Unite Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into Unite Students Accommodation
If you've booked your room with Unite Students, you're staying with the UK's largest purpose-built student accommodation provider. Every year, more than 65,000 students choose Unite Students, with accommodation available in 22 university cities across the UK and partnerships with more than 60 universities.
Whether you're moving away from home for the first time or returning for another academic year, preparing before move-in day will make settling into university life much easier.
This independent guide explains what you can typically expect when living with Unite Students, including what's usually included in your room, what you'll need to bring, how move-in works and the everyday essentials that will help your accommodation quickly feel like home.
Unite Students at a Glance
🏠 Provider: Unite Students
📍 Locations: 22 university cities across England, Scotland and Wales
🎓 Students housed: More than 65,000 each year
🏢 Properties: Hundreds of purpose-built student accommodation buildings
📅 Typical contracts: 40–51 weeks (varies by property)
💷 Bills included: Yes
📶 Wi-Fi included: Yes
🔒 Security: 24/7 security or on-site teams at many properties
📦 Contents insurance: Included with most bookings
📱 Resident App: Unite Students App for account management, maintenance requests, wellbeing support and property information.
Why Students Choose Unite Students
Unite Students has been providing student accommodation for more than 30 years and has become one of the best-known names in UK student housing.
Students often choose Unite Students because accommodation is designed specifically for university life. Instead of managing separate utility bills, internet contracts and maintenance issues, everything is usually handled through one accommodation provider.
Many buildings also include communal social spaces, study rooms, outdoor areas, laundry facilities, secure bike storage and organised social events that help students settle in quickly. Facilities vary between locations, but many residences also offer cinema rooms, gyms, gaming areas and other shared spaces.
Room Types at Unite Students
Room types vary between properties, but you'll typically find options including:
En-suite Rooms
The most popular option for first-year students.
Usually includes:
- Private bedroom
- Private bathroom
- Shared kitchen
- Shared living area
Studio Apartments
Ideal if you'd prefer your own private space.
Studios usually include:
- Private bedroom
- Private bathroom
- Private kitchenette
- Study area
Accessible Rooms
Many properties also provide adapted accommodation for students with additional accessibility requirements.
Room names and layouts differ between buildings, so always check the description of your individual booking before purchasing additional furniture or accessories.
What's Usually Included?
One of the biggest advantages of Unite Students accommodation is that many everyday essentials are already provided.
Most rooms include:
- Bed and mattress
- Desk and study chair
- Wardrobe
- Shelving or storage
- Curtains or blinds
- Heating
- High-speed Wi-Fi
Shared kitchens commonly include:
- Oven
- Hob
- Microwave
- Fridge and freezer
- Sink
- Dining area
Most rents also include:
- Utility bills
- Internet
- Basic contents insurance
- On-site maintenance
- Secure entry systems.
What Isn't Usually Included?
Although your room comes furnished, you'll normally need to bring your own:
Bedroom
- Duvet
- Pillows
- Bed linen
- Mattress protector
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
Kitchen
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cutlery
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Chopping board
- Food storage containers
- Tea towels
- Washing-up supplies
Bathroom
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower caddy
- Toilet brush (if required)
Study Space
- Desk lamp
- Extension lead
- Laptop accessories
- Stationery
- Cable organisers
These are some of the most commonly forgotten items during Freshers' Week.
Preparing for Move-In Day
Before arriving, Unite Students recommends checking your booking details, arrival information and room allocation online. You'll normally be asked to book an arrival time during the main move-in period, helping to reduce queues and make check-in smoother.
Remember to bring:
- Photo ID
- Your booking confirmation
- Any requested documentation
- Your room essentials
- Chargers for your devices
If you're arriving later than expected, it's worth contacting your property's reception team in advance.
The Unite Students App
Most residents use the Unite Students App throughout their stay.
Depending on your property, the app can be used to:
- View account information
- Raise maintenance requests
- Receive property updates
- Access wellbeing support
- Manage your booking
- Connect with flatmates
- Access exclusive partner offers and discounts.
Living at Unite Students
One reason many students enjoy living with Unite Students is the sense of community.
Many buildings organise:
- Welcome events
- Social activities
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Study spaces
- Shared lounges
- Outdoor communal areas
For first-year students, these spaces often make meeting new people much easier than living in private rented accommodation.
Many properties are also located within walking distance of universities, public transport and city centres.
What Should You Buy Before You Move In?
Most students quickly discover that a furnished room still needs a few extras before it feels like home.
Popular purchases include:
Bedroom Essentials
- Comfortable bedding
- Mattress protector
- Extra pillows
- Bedside lamp
- Storage baskets
Kitchen Essentials
- Starter cookware
- Food containers
- Mugs
- Kitchen utensils
- Washing-up kit
Bathroom Essentials
- Soft towels
- Shower organiser
- Toiletries
- Cleaning products
Study Essentials
- Desk organiser
- Extension lead
- Laptop stand
- Cable management
These small additions can make your room much more comfortable during the academic year.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bills included at Unite Students?
Yes. Rent normally includes utility bills and Wi-Fi, helping students budget more easily throughout the year. Most bookings also include basic contents insurance.
Does Unite Students provide bedding?
No. Students are generally expected to bring their own duvet, pillows, bedding and towels unless they've arranged an optional bedding pack separately.
Can I send parcels to Unite Students?
Most properties accept courier deliveries, although collection procedures vary between buildings. Check with your property's reception team for local arrangements.
Can I report maintenance issues?
Yes. Maintenance requests can usually be submitted through the Unite Students App or by contacting your property's reception team.
Can friends stay overnight?
Guest policies vary between properties, so always check your tenancy agreement or ask your local accommodation team before inviting overnight visitors.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Moving into student accommodation is about more than simply unpacking your bags. The right bedding, lighting, storage and kitchen essentials can transform a standard student room into a comfortable place to study, relax and socialise.
Loomz specialises in practical student essentials designed specifically for university accommodation, helping students settle in quickly without buying things they don't need.
Whether you're moving into Unite Students for your first year or returning after the summer, we're here to help make your new room feel like home.
Ready to Move into Unite Students?
Unite Students provides modern accommodation in university cities across the UK, making it one of the most popular choices for students. By arriving prepared with the right essentials, you'll spend less time shopping after move-in and more time enjoying Freshers' Week and settling into university life.
Browse Loomz's collections of student room, kitchen, bathroom and study essentials to make your Unite Students room comfortable from day one.