Top 10 Tips for Moving to University
Posted: 13-03-2025
As spring approaches, you may be starting to plan your move into your university accommodation. It’s an exciting time, however it can be a little daunting beginning a new chapter on your own. Thankfully, AC Self Store (Morecambe/Lancaster) have put together some of our top tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible!
As spring approaches, you may be starting to plan your move into your university accommodation. It’s an exciting time, however it can be a little daunting beginning a new chapter on your own. Thankfully, AC Self Store (Morecambe/Lancaster) have put together some of our top tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible!
1. Label your boxes
When packing, make sure to label your boxes. That way, when you get to your new place, you’ll know which box belongs in which room. Furthermore, if you need to dig something out before unpacking fully, you’ll be able to find it much more easily.
When packing, make sure to label your boxes. That way, when you get to your new place, you’ll know which box belongs in which room. Furthermore, if you need to dig something out before unpacking fully, you’ll be able to find it much more easily.
2. Use checklists
Sit down, open your notes and spend ten minutes writing a list of everything you want to take with you. Some commonly forgotten items include clothes hangers, TV remotes and cutting boards for the kitchen. You may also want to write a ‘to buy’ checklist ready for that trip to B&Ms.
Sit down, open your notes and spend ten minutes writing a list of everything you want to take with you. Some commonly forgotten items include clothes hangers, TV remotes and cutting boards for the kitchen. You may also want to write a ‘to buy’ checklist ready for that trip to B&Ms.
3. Get in touch with your flatmates
We think it’s a great idea to find your flatmates and create a group chat. This way, not only can you get to know each other, but you can ensure that you don’t bring duplicate items (e.g. if there are four people in the house, you won’t be able to fit four sets of pots and pans in the cupboard). Assign each person an item to bring and share between you.
We think it’s a great idea to find your flatmates and create a group chat. This way, not only can you get to know each other, but you can ensure that you don’t bring duplicate items (e.g. if there are four people in the house, you won’t be able to fit four sets of pots and pans in the cupboard). Assign each person an item to bring and share between you.
4. Get there early
Being the first to move in may seem scary, but the sooner you’re in, the sooner you can chill out and begin to explore the area. Plus, depending on your situation, you may even be able to call dibs on the best bedroom! Before you know it, you’ll be doing your first food shop and getting ready for your first lecture.
Being the first to move in may seem scary, but the sooner you’re in, the sooner you can chill out and begin to explore the area. Plus, depending on your situation, you may even be able to call dibs on the best bedroom! Before you know it, you’ll be doing your first food shop and getting ready for your first lecture.
5. Hire a van
If space in the car is limited, it may be worth hiring a van to help you transport your things to the new place, especially if you’re moving quite far from home. This will save time, money and petrol. Alternatively, you could always lock your stuff up in a storage unit nearby ready for moving day…just saying.
6. Check the parking situation
Car park? Street parking? Need a permit? It’s smart to find out before moving day to avoid being stung with a parking fine. Also, try not to leave your vehicle open and unattended when moving in as this is the perfect time for someone to help themselves to your things (you won’t need to worry about this when using your student storage unit though, we have 24hr CCTV).
If space in the car is limited, it may be worth hiring a van to help you transport your things to the new place, especially if you’re moving quite far from home. This will save time, money and petrol. Alternatively, you could always lock your stuff up in a storage unit nearby ready for moving day…just saying.
6. Check the parking situation
Car park? Street parking? Need a permit? It’s smart to find out before moving day to avoid being stung with a parking fine. Also, try not to leave your vehicle open and unattended when moving in as this is the perfect time for someone to help themselves to your things (you won’t need to worry about this when using your student storage unit though, we have 24hr CCTV).
7. Store your landlord’s contact details
Having your landlord’s contact details stored in your phone will be key when organising collecting your keys on day one, as well as getting in touch regarding any issues during the rest of your tenancy. Most student accommodation agencies will be happy for you to contact them by phone, text or email.
Having your landlord’s contact details stored in your phone will be key when organising collecting your keys on day one, as well as getting in touch regarding any issues during the rest of your tenancy. Most student accommodation agencies will be happy for you to contact them by phone, text or email.
8. Keep a copy of your tenancy agreement
We recommend having a folder where you can keep your tenancy agreement as well as letters, passport and any other important documents you may have. Keeping your tenancy agreement somewhere safe means you can check information such as how much your rent is, when it’s due and your end-of-tenancy date.
9. Change your address
It’s easily overlooked, but you don’t want strangers receiving your mail so make sure you’ve changed your address with people such as your bank, car insurance company and the council (by the way, households of full-time students are exempt from paying council tax – you can request an exemption letter from your university).
10. Make it a home!
While you won’t be able to start throwing paint on the walls, don’t be afraid to add some personal touches to your accommodation to make it feel more like home. This could be posters, cushions, photos from home and cosy lighting.
We recommend having a folder where you can keep your tenancy agreement as well as letters, passport and any other important documents you may have. Keeping your tenancy agreement somewhere safe means you can check information such as how much your rent is, when it’s due and your end-of-tenancy date.
9. Change your address
It’s easily overlooked, but you don’t want strangers receiving your mail so make sure you’ve changed your address with people such as your bank, car insurance company and the council (by the way, households of full-time students are exempt from paying council tax – you can request an exemption letter from your university).
10. Make it a home!
While you won’t be able to start throwing paint on the walls, don’t be afraid to add some personal touches to your accommodation to make it feel more like home. This could be posters, cushions, photos from home and cosy lighting.
Of course, AC Self Store also highly recommend that you book one of our storage units to help you with your move. We offer a number of modern, secure units in a range of sizes, PLUS student discount!
Our student storage units are located in the Morecambe/Lancaster area. A great storage solution for students at Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria.
Get in touch today and we’ll help you get student life off to the best start possible.