Accommodation for Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into Accommodation for Students

If you've found your student accommodation through Accommodation for Students, you could be moving into anything from a shared student house or flat to a private studio or purpose-built student accommodation.

Accommodation for Students is different from a traditional student accommodation provider. Rather than owning and operating one portfolio of buildings, it provides a UK-wide student accommodation marketplace connecting students with landlords, letting agents and private student accommodation providers.

That means there isn't a standard "Accommodation for Students room" or property. What's included, how your accommodation is managed and what you'll need to bring will depend on the individual property you've booked.

Whether you're moving away from home for the first time, heading into a shared house with friends or returning for another academic year, checking exactly what's provided before you pack can help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

This independent guide explains what you can typically expect when finding accommodation through Accommodation for Students, including property types, bills, move-in advice and the everyday essentials you'll want to bring with you.

Accommodation for Students at a Glance

🏠 Platform: Accommodation for Students

🏢 Accommodation: Student houses, flats, individual rooms, studios and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

📍 Locations: University towns and cities across the UK

🛏 Room options: Vary by individual property

🚿 Bathrooms: Private or shared depending on property

🍳 Kitchens: Shared or private depending on property

💷 Utility bills: May be included or excluded depending on the listing

📶 Broadband: Availability and inclusion vary by property

📺 TV Licence: Check your individual tenancy and bills arrangements

🏠 Property management: Usually handled by the relevant landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider

📱 Booking: Enquiries and direct booking options, depending on the property

👥 Best suited to: Students looking for shared houses, individual rooms, flats, studios or private student accommodation

The important thing to remember is that Accommodation for Students is primarily a marketplace rather than necessarily your landlord or property manager.

Why Students Use Accommodation for Students

One of the main attractions of Accommodation for Students is the ability to search for student accommodation from different landlords, letting agents and providers in one place.

Rather than visiting multiple local agency websites, students can search available accommodation in their university city through the platform.

Accommodation for Students was founded in June 2000 by two university students who experienced the difficulties of finding suitable accommodation themselves.

It has since developed into an established UK student accommodation search platform.

Students can compare properties based on factors such as location, rental price, room type, facilities and availability.

The website also features property photographs, accommodation information and, for selected listings, virtual tours and booking options.

Some properties offer instant booking, while others require you to contact the advertiser or accommodation provider.

This makes it useful for students comparing several different types of accommodation before deciding where to live.

Types of Accommodation on Accommodation for Students

Because Accommodation for Students works with different property advertisers and providers, the accommodation available is much broader than you'll find with a single PBSA operator.

Shared Student Houses

A traditional student house is particularly common for students moving into their second or third year.

You may have:

Your own bedroom
Shared bathroom facilities
Shared kitchen
Shared living room
Shared garden or outdoor space, where applicable

Some houses have en-suite bedrooms, while others have several students sharing bathrooms.

Student Flats and Apartments

Student flats provide another shared-living option.

These can include:

Private bedroom
Shared kitchen
Shared living facilities
Shared or private bathroom
Furnished communal areas

Always check the individual listing because specifications vary considerably.

Individual Student Rooms

Accommodation for Students can also help students looking for an individual room rather than an entire house.

You may be joining an existing shared household or renting a room within a larger student property.

Before booking, check:

How many people live in the property
Whether you'll share with other students
Which facilities are communal
Whether bills are included
Whether you have an individual or joint tenancy

Studios

Studios offer more independent accommodation and will generally combine your sleeping, studying and living space with private bathroom and kitchen facilities.

They can be particularly attractive to students who prefer greater privacy.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation

Accommodation for Students also features purpose-built student accommodation from established private accommodation providers.

Depending on the building, this could include:

En-suite rooms
Shared cluster flats
Private studios
Study spaces
Social areas
Gyms
Laundry facilities
Reception or on-site teams

Facilities vary by provider and property.

What's Usually Included?

There isn't a standard Accommodation for Students inventory because individual properties are provided and managed by different organisations.

Many student houses and flats will already contain larger furnishings and appliances such as:

Bed and mattress
Wardrobe or clothes storage
Desk and chair
Sofa
Dining furniture
Fridge and freezer
Oven and hob
Washing machine
Microwave
Kettle or toaster

However, never assume something is provided simply because you'd expect to find it in a student house.

Before shopping, check your particular property's listing or inventory for:

Bedding
Kitchen equipment
Crockery and cutlery
Towels
Cleaning equipment
Small electrical appliances
Iron and ironing board
Vacuum cleaner
Drying rack

Also check your bed size before buying bedding.

Student houses can contain different mattress sizes — sometimes even within the same property.

Are Bills Included With Accommodation for Students Properties?

Accommodation for Students advertises properties with different utility arrangements.

Some properties include household bills within the advertised rent, while others require tenants to arrange and pay for utilities separately.

Depending on the property, you may need to consider:

Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband
TV Licence

Many purpose-built student accommodation listings advertise bills included, but that doesn't mean every property on the platform offers the same arrangement.

If bills are included, check exactly which services are covered and whether there are any fair-usage limits.

If bills aren't included, find out whether your letting agent offers a utility package or whether you and your housemates will need to arrange accounts yourselves.

For a shared student house, it's worth agreeing who will organise the bills and how everyone will contribute.

Always compare the total monthly cost, not just the advertised rent.

A property with cheaper rent may not work out cheaper once utilities are added.

Preparing for Move-In Day

Before travelling to your new accommodation, check the arrival information supplied by your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider.

Make sure you know:

Your tenancy start date
Check-in or key collection time
Key collection arrangements
Exact property address
Your room number, where applicable
Identification required
Landlord or property contact details
Emergency contact procedure

Before packing, also check:

Your bed size — buy bedding for the actual mattress supplied.

Your kitchen inventory — find out which appliances and kitchen items are already there.

Your housemates — coordinate shared purchases before everyone buys the same things.

Your storage — avoid buying bulky organisers until you understand the space available.

Your property inventory — establish exactly what's included with the accommodation.

Your utility arrangements — confirm whether bills are included and whether anything needs setting up before you arrive.

When you arrive, inspect the property carefully and complete any inventory or condition report provided.

Living in an Accommodation for Students Property

Because properties advertised through Accommodation for Students come from different landlords, letting agents and accommodation providers, your day-to-day experience will depend on the accommodation you've chosen.

If you're moving into a shared house, it's worth agreeing some basics with your housemates early.

Talk about things such as:

Shared kitchen equipment
Cleaning
Bin and recycling days
Fridge and cupboard space
Shared household purchases
Guests
Bathroom arrangements
Utility bills and payments
Who contacts the agent if something goes wrong

It's also worth establishing which household items everyone already owns before you go shopping.

You probably don't need five frying pans and four kettles.

But somehow nobody ever remembers the tin opener.

Your Inventory and Property Condition

Your inventory is particularly important when renting a private student house or flat.

When you arrive, check:

Walls and paintwork
Flooring and carpets
Furniture
Mattress
Kitchen appliances
Bathroom fittings
Windows and doors
Existing marks or damage

Take photographs when you move in and report anything missing, damaged or incorrectly recorded to the relevant landlord or letting agent.

Keep copies of photographs and correspondence until after you've moved out.

It might feel overly cautious during Freshers' Week, but it can be extremely useful when your tenancy eventually ends.

Parcel Deliveries and Maintenance

Parcel and maintenance arrangements depend on the individual property.

If you're living in a private house or flat, you'll normally use the property's postal address for deliveries.

If you're living in purpose-built student accommodation, there may instead be a reception, parcel room or dedicated collection system.

Before ordering anything, establish:

Your correct delivery address
Whether a flat or room number is required
Whether reception accepts deliveries, where applicable
Whether large parcels can be accepted
Whether anything can arrive before your tenancy begins

Don't arrange a pre-move delivery unless you've confirmed somebody can receive it.

For maintenance problems, use the reporting process supplied by your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider rather than contacting Accommodation for Students unless your particular agreement tells you otherwise.

Moving Into a Shared Student House

For many students, finding accommodation through Accommodation for Students comes when moving from first-year halls into a house with friends.

That changes what you need to buy.

You probably already own quite a few university essentials, so don't automatically start again with another enormous student starter kit.

Instead, divide everything into four categories:

Already provided — things included with the property.

Already owned — things you or your housemates are bringing from halls or home.

Shared purchases — things the household only needs once.

Personal purchases — bedding, towels, bedroom equipment and anything you don't want to share.

Doing this before everyone shops can save a surprising amount of money and duplication.

What Should You Buy Before You Move In?

Although your accommodation may be furnished, you'll still need everyday personal essentials.

Bedroom Essentials

Comfortable bedding
Mattress protector
Pillows
Bed linen
Bedside lighting
Clothes hangers
Storage baskets

Check your mattress size before buying bedding.

Kitchen Essentials

Useful essentials can include:

Starter cookware
Frying pan
Plates and bowls
Mugs and glasses
Cutlery
Kitchen utensils
Chopping board
Food containers
Washing-up kit

If you're sharing, coordinate with your housemates before buying communal kitchen equipment.

Bathroom Essentials

Towels
Toiletries
Shower organiser
Bathroom storage
Cleaning products
Bath mat, where required

If you're sharing a bathroom, a portable shower caddy can be particularly useful.

Study Essentials

Desk organiser
Extension lead, where permitted
Laptop stand
Headphones
Charging cables
Cable management
Desk lighting

Helpful Student Guides

Continue planning your move with:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Accommodation for Students?

Accommodation for Students is a UK student accommodation marketplace founded in 2000.

It helps students search for houses, flats, individual rooms, studios and purpose-built student accommodation advertised by landlords, letting agents and private accommodation providers.

Does Accommodation for Students own the properties?

Accommodation for Students primarily acts as a marketplace rather than owning or managing the individual properties.

Your tenancy and property management arrangements will depend on the relevant landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider.

Are bills included with Accommodation for Students properties?

Not necessarily.

Some properties are advertised with bills included, while others require tenants to arrange and pay for utilities separately.

Check the individual listing and tenancy agreement before committing to a property.

What types of accommodation can I find on Accommodation for Students?

Listings can include shared student houses, individual rooms, flats, apartments, studios and purpose-built student accommodation.

Availability depends on your university location.

Is Accommodation for Students just for first-year students?

No. The range of houses, flats and other accommodation makes the platform relevant to students across different years of university.

Shared houses are particularly relevant to students moving out of halls and into second or third-year accommodation.

Can I book accommodation directly through the website?

Some properties offer instant booking, while others require you to contact the advertiser or accommodation provider.

Always check the booking arrangements, tenancy terms and who will manage your accommodation before making any payments.

Do I need to bring bedding?

Check your individual property's inventory and don't assume bedding is supplied.

Most importantly, confirm the mattress size before ordering bedding.

Will kitchen equipment be provided?

This varies by property.

Larger appliances may already be supplied, but cookware, plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, cutlery and utensils may not be.

Check the inventory and speak to your housemates before buying shared items.

Can I have parcels delivered?

Usually, but the process depends on the property.

Private houses and flats generally receive deliveries directly, while PBSA buildings may operate reception or parcel collection systems.

Check the arrangements before ordering anything to arrive before your tenancy starts.

Why Students Choose Loomz

Moving into student accommodation is much easier when you arrive prepared — but that doesn't mean buying everything all over again.

Loomz specialises in practical student essentials selected for modern student living, from bedding, kitchen and bathroom essentials to storage, lighting, laundry and useful tech.

And because students moving into second or third-year houses often already own plenty of university kit, Loomz gives you the flexibility to buy individual essentials, smaller bundles or a mixture of both.

Buy what you actually need rather than another enormous box containing things you've already got.

Ready to Move into Your New Student Accommodation?

Finding the property through Accommodation for Students is only the first part of getting ready for your new student home.

Check exactly what's included, confirm whether bills are covered, coordinate shared purchases with your housemates and make a list of the things you'll genuinely need before move-in day.

Whether you're moving into a shared student house, flat, studio or private hall, Loomz can help you sort the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, study space and everyday essentials that turn accommodation into your home.

Shop Student Essentials

Search Student Accommodation Providers

Search Universities

Disclaimer

The accommodation guides published by Loomz are independent editorial resources. Loomz is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any accommodation provider featured on this website. Company names are used solely to help students identify their accommodation provider and prepare for university life. Room layouts, facilities and services vary between properties, so always refer to the information supplied by your accommodation provider before making purchasing decisions.