strip lights for your pinboard or a floor lamp to put the finishing touch on your space.
Cushions and throws – make your room (and bed) a space you can’t wait to hang out in by bringing cushions, throws and blankets to relax amongst.
Plants or greenery – can we recommend a cactus for low maintenance vibes?
Little luxuries
Want to elevate your living space even further? Here’s a few indulgent touches that will enhance your comfort and make your university experience feel a bit more like home:
Smart alarm clock – this can help you wake up with simulated sunlight or calming sounds, making it easier to start your day refreshed.
Smart home devices – bring along smart home devices like a smart speaker (e.g., Amazon Echo or Google Home) or smart lights that can be controlled via your phone or voice for added convenience and comfort.
Fitness gear – whether you’re an avid runner, a zen yogi or you’re looking to start a whole new sport when you get to uni, staying fit is the ultimate life hack to keep your head clear and your body strong. At YourTRIBE, we’ve got onsite gyms open to all our students and we’ve put together a handy guide to starting your uni fitness regime right here.
Self-care kit – treat yourself to a pamper kit filled with your favourite relaxation tools to help you unwind after a long day of studying. We’re thinking soothing face masks, shower steamers, aromatherapy oils.
Blackout blinds – these will help ensure you’re getting enough Zzzs, especially during the early mornings or if you’re adjusting to a new time zone. We’ve got these included as standard at YourTRIBE to guarantee you a good night’s sleep.
Diffusers – a diffuser with essential oils can create a calming atmosphere in your room.
A final top tip before you set off on a student shopping spree is to check out the student discounts you are entitled to, as you can get many of the items on this list for a reduced price in the run up to term starting. We’ve already got a handy guide to student discounts in London right here.
TIME TO SETTLE IN AND EXPLORE
Okay, you’ve smashed your move-in day and unpacked – now what? It’s time to start settling into your new home and exploring your neighbourhood. Here’s how to get started:
Meet your fellow residents – we know introducing yourself to your new flatmates can be daunting, but at YourTRIBE turning strangers into friends is what we’re all about. We help connect you with your people through an exciting lineup of events including movie nights, interactive cooking sessions, gym classes, and much more. We also have tonnes of shared spaces where you can hang out and meet people, including rooftop terraces, cinema rooms and gaming zones.
Download our YourTRIBE app – if you’re moving in with us, be sure to download our handy app. It has everything you need to stay plugged in to all things YourTRIBE – connect with your fellow residents, sign up for our experiences, book communal spaces and even get alerts for your parcel deliveries! You can also access our helpdesk and check the News Feed for important updates and events information. Scan the QR code below [or click here] to join the party…
Explore the area – take some time to walk around your new neighbourhood, find the nearest shops, cafes, and of course, the quickest route to campus. We’re always highlighting the best places to go and things to do in our YourTribe neighbourhoods over on Instagram – give us a follow to stay in the know.
Join societies and clubs: University is the perfect time to try something new. Whether it’s a sports team, a drama club, or something more niche, getting involved is a great way to make friends and enrich your experience.
YourTRIBE IS HERE TO HELP
We understand that moving to university is a big step, and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. Our accommodation isn’t just about providing a place to live; it’s about creating a home where you can thrive. From comfortable living spaces to a supportive community, YourTRIBE is designed to help you make the most of your university experience.
So, take a deep breath, follow this checklist, and get ready for an exciting journey ahead. University life is full of opportunities, and YourTRIBE is here to help you seize them all.