University for the Creative Arts Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the University for the Creative Arts



Starting at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) means joining one of the UK's leading specialist creative universities. Whether you're moving into university accommodation at Canterbury, Epsom or Farnham, or renting privately later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and focus on your creative work.

UCA is renowned for courses in fine art, illustration, animation, architecture, fashion, film, photography, graphic design, games, product design and crafts. Studio projects, exhibitions and collaborative work are central to student life, making your accommodation not only a place to relax but also somewhere to develop ideas and organise creative materials.

This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the University for the Creative Arts, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.

University for the Creative Arts at a Glance

📍 Locations: Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Maidstone TV Studios

🎓 Student Population: Around 6,500 students

🏠 Popular Accommodation: UCA offers university-managed halls at its Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham campuses, including residences such as Ian Dury House, Riverside Student Quarter, Bradford House, Crossways House, Worple Road, Student Village and University Walk.

🛒 Nearby Shopping: Canterbury city centre, Epsom High Street, Farnham town centre, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and independent cafés and shops

🚆 Transport: All campuses are well connected by rail and bus services, with easy access to London and the South East.

Student Accommodation at the University for the Creative Arts

UCA provides a range of university-managed accommodation across its Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham campuses, offering furnished rooms with shared kitchens, communal social spaces and utilities included. Students at the Maidstone TV Studios campus are supported in finding suitable local accommodation.

Unlike some universities, UCA does not guarantee accommodation for every first-year student, although it is usually able to offer rooms to the vast majority of eligible applicants who apply before the accommodation deadline. Recent guidance states that around 95% of applicants who applied on time received an accommodation offer.

Many returning students choose shared houses and flats close to campus in Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham, allowing easy access to studios, workshops and teaching spaces.

Most accommodation includes:

  • Bed and mattress
  • Desk and chair
  • Wardrobe
  • Wi-Fi
  • Shared kitchen facilities

You'll usually need to bring your own bedding, towels, cookware 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

Creative courses often involve long studio sessions, exhibitions, portfolio development and collaborative projects. Keeping your accommodation organised makes it much easier to balance creative work with everyday student life.

Useful items include:

  • Desk organiser
  • Adjustable desk lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Laptop and tablet accessories
  • Cable organisers
  • Storage for sketchbooks, portfolios and art materials
  • Archive boxes for coursework
  • Under-bed storage for creative supplies

Live, Create and Be Inspired

Every UCA campus offers its own character. Canterbury blends medieval history with a vibrant arts scene, Epsom sits close to London's creative industries, while Farnham is widely recognised as one of the UK's leading centres for art and design education, with specialist studios, workshops and exhibition spaces.

Whether you're producing films, designing fashion collections, building animation portfolios or creating fine art installations, you'll spend plenty of time in studios and collaborative creative environments.

After a busy day of lectures, workshops or exhibitions, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and ready for tomorrow's project.

Popular with UCA students include:

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation guaranteed at the University for the Creative Arts?

No. UCA does not guarantee accommodation for every first-year student. However, students who apply before the accommodation deadline have a strong chance of receiving an offer, with around 95% of on-time applicants receiving accommodation in a recent admissions cycle.

Where do University for the Creative Arts students live?

Many first-year students live in university-managed accommodation at Canterbury, Epsom or Farnham, while returning students often rent shared accommodation close to their campus.

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 University for the Creative Arts?

Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and everyday essentials before arriving. Creative students also benefit from practical storage for portfolios, sketchbooks, cameras, materials and other specialist equipment.

Ready for the University for the Creative Arts?

Moving to the University for the Creative Arts means joining one of the UK's leading creative institutions while studying in an inspiring artistic environment. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, stay organised and make the most of every studio session, exhibition and creative 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 University for the Creative Arts.

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