Student Digs – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into Student Digs Accommodation
Moving into your student house, flat or studio is much easier when you know what’s already provided, and what you’ll still need to bring.
Student Digs provides student accommodation across several UK university cities, with its largest portfolio in Leicester.
Current locations include:
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Liverpool
- Chester
- Sheffield
Unlike many large purpose-built student accommodation providers, Student Digs offers a broad mixture of accommodation.
Depending on where you live, you could be moving into:
- A shared student house
- A student flat
- An individual room
- An en-suite room
- A private studio
That makes checking your individual property listing particularly important.
Furniture, appliances, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and utility arrangements can differ from one Student Digs property to another.
The good news is that Student Digs provides detailed property information before you book, so you can work out what’s already waiting for you before buying anything.
This independent Loomz guide explains what you can generally expect, what you should check and what to bring for move-in day.
Student Digs at a Glance
🏠 Provider: Student Digs
📍 Locations: Leicester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Chester and Sheffield
🎓 Universities: Accommodation serves students at universities in each location, with a particularly large portfolio for De Montfort University and University of Leicester students
🏢 Accommodation: Student houses, flats, rooms and studios
🛏 Bedrooms: Furnished; many properties have double beds
🚿 Bathrooms: Shared or private en-suite depending on property
🍳 Kitchen: Shared fitted kitchens in houses/flats; private kitchen facilities in studios
💷 Utility bills: Included or available as a bills-inclusive option at many properties
📶 Wi-Fi: Broadband included where Student Digs manages utilities
📺 TV: Smart TVs available at many properties
🧹 Cleaning: Available/included at selected properties and packages
🛠 Maintenance: Student Digs maintenance reporting and emergency support
🛏 Bedding: Students should organise their own
🍳 Cookware & crockery: Students should organise their own unless the individual property inventory says otherwise
🧺 Laundry: Facilities vary by property
🔐 Security: Varies by individual property
Where Does Student Digs Have Accommodation?
Student Digs currently advertises properties across:
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Liverpool
- Chester
- Sheffield
Its largest and most established portfolio is in Leicester.
Student Digs offers accommodation suitable for students attending institutions including:
- University of Leicester
- De Montfort University
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Chester
as well as students attending universities in its other locations.
Always check the journey between your exact property and your university campus before booking.
Student Digs Leicester
Leicester is Student Digs’ main market.
Its accommodation covers areas convenient for:
- University of Leicester
- De Montfort University
- Leicester city centre
- Other local higher education institutions
There is a particularly wide choice of accommodation in Leicester, ranging from conventional shared houses to modern student flats and self-contained studios.
Student Houses
Student Digs manages a large selection of shared student houses.
These can range from smaller properties to large houses accommodating groups of six, seven, eight or more students.
A typical Student Digs house can include:
- Furnished private bedroom
- Shared kitchen
- Shared lounge
- Shared bathrooms and/or en-suite rooms
- Major kitchen appliances
- Broadband
- TV
- Outdoor space at selected properties
The exact specification varies considerably.
Some properties have:
- All double bedrooms
- En-suite bathrooms
- Dishwashers
- Large Smart TVs
- Gardens or patios
- Separate laundry areas
- Multiple fridge-freezers
- Enhanced security
Check your individual listing rather than assuming every house is identical.
Student Flats
Student Digs also provides student flats.
These can suit groups who want shared accommodation but prefer an apartment-style property rather than a conventional house.
Depending on the property, flats can provide:
- Furnished bedrooms
- Private or shared bathrooms
- Shared kitchen
- Shared living area
- Modern appliances
- Wi-Fi
- TV
Some Student Digs developments also provide additional communal facilities.
Student Rooms
Student Digs occasionally lets individual bedrooms rather than requiring a complete group to rent a property together.
This can be useful if:
- You’re moving to university alone
- Your existing housing plans have changed
- You don't already have a group of housemates
- You need accommodation later in the academic cycle
You get your own furnished bedroom while sharing the main household facilities with other students.
Student Studios
If you want more privacy, Student Digs also offers self-contained studios, particularly in Leicester.
Studios typically provide your own:
- Bedroom/living area
- En-suite bathroom
- Kitchen or kitchenette
- Study area
- Storage
Current Student Digs studio examples include facilities such as:
- Double bed
- Wardrobe or drawers
- Desk
- Chair
- En-suite bathroom
- TV
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Hob
- Microwave
Some premium studios provide additional living space, sofa, coffee table and Smart TV.
Always check your particular studio inventory.
What’s Included in a Student Digs Bedroom?
The exact contents vary by property.
However, furnished Student Digs bedrooms commonly include:
- Bed and mattress
- Wardrobe
- Desk
- Chair
Depending on the property, rooms can also include:
- Chest of drawers
- Under-bed storage
- Full-length mirror
- Curtains
- TV
- En-suite bathroom
You therefore generally won't need to bring bedroom furniture.
What Size Are Student Digs Beds?
Many Student Digs properties advertise double beds.
However, because the portfolio includes a large number of individual houses, flats and studios, do not assume every property has the same bed size.
Check your individual property listing or ask Student Digs before buying fitted bedding.
This is especially important for:
- Fitted sheets
- Mattress protectors
- Mattress toppers
Bedding
Your bedding should be one of the first things on your university packing list.
Student Digs’ own move-in guidance tells students to think about bringing items including:
- Duvet
- Duvet cover
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Bed sheets
- Mattress protector
You may also want:
- Mattress topper
- Blanket
- Throw
Check your mattress size before buying fitted products.
Your Kitchen
If you’re moving into a Student Digs house or shared flat, you'll normally share your kitchen with your housemates.
The major kitchen appliances are supplied according to the individual property.
Depending on the house or flat, these can include:
- Oven
- Hob
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
Larger Student Digs properties may have multiple appliances.
For example, some larger houses provide:
- Two ovens
- Two hobs
- Multiple sinks
- Multiple fridge-freezers
This makes shared cooking considerably easier in a large student household.
What Kitchen Equipment Should You Bring?
Student Digs’ own university move-in guidance recommends students think about bringing everyday kitchen equipment such as:
- Mugs
- Glasses
- Water bottle
- Saucepans
- Frying pan
- Chopping board
- Baking trays
- Cutlery
- Kitchen knives
- Plates
- Bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Spatula
- Corkscrew
- Tea towels
- Food-storage containers
You'll also need everyday consumables such as:
- Bin bags
- Sandwich bags
- Foil
- Cling film
- Washing-up supplies
Before buying everything, check your exact property inventory and speak to your future housemates.
Sharing Kitchen Equipment
If you're moving into a large shared house, don't automatically buy one of everything per person.
Some equipment is easy to share.
For example:
- Large saucepan
- Frying pan
- Baking trays
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Cleaning products
Other items are often easier to keep individually:
- Mug
- Plate
- Bowl
- Cutlery
- Water bottle
- Food-storage containers
Coordinate with your housemates where possible.
An eight-bedroom student house doesn't need eight cheese graters.
Bathrooms
Bathroom arrangements vary considerably.
Depending on the Student Digs property, you may have:
- Shared bathrooms
- Multiple shared bathrooms
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Mixture of en-suite and shared bedrooms
Some larger houses also have separate WCs.
Check your exact property before booking if having a private bathroom is important to you.
Bathroom Essentials
Whether your bathroom is private or shared, you'll need your own personal bathroom products.
Think about:
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Toiletries
- Skincare
- Grooming products
- Toilet roll
- Bathroom cleaning products
If you're sharing a bathroom, a portable shower caddy can be particularly useful for keeping your toiletries together.
Are Bills Included?
This depends on the property and package you choose.
The majority of Student Digs properties offer the option of a bills-inclusive package.
Flats and studios within blocks typically include utilities within the advertised rent.
For houses, students may be able to choose between:
- Arranging utilities themselves
- Having utilities included within the rent
Where utilities are included, they can be subject to a fair-usage allowance.
Check your tenancy agreement carefully.
What Utilities Are Included?
Where Student Digs manages a bills-inclusive property, the package can include:
- Gas where applicable
- Electricity
- Water
- Broadband
Exact terms vary by property.
If your household exceeds an agreed energy usage allowance, additional charges may apply.
Broadband
Where Student Digs manages the utilities, its preferred broadband supplier is Virgin Fibre where available.
Some properties use other broadband providers depending on location and availability.
Student Digs also advertises super-fast broadband across much of its accommodation.
Speeds and suppliers vary, so check your individual property.
TV
Many Student Digs properties include a television or Smart TV.
Some houses provide TVs in:
- Communal lounge
- Bedrooms
- Both
Check your property listing.
Remember that having a television provided doesn't automatically mean you have a TV licence.
Students are responsible for checking whether their viewing habits require one.
Council Tax
Full-time students are normally exempt from Council Tax while they remain eligible under the relevant rules.
Student Digs states that tenants are responsible for ensuring they comply with council exemption requirements and supplying requested information.
Don't ignore correspondence from the council simply because you're a student.
Cleaning
Cleaning arrangements vary by property.
Student Digs advertises regular cleaning services as part of some of its accommodation proposition, while some properties allow communal cleaning to be added separately.
Check whether your particular tenancy includes:
- Communal cleaning
- Regular cleaning
- No cleaning service
Even where cleaning is provided, you'll still be responsible for normal everyday tidying and looking after the property.
Laundry
Laundry arrangements depend on the individual property.
Many houses have their own washing machine or designated laundry facilities.
Some larger developments may have communal laundry arrangements.
Check your property inventory before deciding what you need.
Useful personal items include:
- Laundry basket
- Laundry bag
- Detergent
- Stain remover
- Delicates bag
- Drying equipment where permitted
Maintenance
Student Digs provides a dedicated maintenance reporting system.
If something goes wrong, residents can report:
- Property
- Tenant details
- Nature of problem
- Priority
- Supporting evidence/photos
Student Digs specifically advises residents not to attempt repairs themselves if doing so could make the problem worse.
Report maintenance issues promptly.
Emergency Support
Student Digs advertises 24/7 emergency callout support within its premium accommodation proposition.
Use emergency contact routes for genuine urgent property problems and the standard maintenance process for routine issues.
Security
Security varies because Student Digs manages many different types of property.
Some properties include additional measures such as:
- CCTV
- Gated access
- Secure entrances
Regardless of your property, follow basic student-house security:
- Lock external doors
- Lock your bedroom where possible
- Close accessible windows when leaving
- Don't leave valuables visible
- Don't give keys to people outside the household
- Report lost keys immediately
Gardens and Outdoor Areas
Some Student Digs houses include:
- Garden
- Patio
- Courtyard
- Other outdoor space
These can be a major advantage compared with conventional purpose-built halls.
Check whether residents are responsible for any garden upkeep under the tenancy terms.
Preparing for Move-In Day
1. Check Your Exact Property Listing
This is more important with Student Digs than with many large accommodation chains.
Don't rely purely on generic information.
Check exactly what's included in your house, flat, room or studio.
2. Check Your Bed Size
Many properties use double beds, but verify yours before ordering fitted bedding.
3. Check the Kitchen Inventory
Find out which major appliances and household items are already provided.
4. Coordinate With Housemates
If you're sharing, decide who is bringing communal items.
This avoids unnecessary duplicate purchases.
5. Check Your Utility Package
Confirm whether you have:
- Bills included
- Optional bills package
- Utilities arranged independently
If bills are included, check the fair-usage allowance.
6. Complete Your Paperwork
Student Digs may require documentation such as:
- Identification
- Student status evidence
- Guarantor documentation
- Right-to-rent information where applicable
Complete requested paperwork before arrival.
7. Check Your Deposit and Payment Terms
Holding deposits, security deposits and payment arrangements vary by property.
Read your specific tenancy information rather than relying on another Student Digs listing.
8. Pack a First-Night Bag
Student Digs itself recommends keeping first-night essentials separately rather than burying everything in boxes.
Keep easy access to:
- Change of clothes
- Pyjamas
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Phone charger
- Snacks
- Water bottle
We'd add:
- Bedding
- Towel
- Medication
- Important documents
That means you can get settled without unpacking the entire house.
Living in a Shared Student House
A Student Digs house can be quite different from first-year halls.
You and your housemates have much more responsibility for your home.
Agree some basics early.
Cleaning
Decide:
- Who cleans what
- How often
- Whether you'll use a rota
Bins
Find out:
- Collection day
- Recycling rules
- Which bins belong to the property
Kitchen
Agree rules around:
- Washing-up
- Food storage
- Shared items
- Fridge space
- Borrowing food
Household Supplies
Consider sharing the cost of:
- Washing-up liquid
- Bin bags
- Cleaning products
- Toilet roll
- Kitchen roll
A shared household kitty can make this easier.
International Students
International students can rent Student Digs accommodation subject to the normal tenancy and right-to-rent requirements.
If you're arriving from overseas, keep important documents easily accessible.
These can include:
- Passport
- Visa/right-to-rent information
- University acceptance or student documentation
- Tenancy agreement
- Guarantor information
- Medication documents
- Emergency contacts
The UK uses Type G electrical sockets.
Check that electrical products brought from overseas are compatible with the UK electricity supply.
What Should You Buy Before Moving into Student Digs?
Because Student Digs properties vary, the best strategy is simple:
Check your exact property first, then buy what's missing.
Bedroom Essentials
Your furniture is generally provided, but you'll need personal bedding and bedroom accessories.
Kitchen Essentials
Major appliances are supplied according to the property, but students should expect to organise cookware, crockery, cutlery and everyday kitchen accessories unless told otherwise.
Bathroom Essentials
Bring towels, toiletries and the bathroom products you'll use every day.
Study Essentials
A desk and chair are standard features in many Student Digs bedrooms, so concentrate on the accessories that help you study comfortably.
Helpful Student Guides
Getting ready for your student house, flat or studio?
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 Student Digs have accommodation?
Student Digs currently advertises student properties in:
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Liverpool
- Chester
- Sheffield
Its largest portfolio is in Leicester.
What types of accommodation does Student Digs offer?
Depending on location and availability, Student Digs offers:
- Student houses
- Student flats
- Individual rooms
- En-suite rooms
- Studios
Are Student Digs rooms furnished?
Yes, Student Digs properties are generally furnished.
Typical bedroom furniture includes:
- Bed
- Wardrobe
- Desk
- Chair
Additional furniture varies by property.
What size are Student Digs beds?
Many current properties have double beds, but this isn't guaranteed across the entire portfolio.
Check your exact room before buying fitted bedding.
Do I need my own bedding?
Yes.
Plan to organise your own:
- Duvet
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Duvet cover
- Pillowcases
- Mattress protector
Do I need my own kitchen equipment?
Generally, yes.
Student Digs' own move-in guidance recommends students organise items including:
- Saucepans
- Frying pan
- Plates
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Glasses
- Cutlery
- Cooking utensils
Check your individual property inventory first.
Are bills included?
It depends on the property.
Many Student Digs properties include utilities or offer a bills-inclusive option.
What bills can be included?
Depending on your property and agreement:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Broadband
may be included.
Fair-usage limits can apply.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Broadband is included where Student Digs manages the utility package.
Supplier and speed vary by property.
Do Student Digs properties have Smart TVs?
Many do.
Check your individual property listing to see whether a TV is provided in the lounge, bedroom or both.
Do Student Digs rooms have en-suite bathrooms?
Some do.
Student Digs has both shared-bathroom and en-suite accommodation.
Does Student Digs offer studios?
Yes.
Self-contained student studios are available, particularly in Leicester.
Are washing machines provided?
Many houses and flats have laundry facilities, but arrangements vary by property.
Check the inventory for your accommodation.
Is cleaning included?
It varies.
Some accommodation/packages include cleaning, while some properties offer communal cleaning as an optional extra.
What happens if something breaks?
Student Digs provides a maintenance reporting system.
Report the problem rather than attempting significant repairs yourself.
Can I rent a room if I don't have a group?
Sometimes.
Student Digs offers individual rooms within selected properties as well as private studios.
Can international students rent from Student Digs?
Yes, subject to the relevant tenancy, student-status and right-to-rent requirements.
What should I prioritise before moving in?
Start with:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Cookware
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Toiletries
- Laundry supplies
- Cleaning essentials
- Laptop and chargers
- Important documents
Then check your particular property before buying anything else.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Loomz is a UK-based online store focused on the practical things students actually need when moving into university accommodation.
Student Digs provides your home and the major furniture and appliances.
Loomz can help with the things that turn it into a student-ready home:
- Bedding
- Bedroom essentials
- Cookware
- Crockery and cutlery
- Kitchen accessories
- Towels
- Bathroom essentials
- Laundry products
- Cleaning essentials
- Storage and organisation
- Study accessories
- Student-friendly tech
- Free UK delivery
Because Student Digs manages such a varied portfolio, don't buy blindly.
Check your property. Check what's included. Then buy what you actually need.
Ready to Move into Student Digs?
Whether you're moving into a shared house in Leicester, a student flat, an individual room or your own studio, a little preparation makes move-in day much easier.
Start with the essentials Student Digs itself recommends students organise.
Bedding. Towels. Cookware. Crockery. Cutlery. Toiletries. Cleaning and laundry supplies.
Check your property. Make your list.
Get uni-ready with Loomz.
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