GradPad – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into GradPad Student Accommodation
If you've booked your room with GradPad, you'll be moving into accommodation designed specifically for postgraduate students living and studying in London.
Unlike conventional university halls, GradPad focuses on self-contained studio accommodation. Residents have their own bedroom and living space, private en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, while still having access to communal facilities and a wider postgraduate community.
GradPad currently has two London properties: Griffon Studios in Battersea and Wood Lane Studios in White City. Since opening in 2011, more than 7,400 postgraduate students have lived with GradPad, representing students from more than 25 London universities.
Whether you're moving to London from elsewhere in the UK or arriving from overseas for postgraduate study, knowing exactly what's included in your studio can make packing and move-in considerably easier.
This independent guide explains what you can typically expect when living with GradPad, including studio facilities, what's included, move-in advice and the everyday essentials you'll want to bring with you.
GradPad at a Glance
🏠 Provider: GradPad
📍 Location: London
🏢 Properties: Griffon Studios, Battersea & Wood Lane Studios, White City
🎓 Residents: Postgraduate students
🛏 Accommodation: Self-contained studios
🚿 Bathroom: Private en-suite
🍳 Kitchen: Private kitchenette
💷 Utility bills: Included
📶 Wi-Fi: Included
💻 Wired internet: Up to 1Gbps
🏋️ Gym: Free access
📚 Study areas: Available
🧺 Laundry: On-site
🛎 Reception: 24-hour reception advertised at Griffon Studios
🔒 Room access: Secure card access
GradPad is currently managed by Homes for Students Ltd and is a member of The Student Accommodation Code.
Why Students Choose GradPad
The biggest difference between GradPad and many student accommodation providers is its focus exclusively on the postgraduate market.
Rather than mixing first-year undergraduates, returning students and postgraduates within the same accommodation, GradPad is designed specifically around postgraduate life.
That can create a different living environment for students completing master's degrees, PhDs and other postgraduate study.
GradPad says residents currently come from more than 25 London universities, including institutions such as Imperial College London, King's College London, the London School of Economics, Queen Mary University of London, the Royal College of Art and University College London.
The other major attraction is privacy.
Instead of sharing a kitchen and possibly a bathroom with several flatmates, every GradPad studio provides its own en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.
Room Types at GradPad
GradPad is predominantly about one accommodation format: the self-contained studio.
However, there are different grades, sizes and positions available within its two properties.
Standard Studios
Standard studios provide your own:
- Furnished bedroom and living area
- Bed
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Kitchenette
- Fridge/freezer
- Desk and chair
- Wardrobe and cupboard
- Internet access
Different grades are available depending on factors such as room size and location within the building.
Premium Studios
Larger and premium studio categories are also available.
At Griffon Studios, for example, current 2026/27 options include Premium Upper Floor and Premium Lower Floor studios of approximately 22m², alongside larger studio configurations.
Larger Studios
Some rooms provide additional floor space.
Current Griffon Studios options extend to approximately 25m² for some of its larger studio categories.
Always check the specification of your particular studio before buying bedding, storage or other room essentials.
What's Usually Included?
GradPad studios come furnished and equipped for independent living.
Your studio will typically include:
- Bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Full kitchenette
- Fridge and freezer
- Desk
- Chair
- Wardrobe
- Cupboard/storage
- High-speed internet
- Secure card access
Utility bills and internet are included within the rent. GradPad also currently includes access to facilities such as its gyms and study areas.
One important distinction is that having a kitchenette doesn't necessarily mean all the everyday things you need for cooking and eating are provided.
Check your specific inventory before buying cookware, crockery, utensils or small appliances.
Community Spaces and Facilities
Although GradPad residents have their own studios, the accommodation isn't designed around completely isolated living.
Communal facilities provide opportunities to study outside your room and meet other postgraduate students.
Depending on the property, facilities include:
- Communal areas
- Study spaces
- Gym
- Laundry
- Outdoor areas
- Reception
- High-speed internet
Griffon Studios has 566 private studios alongside communal areas, a laundry room, free gym access and 24-hour reception.
Wood Lane Studios accommodates around 606 postgraduate students, creating a sizeable postgraduate community in its own right.
GradPad also organises social events for residents as part of its postgraduate accommodation experience.
Preparing for Move-In Day
Before travelling to GradPad, check the arrival information provided for your particular property.
Make sure you know:
- Your tenancy start date
- Your permitted check-in time
- Your studio number
- The correct property address
- Identification or documents required
- Your property's contact details
- What is already provided in your studio
The two addresses are:
Griffon Studios
Winstanley Road
Battersea
London
SW11 2DL
Wood Lane Studios
Wood Lane
White City
London
W12 0BZ
Before buying your student essentials, check your bed size and studio inventory.
That's especially important at GradPad because you're furnishing your own private kitchen area rather than sharing purchases with several flatmates.
Living at GradPad
GradPad is particularly well suited to students who want greater independence than they'd typically have in traditional university halls.
You have your own bathroom and kitchen facilities, so there's no rota for washing-up, no arguments about whose food is taking over the fridge and considerably less need to coordinate household purchases with flatmates.
At the same time, hundreds of other postgraduate students live within each development.
During your first few days, familiarise yourself with your building and find out where the:
- Reception
- Laundry
- Parcel collection point
- Bin and recycling area
- Bike storage
- Gym
- Study areas
- Communal spaces
- Emergency exits
are located.
GradPad's locations also make getting around London relatively straightforward. Griffon Studios is very close to Clapham Junction, while Wood Lane provides convenient access to White City and the surrounding West London university and research campuses.
Parcel Deliveries and Maintenance
GradPad has established procedures for post and deliveries, and its resident FAQ specifically covers both post and grocery deliveries. It also provides guidance for students considering having luggage delivered before arrival.
Because arrangements can vary and pre-arrival deliveries are particularly important, check directly with your property before sending anything.
Make sure you know:
- Your full delivery address
- Whether your studio number must be included
- Where parcels are received
- How you're notified
- Where parcels are collected
- Whether large deliveries can be accepted
- Whether luggage or parcels can arrive before you check in
This is particularly relevant for international postgraduate students who may want to send luggage or order bulky room essentials rather than carry everything to London.
If something breaks in your studio, GradPad also has an established maintenance-reporting process through the property team.
Postgraduate Living at GradPad
GradPad's defining feature deserves its own section: everyone is there for postgraduate study.
That changes the accommodation proposition considerably.
Postgraduate students can have different priorities from first-year undergraduates — including quieter study space, independent living, longer periods on campus and the ability to work effectively from their accommodation.
GradPad therefore combines private studios and dedicated study areas with communal facilities and organised social events.
The community is also highly international and academically diverse, drawing residents from more than 25 London universities.
For students moving to London to begin a master's degree or PhD without already knowing many people in the city, that postgraduate community can be particularly useful.
Short-Term Stays at GradPad
GradPad also offers more flexible accommodation than a conventional full academic-year tenancy.
Both Griffon Studios and Wood Lane Studios currently advertise short stays ranging from two weeks to six months, subject to availability.
These stays include:
- Furnished studio
- Utility bills
- Wi-Fi
- Access to accommodation amenities
That can be useful for postgraduate students coming to London for:
- Research projects
- Placements
- Short courses
- Visiting study
- A semester
- Temporary academic work
It also makes GradPad particularly relevant to international students who don't necessarily need accommodation for a complete academic year.
What Should You Buy Before You Move In?
Although your GradPad studio comes 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 exact mattress size before ordering bedding.
Different studio categories are available, so use the specifications for your actual booking rather than assuming a standard university bed size.
Kitchen Essentials
Because you have your own kitchenette, you'll need everyday cooking and dining equipment.
Consider:
- Starter cookware
- Frying pan
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and glasses
- Cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Chopping board
- Food containers
- Washing-up kit
Your studio already includes a kitchenette and fridge/freezer, so check the inventory before buying additional electrical appliances.
Bathroom Essentials
Your studio has its own en-suite bathroom.
You'll still need:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower organiser
- Bathroom storage
- Cleaning products
- Bath mat, if required
Study Essentials
Postgraduate courses can involve a lot of independent study, so making the most of your dedicated desk area is worthwhile.
Consider:
- Desk organiser
- Laptop stand
- Headphones
- Charging cables
- Cable management
- Desk lighting
- Extension lead, where permitted
Helpful Student Guides
Continue planning your move with:
- 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
Who can live at GradPad?
GradPad is specifically designed for postgraduate students studying in London. Its residents attend more than 25 London universities.
Where is GradPad accommodation?
GradPad currently operates Griffon Studios in Battersea and Wood Lane Studios in White City, both in London.
What type of accommodation does GradPad offer?
GradPad specialises in self-contained studios. Each includes a private en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and dedicated study area.
Are bills included?
Yes. GradPad advertises all-inclusive rents, including utilities and internet.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. Internet is included. Wood Lane currently advertises wired internet of up to 1Gbps and Wi-Fi of up to 300Mbps.
Is there a gym?
Yes. GradPad includes free gym access as part of its current accommodation offering.
Does GradPad have laundry facilities?
Yes. On-site laundry facilities are available. Griffon Studios, for example, has its own laundry room.
Can I receive courier deliveries?
GradPad has arrangements for residents' post and deliveries, but check your property's current procedure before ordering, particularly if you want luggage or other items to arrive before you move in.
Does GradPad offer short stays?
Yes. Both properties currently advertise flexible short stays of two weeks to six months, subject to availability.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Moving into postgraduate accommodation is much easier when you arrive fully prepared.
Loomz specialises in practical student essentials selected for modern student accommodation, helping you create a comfortable bedroom, well-equipped kitchen and organised study space from the day you move in.
Whether you're moving to GradPad for a master's degree, PhD or shorter period of postgraduate study, we're here to help make your London studio feel like home.
Ready to Move into GradPad?
GradPad combines private self-contained studios with all-inclusive bills, high-speed internet, study facilities and a community created specifically for postgraduate students.
By checking exactly what's already provided in your studio before you pack, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and arrive with the things you'll genuinely use.
Browse Loomz's collections of bedroom essentials, kitchen essentials, bathroom essentials and study accessories to get ready for your GradPad move.
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