PfP Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into PfP Students Accommodation
If you've booked your room with PfP Students, you'll be moving into student accommodation operated by a specialist provider that's part of Places for People.
PfP Students was formerly known as Derwent Students and Derwent FM. Today, the company provides student accommodation alongside property and facilities management services for universities and higher education organisations across the UK.
Its current student accommodation locations include Cambridge, Egham, Essex, Glasgow, Norwich and Sheffield, with properties serving students attending nearby universities.
Whether you're leaving home for the first time, arriving in the UK as an international student or returning for another academic year, checking what's already provided before you pack can save money, luggage space and unnecessary purchases.
This independent guide explains what you can typically expect when living with PfP Students, including room types, facilities, what's usually included, move-in advice and the everyday essentials you'll want to bring with you.
PfP Students at a Glance
🏠 Provider: PfP Students
🏢 Part of: Places for People
🔄 Formerly: Derwent Students / Derwent FM
📍 Current accommodation locations: Cambridge, Egham, Essex, Glasgow, Norwich and Sheffield
🏠 Accommodation: Purpose-built and managed student accommodation
🛏 Room options: En-suite rooms, studios, shared flats and apartments depending on property
💷 Utility bills: Included
📶 Wi-Fi: Included
🛡 Contents insurance: Included
🔒 Security: Secure entry and CCTV
🛠 On-site support: Management and maintenance teams at applicable properties
🧺 Laundry: Available at its student properties
🎉 Student events: Organised by on-site teams
PfP Students says its accommodation is designed around quality, comfort and community, with student wellbeing forming part of its overall approach rather than simply providing somewhere to live.
Why Students Choose PfP Students
One of the advantages of PfP Students is the combination of accommodation and specialist student property management.
As part of Places for People, PfP Students works not only with individual residents but also with universities, landlords and accommodation partners. The business manages the places in which students both live and learn, including student residences and wider university facilities.
For students, the accommodation proposition is relatively straightforward.
PfP promotes:
- All-inclusive bills
- Free Wi-Fi
- Contents insurance
- Secure entry
- CCTV
- On-site teams
- Social events
- Student wellbeing support
That means much of the basic accommodation infrastructure is already taken care of, leaving you to concentrate on getting your own bedroom, kitchen and everyday essentials organised.
Room Types at PfP Students
Exact room types vary considerably between properties.
En-suite Rooms
En-suite rooms are a good option if you want to live with other students while retaining your own bathroom.
Typically includes:
- Private furnished bedroom
- Private shower/en-suite
- Desk and chair
- Storage
- Shared kitchen
- Shared living facilities where provided
PfP specifically suggests en-suite rooms for students who want the social aspect of sharing kitchen and living space while maintaining more privacy in their own room.
Studio Apartments
Studios offer greater independence and typically provide:
- Private furnished sleeping area
- Private bathroom
- Private kitchen facilities
- Study area
- Storage
They're particularly suited to students who prefer having their own kitchen and bathroom rather than sharing with flatmates.
Shared Flats and Apartments
Some PfP accommodation offers other configurations.
At The Meadows in Essex, for example, options currently include self-contained apartments and shared flats, while University Quays offers en-suite rooms and self-contained apartments.
PfP's Sheffield accommodation at Béton House includes en-suite rooms, studios and two-bedroom apartment options.
Always check the specification of your exact room before buying bedding or other room essentials.
What's Usually Included?
PfP Students accommodation comes furnished for student living.
Individual rooms typically include:
- Bed and mattress
- Storage
- Desk
- Chair
PfP also currently provides:
- Utility bills
- Wi-Fi
- Contents insurance
- Secure building access
- CCTV
- Access to on-site support
Its current student guidance states that all rooms include free contents insurance through Endsleigh.
Kitchen arrangements depend on your room.
If you've booked an en-suite room, you'll usually share a kitchen with other students. If you've booked a studio, you'll generally have your own private kitchen facilities.
Don't assume that smaller kitchen items, bedding or towels will already be waiting for you.
Check the inventory for your particular property before buying anything.
Community Spaces and Facilities
Facilities vary between PfP Students properties, and some offer considerably more than simply bedrooms and kitchens.
Depending on where you're staying, you may find:
- Communal lounges
- Study spaces
- Games areas
- Gyms
- Cinema rooms
- Private dining areas
- Yoga or fitness spaces
- Outdoor spaces
- Bike storage
- Laundry facilities
- On-site management
Béton House in Sheffield is a good example. Current facilities include a gym, yoga room, communal lounge, private dining area, games facilities, study areas, outdoor space, cycle storage and laundry facilities.
Other buildings have different facilities, so check your property's page before assuming something is available.
Preparing for Move-In Day
Before travelling to your PfP Students accommodation, read the arrival information supplied for your particular property.
Make sure you know:
- Your tenancy start date
- Check-in arrangements
- Key collection procedure
- Exact property address
- Your room or flat details
- Identification or documents required
- Property contact details
It's also worth checking three things before doing your university shopping.
Your bed size — bed dimensions can vary between properties and room categories.
Your kitchen inventory — find out which appliances and equipment are already provided.
Your storage space — knowing what wardrobes, shelving and under-bed storage you've got can prevent you buying things you won't have room for.
When you arrive, inspect your room and complete any inventory or condition report you're provided with. Photograph any existing damage or marks and report anything that isn't working properly.
Living at PfP Students
PfP Students places considerable emphasis on the student experience rather than simply accommodation management.
Its on-site teams organise social events intended to help residents meet other students, while PfP also provides dedicated student support and wellbeing resources.
During your first few days, find out where the:
- Reception or management office
- Laundry
- Parcel collection point
- Bin and recycling area
- Bike storage
- Study areas
- Communal spaces
- Emergency exits
are located.
If you're sharing accommodation, it's also worth talking to your flatmates before everyone buys communal kitchen items.
There isn't much benefit in six people arriving with six toasters.
Parcel Deliveries and Maintenance
PfP Students provides property and facilities management services as part of its wider operation, including on-site management and maintenance at its student accommodation. Its current property information, including Parish Hall in Egham, explicitly lists on-site management and maintenance.
If you need to report a maintenance problem, contact your property team using the procedure provided for your accommodation.
For parcels, arrangements can differ between buildings.
Before ordering anything, check:
- Your correct delivery address
- Whether your room or flat number is required
- Whether reception accepts courier deliveries
- Where parcels are collected
- Whether large parcels can be accepted
- Whether anything can arrive before your tenancy begins
If you're considering having bedding, kitchen equipment or other student essentials delivered before move-in day, contact your property first.
Don't assume that because a building accepts parcels for current residents it can also store deliveries before your tenancy begins.
Student Support and Wellbeing
One feature worth highlighting separately is PfP Students' focus on student wellbeing.
PfP says it works to create communities in which students feel connected, supported and able to reach out for help. Its student resources cover freshers, returning students, postgraduates and international students rather than treating every resident in exactly the same way.
The on-site teams also organise social events designed to help residents meet other students.
That can be particularly valuable during the first few weeks of university when you're simultaneously getting used to a new room, new course, new city and new group of people.
What Should You Buy Before You Move In?
Although your PfP Students accommodation comes furnished, you'll still need everyday personal essentials to make it comfortable and practical.
Bedroom Essentials
- Comfortable bedding
- Mattress protector
- Pillows
- Bed linen
- Bedside lamp
- Clothes hangers
- Storage baskets
Check your mattress size before buying bedding.
PfP accommodation varies between buildings and room categories, so don't assume you'll have a standard single bed.
Kitchen Essentials
- Starter cookware
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and glasses
- Cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Chopping board
- Food containers
- Washing-up kit
If you're sharing a kitchen, check what's already provided and consider coordinating larger purchases with your new flatmates.
Bathroom Essentials
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower organiser
- Bathroom storage
- Cleaning products
If you've booked an en-suite, you'll have your own bathroom but will still need your personal bathroom essentials.
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:
- 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
Is PfP Students the same as Derwent Students?
PfP Students is the current brand. The organisation describes itself as formerly Derwent FM and Derwent Students, with Derwent FM officially rebranding as PfP Students in October 2025. It forms part of the Places for People Group.
Where does PfP Students have accommodation?
PfP currently lists student accommodation in Cambridge, Egham, Essex, Glasgow, Norwich and Sheffield.
Are bills included at PfP Students?
Yes. PfP Students promotes all-inclusive accommodation with utility bills included within the rent.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. PfP Students currently includes free Wi-Fi as part of its accommodation offering.
What room types does PfP Students offer?
Options vary by property and include en-suite rooms, studios, shared flats and apartments. Some individual properties offer additional configurations.
Does PfP Students provide contents insurance?
Yes. PfP states that its rooms include contents insurance through Endsleigh.
Can I receive courier deliveries?
Parcel procedures vary by property. Check the correct address and collection arrangements with your accommodation team before ordering, particularly if you're considering having something delivered before you've moved in.
Does PfP Students have laundry facilities?
Yes. PfP lists laundry facilities as part of its student accommodation offering, although the precise facilities and payment arrangements can vary by property.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Moving into student accommodation is much easier when you arrive fully prepared.
Loomz specialises in practical student essentials selected specifically 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 staying with PfP Students for your first year, arriving in the UK as an international student or returning after the summer, we're here to help make your accommodation feel like home.
Ready to Move into PfP Students?
PfP Students combines furnished accommodation with inclusive bills, Wi-Fi, student support and professionally managed properties across several UK university locations.
By checking exactly what's provided at your particular property before you pack, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and arrive with the things you'll genuinely need.
Browse Loomz's collections of bedroom essentials, kitchen essentials, bathroom essentials and study accessories to get ready for your PfP Students move.
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