Royal College of Art Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the Royal College of Art
Starting at the Royal College of Art (RCA) means joining the world's leading postgraduate university for art and design. Whether you're moving into student accommodation for your master's or doctoral studies or renting a flat in London, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and focus on your creative practice from day one.
With campuses in Kensington, Battersea and White City, the RCA brings together students from around the world to study fine art, design, architecture, fashion, communication, animation, product design and innovation. Studio practice, research, exhibitions and collaboration are central to postgraduate life, making your accommodation far more than somewhere to sleep—it's often an extension of your creative workspace where ideas continue to develop long after you've left the studio.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the Royal College of Art, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.
Royal College of Art at a Glance
📍 Location: Kensington, Battersea and White City, London
🎓 Student Population: Around 2,800 postgraduate students
🏠 Popular Accommodation: Prince's Gardens, Battersea student residences and shared accommodation in South Kensington, Battersea, Fulham, Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Chelsea
🛒 Nearby Shopping: Westfield London, King's Road, South Kensington, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and IKEA Hammersmith
🚇 Transport: South Kensington, Gloucester Road, Battersea Power Station, White City and Wood Lane stations provide excellent Underground connections across London.
Student Accommodation at the Royal College of Art
Many RCA students choose university-recommended accommodation or postgraduate residences close to one of the university's campuses, while others rent shared flats across West and South West London.
Popular areas include South Kensington, Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush, offering straightforward journeys to campus alongside easy access to galleries, museums, design studios and creative workplaces.
Most student accommodation includes a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe, but you'll usually need to provide 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 settling into postgraduate life 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
Creative Studio Essentials
Royal College of Art students spend long hours developing research, building prototypes, producing exhibitions and refining portfolios. Creating an organised workspace at home can help support your creative process outside the studio.
Useful items include:
- Adjustable desk lamp
- Desk organiser
- Extension lead
- Laptop and monitor accessories
- Cable organisers
- Storage boxes for sketchbooks, materials and equipment
- Under-bed storage for compact London accommodation
Live at the Centre of the World's Creative Capital
Few universities are as closely connected to the creative industries as the Royal College of Art. With the Victoria and Albert Museum, Design Museum, Science Museum, Tate Britain, world-class galleries and leading design studios all nearby, inspiration is never far away.
Whether you're preparing for your degree show, collaborating with fellow artists, attending exhibitions or developing your next project, it's always valuable to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and designed to support your creativity.
Popular with Royal College of Art students include:
- Comfortable bedding and mattress accessories
- Soft lighting for a cosy atmosphere
- Space-saving storage solutions
- Desk organisers for studying
- Kitchen essentials for shared accommodation
- Practical everyday accessories that make student life easier
All Loomz products are selected with student 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 student accommodation feel like home.
✔ Designed specifically for student accommodation
✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget
✔ Perfect for postgraduate accommodation, halls and shared flats
✔ Free UK delivery
✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier
Helpful Student Guides
Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:
- UK University Packing Checklist
- Student Accommodation Guides
- University Move-In Checklist
- Bedroom Essentials Guide
- Kitchen Essentials Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Royal College of Art accommodation?
Most student accommodation includes a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. Students are usually expected to bring their own bedding, towels, cookware and personal belongings.
Where do Royal College of Art students live?
Many students choose university-recommended postgraduate accommodation or rent shared flats in South Kensington, Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush.
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 the Royal College of Art?
Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. RCA students also benefit from organised storage for creative materials, portfolios, sketchbooks and specialist equipment, particularly in London's compact accommodation.
Ready for the Royal College of Art?
Moving to the Royal College of Art means joining the world's leading postgraduate art and design university while living in one of the world's great creative capitals. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your creative practice and make the most of every opportunity London has to offer.
Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and creative workspace before beginning your journey at the Royal College of Art.