Moving into student accommodation for the first time is exciting, but there is a lot to think about before you pick up your keys. From checking your tenancy details to planning what you actually need to pack, getting a few things organised beforehand can make moving day feel much less stressful.

Whether you’re heading to university for the first time or returning for another year, this checklist will help you get organised, feel prepared and start your university experience on the right foot.

1. Check Your Tenancy Details

Before moving day, make sure you know the important details about your accommodation.

Double-check your move-in date and time, where you need to collect your keys and whether there are any documents or identification you need to bring with you.

It is also worth familiarising yourself with the accommodation’s rules and what is already included in your room. Knowing this before you arrive can save you from packing things you don’t actually need.

Quick tip: Keep all your important accommodation and university documents together in one folder, either digitally or physically.

2. Make a Packing List

It might be tempting to start throwing everything you own into boxes, but you probably don’t need as much as you think.

Create a list of the essentials you will actually use, including:

• Clothes and shoes
• Bedding and towels
• Toiletries
• Chargers and tech
• Laundry essentials
• Kitchen basics
• Cleaning supplies
• Study essentials
• A few home comforts

Don’t forget the little things that are easy to overlook, such as an extension lead, reusable water bottle, laundry bag and coat hangers.

Want a little more help with what to pack? Head over to our Ultimate University Packing List blog for a complete checklist of everything you might need for your move to university.

3. Find Out What’s Already Provided

Before buying everything on your university shopping list, check exactly what your accommodation provides.

This could include appliances, furniture, kitchen equipment, Wi-Fi and other essentials.

For a studio, this is particularly important because you already have your own bedroom, kitchen and bathroom space. There’s no need to fill your car with things that are already waiting for you.

4. Plan Your First Food Shop

Your first food shop doesn’t need to be a full weekly shop.

Think about what you’ll actually need for your first few days. Breakfast basics, easy lunches, snacks, drinks and a couple of simple meals are a good place to start.

You can always do a bigger shop once you’ve settled in and worked out what your routine looks like.

5. Sort Out Your University Essentials

There are a few things worth organising before you leave home.

Make sure you’ve got access to your university email, student portal and any apps you’ll need. Check when and where you need to enrol, find out when your timetable will be available and save any important university information somewhere easy to find.

You could also join relevant student groups or course chats before you arrive. You might even recognise a few names when you get there.

6. Plan Your Journey

Don’t leave your journey until moving day.

Work out how you’re getting to your accommodation, where you’re going to park or be dropped off and how you’re going to get your belongings inside.

If you’re moving to a new city, have a look at the area before you arrive too. Finding your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, coffee shop and public transport links can make those first few days much easier.

7. Download the Essentials

Your phone will probably become your university survival tool, so make sure it’s ready before you arrive.

Consider downloading or saving:

• Your university app
• Maps
• Banking apps
• Public transport apps
• Your accommodation’s contact details
• Any Freshers Week or event apps

It’s also a good idea to save important phone numbers somewhere you can easily access them.

8. Get Ready for Freshers Week

Freshers Week can be busy, so have a look at what’s happening before you arrive.

You don’t need to have every night planned, but knowing what events, society fairs and university activities are happening can help you decide what you want to get involved in.

And remember, you don’t have to go to everything. Freshers Week is about meeting people and settling in, not trying to attend every event going.

9. Have a Little Chat With Home

If you’re moving away for the first time, don’t underestimate how strange it can feel leaving home.

Before you go, make a plan for keeping in touch with family or friends. Whether that’s a Sunday phone call, a regular FaceTime or simply sending messages throughout the week, having something familiar to look forward to can make the transition easier.

10. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

Moving to university isn’t just about being organised. It’s the start of something completely new.

Before you move, make a list of a few things you’re excited about. Your first night in your new room, exploring Leicester, meeting your flatmates, joining a society or finding your new favourite coffee spot.

It’s easy to focus on everything you need to do, but don’t forget to enjoy the excitement too.

Ready for move-in day?

Once you’ve ticked off your checklist, all that’s left to do is enjoy the excitement of starting your university journey.

Moving into student accommodation is a big step, but you don’t need to have everything figured out before you arrive. Give yourself time to settle in, explore your new city and find your feet.

Welcome to Leicester. Your university adventure starts here.