University of the Arts London Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

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


Starting at the University of the Arts London (UAL) means joining one of the world's leading universities for art, fashion, design, media, communication and the creative industries. Home to six internationally renowned colleges, UAL attracts students from across the globe who are passionate about creativity, innovation and making ideas happen.

Whether you're moving into University-managed halls, a partner residence or private accommodation in London, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of student life.

Unlike many universities, UAL's colleges are spread across London, including Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Chelsea College of Arts, Camberwell College of Arts, London College of Communication and Wimbledon College of Arts. Your accommodation becomes your creative base, a place to study, create, collaborate and relax after long days in studios, workshops and exhibitions.

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

University of the Arts London at a Glance

📍 Location: London (multiple campuses)

🎓 Student Population: Around 24,000 students

🏠 Popular Accommodation: UAL manages halls including Archwood House, Gardens House, Glassyard Building, Highline Building, Portland House, Sketch House and The Costume Store, alongside partner residences such as Emily Bowes Court, Hawthorne House, Signal House, Town Hall Camberwell, Wick Park and YourTRIBE Southwark.

🛒 Nearby Shopping: King's Cross, Oxford Street, Stratford, Elephant & Castle, Camden, Borough and numerous local supermarkets across London

🚆 Transport: Excellent Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line and bus connections provide easy access between all UAL colleges and accommodation across London.

Student Accommodation at the University of the Arts London

UAL offers a combination of University-managed halls and carefully selected partner halls across London, allowing students to live close to their college while experiencing everything the capital has to offer.

University-managed halls

  • Archwood House
  • Gardens House
  • Glassyard Building
  • Highline Building
  • Portland House
  • Sketch House
  • The Costume Store

Partner accommodation

  • Emily Bowes Court
  • Hawthorne House
  • Signal House
  • Town Hall Camberwell
  • Wick Park
  • YourTRIBE Southwark
  • YourTRIBE Elephant & Castle

Accommodation options include:

  • En-suite rooms
  • Shared bathroom rooms
  • Studio apartments
  • Twin rooms
  • Partially funded rooms in selected residences
  • Contracts ranging from 38 to 50 weeks.

Accommodation typically includes:

  • Utility bills
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Contents insurance
  • Fully furnished rooms
  • Secure entry systems
  • On-site laundry
  • Social and study spaces.

How accommodation works

Unlike many universities, UAL does not ask students to book a specific room immediately. Instead, students submit their top five hall preferences, and the Accommodation Services team allocates a room based on current availability and those preferences. Because accommodation is in high demand, applying early gives you the best choice of residences.

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

Creative Studio Essentials

UAL students often spend long hours in studios and workshops. Useful additions include:

  • Desk organiser
  • Adjustable desk lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Cable organisers
  • Storage boxes for art materials
  • Sketchbooks and notebooks
  • Portable storage baskets
  • Laptop stand

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

Experience Student Life at UAL

Few universities offer a student experience quite like UAL. Your classroom could be a fashion studio in Stratford, an art workshop in Chelsea, a photography studio at London College of Communication or an exhibition space at Central Saint Martins.

Living in London means you'll also have access to world-famous galleries including Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Design Museum and countless independent creative spaces.

Creative students often spend long days working on projects, so having a comfortable, organised room makes a real difference.

Popular with UAL 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

Where do University of the Arts London students live?

Many students live in Archwood House, Glassyard Building, Highline Building, Portland House, Sketch House or one of UAL's partner halls such as Emily Bowes Court, Hawthorne House or Town Hall Camberwell.

How does UAL accommodation work?

Students submit their top five accommodation preferences, after which the Accommodation Services team allocates a room based on availability. You are not normally able to book a specific room directly.

Are bills included?

Yes. University-managed accommodation includes utility bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance, while partner halls provide similar all-inclusive packages.

What should I buy before moving to UAL?

Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, practical storage, desk accessories and organisation solutions. Creative students often benefit from additional storage for sketchbooks, materials and equipment.

Ready for the University of the Arts London?

Moving to the University of the Arts London means joining one of the world's leading creative universities while living in one of the world's greatest cultural capitals. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your creative work and make the most of everything London has to offer.

Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and creative workspace before beginning your journey at the University of the Arts London.

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