Imperial College London Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at Imperial



Starting at Imperial College London means joining one of the world's leading universities for science, engineering, medicine and business. Whether you're moving into university accommodation in South Kensington, living at the White City Campus, or renting a shared flat elsewhere in London, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of university life.

As a globally recognised university, Imperial attracts students from more than 140 countries. Its campuses combine cutting-edge teaching and research with strong industry links, while London's museums, parks, cafés and career opportunities are all on your doorstep. With demanding courses, laboratory sessions and project work forming part of everyday life, having a comfortable and organised room can make a real difference.

This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to Imperial College London, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.

Imperial College London at a Glance

📍 Location: South Kensington, White City and other London campuses

🎓 Student Population: Around 24,000 students

🏠 Popular Accommodation: Southside, Eastside, Beit Hall, Wilson House, Kemp Porter Buildings and shared student accommodation across London

🛒 Nearby Shopping: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Westfield London and local shops across South Kensington and White City

🚇 Transport: South Kensington, Gloucester Road, White City and North Acton stations provide excellent Underground connections across London.

Student Accommodation at Imperial College London

Many first-year undergraduates choose university-managed accommodation such as Southside, Eastside, Beit Hall, Wilson House or Kemp Porter Buildings. These residences provide convenient access to teaching facilities, libraries, laboratories and student societies while helping students settle into university life.

As students progress through their degree, many move into shared flats or houses in areas including South Kensington, Hammersmith, Fulham, North Acton, Shepherd's Bush and White City, depending on their campus and budget.

Most student accommodation includes a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe, but you'll usually need to bring your own bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and personal belongings.

Before buying everything, check your accommodation inventory so you know exactly what's already provided.

What Should You Pack?

Preparing before move-in day makes your first few weeks at university much easier.

Bedroom Essentials

Make your room comfortable with:

  • Duvet and pillows
  • Bedding sets
  • Mattress protector
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Storage boxes
  • Soft lighting

Kitchen Essentials

If you'll be sharing a kitchen, don't forget:

  • Plates and bowls
  • Cutlery
  • Pots and pans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Food storage containers
  • Tea towels
  • Washing-up supplies

Bathroom Essentials

Pack your everyday necessities, including:

  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Shower caddy
  • Cleaning products

Study Essentials

A well-organised workspace can make studying more productive throughout the academic year.

Useful items include:

  • Desk organiser
  • Desk lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Laptop accessories
  • Notebooks and stationery

Make Your London Student Room Work Smarter

Life at Imperial can be busy, so your accommodation should be somewhere you can focus, recharge and stay organised between lectures, lab sessions and group projects.

Student rooms in London are often compact, making practical storage and thoughtful organisation particularly valuable.

Popular with Imperial College London students include:

All Loomz products are selected with university accommodation in mind, making them ideal for furnished student rooms where permanent alterations aren't permitted.

Why Students Choose Loomz

Students across the UK choose Loomz because we understand what makes university accommodation feel like home.

✔ Designed specifically for university accommodation

✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget

✔ Perfect for halls, flats and shared houses

✔ Free UK delivery

✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier

Helpful Student Guides

Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Imperial College London accommodation?

Most university accommodation includes a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. Students are usually expected to bring their own bedding, towels, cookware and personal belongings.

Where do Imperial College London students live?

Many first-year students live in university residences such as Southside, Eastside, Beit Hall, Wilson House and Kemp Porter Buildings. Returning students often rent shared flats in South Kensington, Hammersmith, Fulham, North Acton, Shepherd's Bush and White City.

Can I personalise my student room?

Yes. Most students personalise their rooms with bedding, lighting, storage and decorative accessories. Always follow your accommodation provider's guidance and avoid making permanent alterations to walls or furniture.

What should I buy before moving to Imperial College London?

Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Because many Imperial courses involve intensive study and project work, creating a comfortable, organised workspace from the beginning is especially worthwhile.

Ready for Imperial College London?

Moving to Imperial College London means joining one of the world's leading universities while living in one of the world's greatest cities. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your studies and enjoy everything London has to offer.

Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and study space before beginning your journey at Imperial College London.

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