Royal Veterinary College Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the Royal Veterinary College
Starting at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) means joining one of the world's leading veterinary schools. Whether you're moving into student halls for your first year or renting shared accommodation later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and focus on your studies.
The Royal Veterinary College is unique because teaching takes place across two campuses. Students begin many programmes at the Camden Campus in central London before moving to the Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire for clinical training and practical learning. This blend of city and countryside provides a distinctive student experience, making a well-organised room essential throughout your studies.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the Royal Veterinary College, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.
Royal Veterinary College at a Glance
📍 Locations: Camden, London & Hawkshead, Hertfordshire
🎓 Student Population: Around 2,500 students
🏠 Popular Accommodation: College Grove, Mary Brancker House, Student Village, Odiham Hall, College Close (Veterinary Nursing) and shared accommodation in Camden, Kentish Town, Potters Bar and Hatfield.
🛒 Nearby Shopping: Camden High Street, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, Waitrose, Potters Bar town centre and local supermarkets
🚆 Transport: Camden Town, Mornington Crescent and King's Cross serve the London campus, while a free shuttle bus connects the Hawkshead Campus with Potters Bar station.
Student Accommodation at the Royal Veterinary College
Many first-year veterinary students live close to the Camden Campus, with accommodation including College Grove and partner halls such as Mary Brancker House. Veterinary Nursing students are typically based at College Close on the Hawkshead Campus.
As your course progresses, particularly in Veterinary Medicine, you'll spend your clinical years at the Hawkshead Campus, home to the RVC's award-winning Student Village, Odiham Hall and College Close, all located within the university's self-contained campus near Potters Bar.
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 university 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
Study Essentials
RVC students balance lectures with laboratory work, clinical skills sessions, animal handling and placements. A well-organised room helps keep coursework, equipment and outdoor clothing tidy throughout the academic year.
Useful items include:
- Desk organiser
- Adjustable desk lamp
- Extension lead
- Laptop accessories
- Cable organisers
- Storage for textbooks, lab notes and placement equipment
- Notebooks and stationery
- Practical storage for waterproofs and outdoor footwear
Experience Two Very Different Campuses
The Royal Veterinary College offers a student experience unlike almost any other UK university. You'll enjoy the energy of Camden in central London before experiencing the spacious Hawkshead Campus, complete with teaching farms, veterinary hospitals, clinical facilities and open countryside. This combination gives students access to world-class veterinary education alongside exceptional practical experience.
After a day of lectures, clinical skills sessions or placements, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and feels like home.
Popular with Royal Veterinary College 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 halls, studios 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:
- UK University Packing Checklist
- Student Accommodation Guides
- University Move-In Checklist
- Bedroom Essentials Guide
- Kitchen Essentials Guide
- Bathroom Essentials Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Royal Veterinary College 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 Royal Veterinary College students live?
Many first-year students live near the Camden Campus in College Grove or partner halls such as Mary Brancker House. Students studying at Hawkshead often live in the Student Village, Odiham Hall or College Close, while others rent shared accommodation in Camden, Kentish Town, Potters Bar and Hatfield.
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 Veterinary College?
Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Veterinary students also benefit from organised storage for textbooks, placement equipment, outdoor clothing and clinical materials.
Ready for the Royal Veterinary College?
Moving to the Royal Veterinary College means studying at one of the world's leading veterinary institutions while experiencing both central London and the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, stay organised and make the most of every lecture, placement and clinical opportunity.
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 the Royal Veterinary College.