Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into StuRents Student Accommodation

If you've found your student accommodation through StuRents, you could be moving into anything from a shared student house or flat to a private studio or purpose-built student accommodation.

StuRents is different from a traditional student accommodation provider. Rather than owning and operating one portfolio of buildings, it provides a UK-wide student accommodation marketplace connecting students with letting agents, landlords and property managers.

That means there isn't a standard "StuRents room" or property. What's included, how your accommodation is managed and what you'll need to bring will depend on the individual property you've booked.

Whether you're moving away from home for the first time, heading into a shared house with friends or returning for another academic year, checking exactly what's provided before you pack can help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

This independent guide explains what you can typically expect when finding accommodation through StuRents, including property types, bills, move-in advice and the everyday essentials you'll want to bring with you.

StuRents at a Glance

🏠 Platform: StuRents

🏢 Accommodation: Student houses, flats, individual rooms, studios and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

📍 Locations: University towns and cities across the UK

🛏 Room options: Vary by individual property

🚿 Bathrooms: Private or shared depending on property

🍳 Kitchens: Shared or private depending on property

💷 Utility bills: May be included or excluded depending on the listing

📶 Broadband: Availability and inclusion vary by property

📺 TV Licence: Check your individual tenancy and bills arrangements

🏠 Property management: Usually handled by the relevant letting agent, landlord or accommodation provider

👥 Best suited to: Students looking for shared houses, individual rooms, flats, studios or private student accommodation

The important thing to remember is that StuRents is primarily an accommodation marketplace rather than necessarily your landlord or property manager.

Why Students Use StuRents

One of the main attractions of StuRents is the ability to search for student accommodation from different letting agents, landlords and providers in one place.

Rather than visiting multiple local agency websites, students can search available accommodation in their university city through the StuRents platform.

StuRents was founded in 2008 by students at Durham University and has since developed into a UK-wide student accommodation and property technology business.

The platform helps students compare properties using information such as location, price, number of bedrooms, availability and facilities.

It can be particularly useful when a group of friends is looking for a shared house, as well as for individual students searching for a room.

Unlike some bills-inclusive accommodation marketplaces, StuRents does not require every advertised property to include household bills.

That makes checking the total cost of accommodation particularly important before committing to a tenancy.

Types of Accommodation on StuRents

Because StuRents works with different property partners, the accommodation available is much broader than you'll find with a single PBSA provider.

Shared Student Houses

A traditional student house is particularly common for students moving into their second or third year.

You may have:

• Your own bedroom
• Shared bathroom facilities
• Shared kitchen
• Shared living room
• Shared garden or outdoor space, where applicable

Some houses have en-suite bedrooms, while others have several students sharing bathrooms.

Student Flats and Apartments

Student flats provide another shared-living option.

These can include:

• Private bedroom
• Shared kitchen
• Shared living facilities
• Shared or private bathroom
• Furnished communal areas

Always check the individual listing because specifications vary considerably.

Individual Student Rooms

StuRents can also be useful for students who need just one room rather than an entire property.

You might be joining an existing shared household or renting an individual room within a larger student property.

Before booking, check:

• Whether you'll share with other students
• How many people live in the property
• Which facilities are communal
• Whether bills are included
• Whether the tenancy covers your room individually or the whole property jointly

Studios

Studios offer more independent accommodation and will generally combine your sleeping, studying and living space with private bathroom and kitchen facilities.

They can be particularly attractive to students who prefer greater privacy.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation

StuRents also advertises purpose-built student accommodation from private student accommodation providers.

Depending on the building, this could include:

• En-suite rooms
• Shared cluster flats
• Private studios
• Study spaces
• Social areas
• Gyms
• Laundry facilities
• Reception or on-site teams

Facilities vary by provider and property.

What's Usually Included?

There isn't a standard StuRents inventory because individual properties are provided and managed by different organisations.

Many student houses and flats will already contain larger furnishings and appliances such as:

• Bed and mattress
• Wardrobe or clothes storage
• Desk and chair
• Sofa
• Dining furniture
• Fridge and freezer
• Oven and hob
• Washing machine
• Microwave
• Kettle or toaster

However, never assume something is provided simply because you'd expect to find it in a student house.

Before shopping, check your particular property's listing or inventory for:

• Bedding
• Kitchen equipment
• Crockery and cutlery
• Towels
• Cleaning equipment
• Small electrical appliances
• Iron and ironing board
• Vacuum cleaner
• Drying rack

Also check your bed size before buying bedding.

Student houses can contain different mattress sizes, sometimes even within the same property.

Are Bills Included With StuRents Properties?

Unlike accommodation marketplaces that specialise in bills-inclusive rentals, StuRents advertises properties with different utility arrangements.

Some properties may include bills within the advertised rent, while others require tenants to arrange and pay for utilities separately.

Depending on the property, you may need to consider:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Broadband
• TV Licence

If bills are included, check exactly which services are covered and whether there are any fair-usage limits.

If bills aren't included, find out whether your letting agent offers a utility package or whether you and your housemates will need to arrange accounts yourselves.

For a shared student house, it's worth agreeing who will organise the bills and how everyone will contribute.

Always compare the total monthly cost, not just the advertised rent.

A property with slightly cheaper rent may not work out cheaper once utilities are added.

Preparing for Move-In Day

Before travelling to your new accommodation, check the arrival information supplied by your letting agent, landlord or accommodation provider.

Make sure you know:

• Your tenancy start date
• Check-in or key collection time
• Key collection arrangements
• Exact property address
• Your room number, where applicable
• Identification required
• Letting agent or property contact details
• Emergency contact procedure

Before packing, also check:

Your bed size — buy bedding for the actual mattress supplied.

Your kitchen inventory — find out which appliances and kitchen items are already there.

Your housemates — coordinate shared purchases before everyone buys the same things.

Your storage — avoid buying bulky organisers until you understand the space available.

Your property inventory — establish exactly what's included with the accommodation.

Your utility arrangements — confirm whether bills are included and whether anything needs setting up before you arrive.

When you arrive, inspect the property carefully and complete any inventory or condition report provided.

Living in a StuRents Property

Because StuRents properties come from different letting agents, landlords and accommodation providers, your day-to-day experience will depend on the accommodation you've chosen.

If you're moving into a shared house, it's worth agreeing some basics with your housemates early.

Talk about things such as:

• Shared kitchen equipment
• Cleaning
• Bin and recycling days
• Fridge and cupboard space
• Shared household purchases
• Guests
• Bathroom arrangements
• Utility bills and payments
• Who contacts the agent if something goes wrong

It's also worth establishing which household items everyone already owns before you go shopping.

You probably don't need five frying pans and four kettles.

But somehow nobody ever remembers the tin opener.

Your Inventory and Property Condition

Your inventory is particularly important when renting a private student house or flat.

When you arrive, check:

• Walls and paintwork
• Flooring and carpets
• Furniture
• Mattress
• Kitchen appliances
• Bathroom fittings
• Windows and doors
• Existing marks or damage

Take photographs when you move in and report anything missing, damaged or incorrectly recorded to the relevant letting agent or landlord.

Keep copies of photographs and correspondence until after you've moved out.

It might feel overly cautious during Freshers' Week, but it can be extremely useful when your tenancy eventually ends.

Parcel Deliveries and Maintenance

Parcel and maintenance arrangements depend on the individual property.

If you're living in a private house or flat, you'll normally use the property's postal address for deliveries.

If you're living in purpose-built student accommodation, there may instead be a reception, parcel room or dedicated collection system.

Before ordering anything, establish:

• Your correct delivery address
• Whether a flat or room number is required
• Whether reception accepts deliveries, where applicable
• Whether large parcels can be accepted
• Whether anything can arrive before your tenancy begins

Don't arrange a pre-move delivery unless you've confirmed somebody can receive it.

For maintenance problems, use the reporting process supplied by your letting agent, landlord or accommodation provider rather than contacting StuRents unless your particular agreement tells you otherwise.

Moving Into a Shared Student House

For many students, finding accommodation through StuRents comes when moving from first-year halls into a house with friends.

That changes what you need to buy.

You probably already own quite a few university essentials, so don't automatically start again with another enormous student starter kit.

Instead, divide everything into four categories:

Already provided — things included with the property.

Already owned — things you or your housemates are bringing from halls or home.

Shared purchases — things the household only needs once.

Personal purchases — bedding, towels, bedroom equipment and anything you don't want to share.

Doing this before everyone shops can save a surprising amount of money and duplication.

What Should You Buy Before You Move In?

Although your accommodation may be 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 mattress size before buying bedding.

Kitchen Essentials

Useful essentials can include:

• Starter cookware
• Frying pan
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs and glasses
• Cutlery
• Kitchen utensils
• Chopping board
• Food containers
• Washing-up kit

If you're sharing, coordinate with your housemates before buying communal kitchen equipment.

Bathroom Essentials

• Towels
• Toiletries
• Shower organiser
• Bathroom storage
• Cleaning products
• Bath mat, where required

If you're sharing a bathroom, a portable shower caddy can be particularly useful.

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

What is StuRents?

StuRents is a UK student accommodation marketplace that allows students to search for accommodation offered by letting agents, landlords and student accommodation providers.

It also provides property management and marketing technology to businesses operating in the student accommodation sector.

Does StuRents own the properties?

StuRents primarily acts as a marketplace connecting students with accommodation rather than owning or managing the individual property.

Your tenancy and property management arrangements will depend on the relevant letting agent, landlord or accommodation provider.

Are bills included with StuRents properties?

Not necessarily.

Some properties are advertised with bills included, while others require tenants to arrange and pay for utilities separately.

Check the individual listing and tenancy agreement before committing to a property.

What types of accommodation can I find on StuRents?

Listings can include shared student houses, individual rooms, flats, apartments, studios and purpose-built student accommodation.

Availability depends on your university location.

Is StuRents just for first-year students?

No. The range of houses, flats and other accommodation makes StuRents relevant to students across different years of university.

Shared houses are particularly relevant to students moving out of halls and into second or third-year accommodation.

Can I rent just one room through StuRents?

Yes, individual rooms may be available in some locations.

Check whether the room is offered under an individual tenancy or as part of a shared tenancy, and confirm which facilities you'll share with other residents.

Do I need to bring bedding?

Check your individual property's inventory and don't assume bedding is supplied.

Most importantly, confirm the mattress size before ordering bedding.

Will kitchen equipment be provided?

This varies by property.

Larger appliances may already be supplied, but cookware, plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, cutlery and utensils may not be.

Check the inventory and speak to your housemates before buying shared items.

Can I have parcels delivered?

Usually, but the process depends on the property.

Private houses and flats generally receive deliveries directly, while PBSA buildings may operate reception or parcel collection systems.

Check the arrangements before ordering anything to arrive before your tenancy starts.

Why Students Choose Loomz

Moving into student accommodation is much easier when you arrive prepared — but that doesn't mean buying everything all over again.

Loomz specialises in practical student essentials selected for modern student living, from bedding, kitchen and bathroom essentials to storage, lighting, laundry and useful tech.

And because students moving into second or third-year houses often already own plenty of university kit, Loomz gives you the flexibility to buy individual essentials, smaller bundles or a mixture of both.

Buy what you actually need rather than another enormous box containing things you've already got.

Ready to Move into Your StuRents Property?

Finding the property is only the first part of getting ready for your new student home.

Check exactly what's included, confirm whether bills are covered, coordinate shared purchases with your housemates and make a list of the things you'll genuinely need before move-in day.

Whether you're moving into a shared student house, flat, studio or private hall, Loomz can help you sort the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, study space and everyday essentials that turn accommodation into your home.

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Disclaimer

The accommodation guides published by Loomz are independent editorial resources. Loomz is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any accommodation provider featured on this website. Company names are used solely to help students identify their accommodation provider and prepare for university life. Room layouts, facilities and services vary between properties, so always refer to the information supplied by your accommodation provider before making purchasing decisions.

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