CityBlock – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into CityBlock Lancaster
Moving into student accommodation is much easier when you know what’s already provided, and what you’ll still need to bring yourself.
CityBlock currently provides purpose-built student accommodation in Lancaster, with two city-centre locations:
- Penny Street
- Marton Street
Both are well placed for students attending Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria.
CityBlock is particularly useful for students who want more provided than they might get in conventional halls.
All rooms are en-suite, utility bills and Wi-Fi are included, rooms receive weekly cleaning, and the shared kitchens are already equipped with kitchenware and major appliances.
That means you don’t need to arrive with boxes of pots, pans, plates and cutlery if you’re living in one of CityBlock’s shared flats.
You will, however, need your own bedding, towels, toiletries and personal everyday essentials.
This independent Loomz guide explains what CityBlock provides, what you should bring and how to prepare for move-in day.
CityBlock at a Glance
🏠 Provider: CityBlock
📍 Location: Lancaster
🏢 Properties: Penny Street and Marton Street
🎓 Universities: Lancaster University and University of Cumbria
🏢 Accommodation: En-suite rooms in shared flats plus selected studios and apartments
🛏 Bedrooms: Furnished
🚿 Bathrooms: Private en-suite bathrooms
🍳 Kitchen: Fully equipped shared kitchens; private kitchen facilities in studios
💷 Utility bills: Included
📶 Wi-Fi: 200Mbps Wi-Fi included
📱 Devices: Up to six devices supported
🧹 Cleaning: Weekly room cleaning included
🍳 Kitchen equipment: Provided in communal kitchens
🧺 Laundry: On-site laundry
📦 Parcels: Parcel acceptance service
🚲 Bikes: Free secure cycle storage
🛠 Maintenance: On-site maintenance
🔐 Security: 24-hour security and CCTV
📚 Study: Large desk and noticeboard in rooms
🛏 Bedding: Students should bring their own
🚿 Towels & toiletries: Students should bring their own
Where Is CityBlock Student Accommodation?
CityBlock’s current accommodation is in Lancaster city centre.
Its two live properties are:
Penny Street
Penny Street is close to Lancaster city centre, shops, restaurants and transport links.
CityBlock currently lists it as approximately:
- 24 minutes by bus to Lancaster University
- 10 minutes by bus to University of Cumbria
- 8 minutes’ walk to Lancaster railway station
- 3 minutes’ walk to the city centre
Penny Street offers both shared en-suite accommodation and private studios.
Marton Street
Marton Street is also in central Lancaster and close to the main shopping and transport areas.
CityBlock currently lists it as approximately:
- 26 minutes by bus to Lancaster University
- 14 minutes by bus to University of Cumbria
- 8 minutes’ walk to Lancaster railway station
- 3 minutes’ walk to the city centre
Marton Street primarily offers en-suite bedrooms within shared student flats.
Is CityBlock Only in Lancaster?
Yes, based on CityBlock’s current 2026 website, its active accommodation portfolio is now focused on Lancaster.
Older CityBlock information for other cities can still appear online, so when researching your accommodation make sure you’re looking at the current Lancaster properties.
CityBlock Penny Street
Penny Street offers a mixture of room types.
Current options include:
- Superior Single Ensuite
- Superior-plus Single Ensuite
- Superior-plus Self-contained Studio
- Studio Apartment
The main shared accommodation consists of en-suite bedrooms arranged in clusters around a large shared living space and equipped kitchen.
Penny Street also offers a smaller number of self-contained studios and studio apartments.
Penny Street Bed Sizes
Bed size depends on the room you choose.
Current examples include:
Superior Single Ensuite: Small double bed
Superior-plus Single Ensuite: Small double bed
Superior-plus Self-contained Studio: Double bed
Studio Apartment: King-size bed
That makes it particularly important to check your exact room before buying bedding.
Do not assume every CityBlock room uses the same mattress size.
CityBlock Marton Street
Marton Street provides a range of en-suite bedrooms.
Current room types include options such as:
- Standard Single Ensuite
- Superior Single Ensuite
- Superior-plus Single Ensuite
Bed sizes vary.
For example:
Standard Single Ensuite: Single bed
Superior Single Ensuite: Small double bed
Superior-plus Single Ensuite: Small double bed
Again, check your exact booking before buying fitted bedding.
What’s Included in Your CityBlock Room?
All CityBlock rooms are furnished.
Typical room features include:
- Bed and mattress
- Wardrobe/storage
- Large study desk
- Chair
- Noticeboard
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Wi-Fi access
Studios additionally provide their own kitchen facilities.
You therefore don’t need to bring furniture.
What Do You Need to Bring?
CityBlock’s Lancaster guidance makes this relatively straightforward.
Students should bring personal items including:
- Pillows
- Duvet
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Coat hangers
- Toiletries
- Waste bin
- Laptop/computer
- Personal possessions
In shared accommodation, the kitchen equipment itself is already provided.
Bedding
You need to bring your own bedding.
A typical bedding setup includes:
- Mattress protector
- Fitted sheet
- Duvet
- Duvet cover
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
You may also want:
- Mattress topper
- Blanket
- Throw
Because CityBlock has single, small-double, double and king-size beds depending on room type, check your exact mattress before ordering fitted products.
CityBlock Kitchens
One of CityBlock’s biggest advantages is that its Lancaster communal kitchens are already equipped.
CityBlock states that shared kitchens include kitchenware such as:
- Pots
- Pans
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Glasses
- Major kitchen appliances
Its current accommodation pages also confirm equipped kitchens with facilities including dishwashers.
That means you shouldn’t automatically buy a complete student kitchen starter set.
Check your specific property inventory first.
What Kitchen Items Might You Still Want?
Even when communal kitchen equipment is provided, you may prefer to have a few personal items.
For example:
- Favourite mug
- Water bottle
- Reusable food containers
- Lunch box
- Tea towels
- Personal cooking utensils
- Travel mug
Kitchen consumables are also your responsibility.
These can include:
- Washing-up liquid
- Sponges
- Bin bags
- Foil
- Cling film
- Baking paper
- Food-storage bags
Sharing a Kitchen
If you’re living in a cluster flat, your kitchen and lounge will be shared with other students.
CityBlock already provides much of the equipment, which removes one of the biggest causes of duplicate buying.
It’s still worth agreeing some basics with your flatmates:
- Fridge space
- Freezer space
- Cupboards
- Cleaning
- Washing-up
- Bins
- Shared food
- Borrowing personal items
Keeping communal areas reasonably tidy makes shared living much easier.
Private Studios
Penny Street also offers self-contained studios.
These give you:
- Private sleeping space
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Private kitchen facilities
- Study space
Studios suit students who want more independence than a shared flat.
Check the exact studio inventory because the equipment provided may differ from communal kitchen arrangements.
En-Suite Bathrooms
All CityBlock bedrooms are en-suite.
You therefore have your own:
- Shower
- Toilet
- Wash basin
You won’t need to share bathroom facilities with your flatmates.
You will need your own personal bathroom products.
Think about:
- Bath towels
- Hand towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Skincare
- Grooming products
- Toilet roll
- Bathroom cleaning items
All-Inclusive Bills
CityBlock accommodation is all-inclusive.
The principal household utility bills are incorporated into your rent.
This makes budgeting much simpler than renting a conventional private student house where several students may need to divide gas, electricity, water and internet bills.
Always check your tenancy agreement for the precise terms applying to your booking.
Wi-Fi
CityBlock currently provides 200Mbps Wi-Fi.
It also states that residents can register up to six devices.
That should be sufficient for most student activities including:
- University work
- Streaming
- Video calls
- Gaming
- General browsing
You’ll still need your own:
- Laptop
- Phone
- Tablet where required
- Chargers
- Headphones
- Course-specific technology
Study Space
CityBlock bedrooms include a large desk.
Rooms also have a noticeboard that can be useful for:
- Revision notes
- Timetables
- Deadlines
- Reminders
- University information
That gives you a ready-made private study area.
You can make it more comfortable with items such as:
- Desk lamp
- Laptop stand
- Stationery
- Cable organiser
- Headphones
- Desk storage
Weekly Cleaning
One feature that distinguishes CityBlock from many private student accommodation providers is weekly room cleaning.
CityBlock currently includes cleaning within its accommodation package.
This doesn’t mean you can completely ignore everyday tidying.
You’ll still want basic items for things such as:
- Spills
- Washing up
- Personal belongings
- Laundry
- Bathroom upkeep between cleans
But regular cleaning can make maintaining your accommodation considerably easier.
Laundry
CityBlock provides on-site laundry facilities.
The laundry is currently advertised as accessible 24/7.
You’ll still need your own:
- Laundry bag or basket
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover where needed
- Delicates bag
Check the current payment system and charges when you arrive.
Parcel Deliveries
CityBlock provides a parcel service.
Staff can accept deliveries and let residents know when a parcel is ready for collection.
Before ordering anything, make sure you use:
- Your full name
- Correct property address
- Flat number where required
- Room number where required
Follow your building’s current collection instructions.
Bike Storage
CityBlock provides free secure cycle storage.
Cycling can be a useful way of getting between Lancaster city centre and university.
If you bring a bicycle, you should still use a suitable lock even within designated secure storage.
Security
CityBlock provides:
- 24-hour security
- CCTV
- Controlled building access
- On-site staff during normal operating hours
You should still follow normal student accommodation security precautions.
Keep your room locked and never give building access to unknown people.
Maintenance
An on-site maintenance team handles problems with accommodation facilities.
Report issues such as:
- Heating faults
- Water problems
- Electrical fixtures
- Furniture damage
- Kitchen appliance failures
- Door or lock problems
rather than attempting significant repairs yourself.
CityBlock Social Events
CityBlock runs resident social activities during the academic year.
These can be particularly useful during the first few weeks when students are still meeting their neighbours.
If you move into a studio rather than a shared flat, communal events can be an especially useful way to meet people.
CityBlock Card
Residents receive access to the CityBlock Card.
This provides discounts and offers with participating local businesses.
Offers can change, so check the current scheme once you’ve moved in.
Summer Storage
CityBlock also promotes a Summer Storage service for returning residents.
This can allow eligible students to leave belongings in their accommodation between academic years rather than taking everything home.
Check eligibility, dates and current terms before relying on the service.
Preparing for Move-In Day
1. Confirm your property
Check whether you’re moving into:
- Penny Street
- Marton Street
2. Confirm your exact room type
This is important because room layouts and bed sizes differ.
3. Check your bed size
CityBlock uses several bed sizes, including:
- Single
- Small double
- Double
- King-size
Buy fitted bedding only after checking your specific room.
4. Don’t overbuy kitchen equipment
If you’re in a shared flat, CityBlock already supplies substantial kitchen equipment.
Check the inventory before buying cookware and crockery.
5. Organise bedding
Bring your own:
- Duvet
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Duvet cover
- Pillowcases
6. Organise bathroom essentials
Bring towels and toiletries.
7. Check your arrival instructions
CityBlock asks residents to arrange their check-in and follow the arrival information sent before move-in.
Check:
- Date
- Arrival time
- Key collection
- Property address
- Documents
- Parking/unloading arrangements
8. Pack a first-night bag
Keep these easy to reach:
- Bedding
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Phone charger
- Important documents
- Change of clothes
- Food and drinks
International Students
CityBlock has multilingual staff and accommodates international students.
If you’re travelling from overseas, keep important documents accessible.
These might include:
- Passport
- Visa documents where required
- University confirmation
- Accommodation booking
- Tenancy agreement
- Medication information
- Emergency contacts
The UK uses Type G electrical plugs.
Check electrical compatibility before bringing appliances from overseas.
Lancaster University Students
CityBlock’s Lancaster city-centre locations are connected to Lancaster University by regular bus services.
Current CityBlock journey estimates are around:
- 24 minutes from Penny Street
- 26 minutes from Marton Street
Journey times depend on traffic and the part of campus you need.
University of Cumbria Students
CityBlock is also well positioned for the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus.
Its city-centre location can make it particularly convenient for students who want to live close to shops, restaurants and transport links.
What Should You Buy Before You Move In?
CityBlock provides more household equipment than many student accommodation providers.
That means the best approach is not to buy everything on a generic university packing list.
Check what’s already supplied first.
Bedroom Essentials
Consider:
- Comfortable bedding
- Mattress protector
- Pillows
- Bed linen
- Bedside lighting
- Clothes hangers
- Storage baskets
Check your exact bed size before ordering bedding.
Kitchen Essentials
Check what's already provided in your particular kitchen before shopping.
Consider:
- Starter cookware
- Frying pan
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and glasses
- Cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Chopping board
- Food containers
- Washing-up kit
If you're sharing, speak to your housemates before purchasing communal equipment.
Bathroom Essentials
Whether you have an en-suite or shared bathroom, you'll still need everyday bathroom items such as:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower organiser
- Bathroom storage
- Cleaning products
- Bath mat, if required
Study Essentials
- Desk organiser
- Laptop stand
- Headphones
- Charging cables
- Cable management
- Desk lighting
- Extension lead, where permitted
Helpful Student Guides
Getting ready for Lancaster?
Loomz has created practical guides for students moving into UK university accommodation:
- UK University Packing Checklist
- University Move-In Checklist
- Bedroom Essentials Guide
- Kitchen Essentials Guide
- Bathroom Essentials Guide
- UK University Move-In Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does CityBlock currently have student accommodation?
CityBlock’s current 2026 accommodation portfolio is in Lancaster.
Its live properties are:
- Penny Street
- Marton Street
Which universities does CityBlock serve?
CityBlock is particularly suitable for students attending:
- Lancaster University
- University of Cumbria
Is CityBlock accommodation en-suite?
Yes.
CityBlock states that all of its current Lancaster rooms are en-suite.
Does CityBlock offer studios?
Yes.
Penny Street offers selected self-contained studios and studio apartments alongside shared-flat accommodation.
Are CityBlock rooms furnished?
Yes.
Rooms include the main furniture required for student living.
What size are CityBlock beds?
It depends on the room.
Current options include:
- Single
- Small double
- Double
- King-size
Check your exact room before buying fitted bedding.
Do I need to bring bedding?
Yes.
CityBlock advises residents to bring their own:
- Pillows
- Duvet
- Bed linen
Are kitchen items provided?
In CityBlock’s Lancaster communal kitchens, yes.
CityBlock states that these kitchens are equipped with items including pots, pans, crockery, cutlery and glasses as well as kitchen appliances.
Check your exact studio inventory separately if you’ve booked private accommodation.
Are utility bills included?
Yes.
CityBlock provides all-inclusive accommodation.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes.
Current Lancaster accommodation advertises 200Mbps Wi-Fi with support for up to six devices.
Does CityBlock clean the rooms?
Yes.
Weekly room cleaning is included.
Is there laundry?
Yes.
CityBlock provides on-site laundry facilities.
Can CityBlock accept parcels?
Yes.
CityBlock offers a parcel acceptance and notification service.
Is there bike storage?
Yes.
Free secure cycle storage is provided.
Is there security?
Yes.
CityBlock advertises 24-hour security and CCTV.
Is maintenance available?
Yes.
CityBlock has on-site maintenance support.
Does CityBlock have social events?
Yes.
Resident social activities are organised during the year.
What should I prioritise before moving in?
The main personal essentials are:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Coat hangers
- Laundry products
- Personal bedroom items
- Laptop and chargers
- Study equipment
You generally won’t need a full cookware or crockery set if you’re moving into one of CityBlock’s equipped shared kitchens.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Loomz is a UK-based online store focused on the practical things students actually need when moving into university accommodation.
CityBlock already provides a lot:
- Furniture
- Private en-suite
- Equipped communal kitchen
- Utility bills
- Wi-Fi
- Weekly cleaning
- Laundry facilities
- Parcel handling
- Security
That means Loomz can help you focus on the personal essentials that aren’t waiting in your room:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Bedroom accessories
- Bathroom essentials
- Laundry products
- Storage and organisation
- Study accessories
- Student-friendly tech
- Useful kitchen extras
- Free UK delivery
Check your exact CityBlock room first, particularly your bed size, and buy only what you actually need.
Ready to Move into CityBlock Lancaster?
You’ve already got more provided than at many student residences.
Your furniture, en-suite bathroom, Wi-Fi and — in shared flats — kitchen equipment are waiting for you.
Now concentrate on the personal essentials.
Bedding. Towels. Toiletries. Laundry supplies. Study gear. Everyday room essentials.
Check your room. Check your bed size. Make your list.
Get uni-ready with Loomz.
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