UniHomes Student Accommodation – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into UniHomes Student Accommodation
If you've found your student accommodation through UniHomes, you could be moving into anything from a shared student house or flat to a private studio or purpose-built student accommodation.
UniHomes 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 accommodation providers.
That means there isn't a standard "UniHomes 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 UniHomes, including property types, bills, move-in advice and the everyday essentials you'll want to bring with you.
UniHomes at a Glance
🏠 Platform: UniHomes
🏢 Accommodation: Student houses, flats, 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: Included with properties advertised through UniHomes
📶 Broadband: Included within the UniHomes bills package
📺 TV Licence: Included within the UniHomes bills package
🏠 Property management: Usually handled by the relevant letting agent, landlord or accommodation provider
👥 Best suited to: Students looking for shared houses, flats, studios or private student accommodation
The important thing to remember is that UniHomes is the accommodation marketplace rather than necessarily your landlord or property manager.
Why Students Use UniHomes
One of the main attractions of UniHomes is the ability to search for student accommodation from different letting agents and providers in one place.
Rather than visiting multiple local agency websites, students can search available accommodation for their university city through the UniHomes platform.
Another important part of the proposition is bills-inclusive accommodation.
Properties advertised through UniHomes include household bills within the advertised cost, helping students avoid having to arrange and divide several separate utility accounts after moving in.
For students sharing a house with friends, that can make budgeting considerably simpler.
Types of Accommodation on UniHomes
Because UniHomes 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.
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
UniHomes also features 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 UniHomes 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.
What's Included in UniHomes Bills?
A major part of the UniHomes proposition is bills-inclusive student accommodation.
The UniHomes utilities package can include:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Broadband
- TV Licence
This can be particularly useful in a shared student house because you don't have to decide which housemate is responsible for setting up each household account.
You should still read your individual agreement carefully so you understand how the bills arrangement works and whether any usage terms or allowances apply.
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.
When you arrive, inspect the property carefully and complete any inventory or condition report provided.
Living in a UniHomes Property
Because UniHomes 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
- 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 UniHomes unless your particular agreement tells you otherwise.
Moving Into a Shared Student House
For many students, finding accommodation through UniHomes 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 UniHomes?
UniHomes is a UK student accommodation marketplace that allows students to search for accommodation offered by letting agents, landlords and student accommodation providers.
Does UniHomes own the properties?
Generally, UniHomes acts as the 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 UniHomes properties?
Properties advertised through UniHomes are offered with bills included. The UniHomes utilities package can cover gas, electricity, water, broadband and TV Licence.
Check the terms relating to your individual property and tenancy.
What types of accommodation can I find on UniHomes?
Listings can include shared student houses, flats, apartments, studios and purpose-built student accommodation.
Availability depends on your university location.
Is UniHomes just for first-year students?
No. The range of houses, flats and other accommodation makes UniHomes 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.
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 UniHomes Property?
Finding the property is only the first part of getting ready for your new student home.
Check exactly what's included, 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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