urbanest - Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Moving into urbanest Accommodation
Moving into urbanest student accommodation in London?
Before you start buying bedding, cookware, bathroom supplies and everything else on your university packing list, it’s worth checking exactly what your urbanest room already includes — and what you’ll need to organise yourself.
urbanest specialises in purpose-built student accommodation across central London, with residences located close to many of the capital’s major universities.
Depending on the property and room you choose, you could be moving into:
- A private room in a shared flat
- An en-suite room
- A private studio
- A twin room
- A larger premium room or studio
Your furniture and major kitchen facilities are provided, but you'll still need many of the personal items that turn student accommodation into somewhere you can actually live.
This independent Loomz guide explains what’s generally included at urbanest, what you should bring and what to check before move-in day.
urbanest at a Glance
🏠 Provider: urbanest
📍 Location: Central London
🎓 Universities: Accommodation is convenient for students attending institutions including UCL, King's College London, LSE, SOAS, University of the Arts London and other London universities
🏢 Accommodation: Purpose-built student accommodation
🛏 Bedrooms: Furnished rooms and studios; bed specification varies by property and room type
🚿 Bathrooms: Private en-suite or shared depending on room type
🍳 Kitchen: Shared fitted kitchens with many rooms; private kitchen facilities in studios
💷 Utility bills: Included
📶 Wi-Fi: Included
📺 TV: Facilities vary by property and communal area
🛡 Contents insurance: Check the current cover and terms applying to your booking
🧺 Laundry: On-site laundry facilities
📦 Parcels: On-site teams provide parcel/delivery support; procedures vary by residence
🔐 Security: 24/7 on-site teams and secure accommodation
Where Does urbanest Have Student Accommodation?
urbanest operates student accommodation across central London.
Its current portfolio includes residences in areas such as:
- King's Cross
- St Pancras
- Tower Bridge
- Westminster
- Hoxton
- Vauxhall
- Battersea
- Victoria
The exact property that's best for you will depend heavily on your university campus.
One of the advantages of studying in London is the public transport network, but don't judge a property purely by straight-line distance.
Check:
- Walking time
- Underground route
- Bus route
- Cycling route
- Journey to your actual teaching campus
before booking.
Why Students Choose urbanest
urbanest is particularly well positioned for students studying at central London universities.
Depending on the residence, facilities can include:
- Communal lounges
- Study spaces
- Social areas
- Courtyards and terraces
- On-site laundry
- Bike storage
- Communal kitchens
- 24/7 on-site teams
Facilities vary between properties.
The accommodation is also designed to simplify budgeting, with utility costs included within the rent.
urbanest Room Types
Room choices vary considerably between properties.
The main accommodation styles include:
Rooms in Shared Flats
These give you your own furnished bedroom while sharing facilities with other students.
Depending on the room category, your bathroom may be:
- Private en-suite
- Shared with other residents
You'll normally share a kitchen and communal area with your flatmates.
En-Suite Rooms
An en-suite room gives you:
- Private furnished bedroom
- Private shower room
- Study space
- Storage
while retaining the social side of a shared student kitchen.
Studios
Studios provide greater independence.
You'll generally have your own:
- Bedroom/living area
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen facilities
- Study area
- Storage
Studios are particularly useful if you prefer not to share everyday kitchen or bathroom facilities.
Twin Rooms
Selected urbanest properties also offer twin accommodation.
These can provide a more affordable way of living in central London if you're comfortable sharing your bedroom with another student.
Always check exactly what facilities are shared before booking.
What’s Usually Included in an urbanest Bedroom?
Your main bedroom furniture is provided.
Depending on the property and room category, this generally includes things such as:
- Bed and mattress
- Desk
- Chair
- Wardrobe
- Storage
- Shelving
En-suite rooms also provide their own bathroom.
The precise furniture and storage configuration varies.
That means you don't need to arrive in London with bedroom furniture.
Instead, concentrate on the smaller things that make the room comfortable, organised and practical.
What Size Are urbanest Beds?
Check your exact room before buying fitted bedding.
Bed specifications can vary between:
- Properties
- Room categories
- Studios
- Shared rooms
Don't assume that because someone you know lived in another urbanest building, your mattress will be identical.
Before buying:
- Fitted sheets
- Mattress protector
- Mattress topper
check the mattress dimensions shown for your particular room or ask urbanest to confirm them.
Duvets and pillows give you more flexibility, but fitted products need to match the mattress.
Do You Need to Bring Bedding?
Yes, unless your individual booking specifically states otherwise, you should plan to organise your own personal bedding.
Your basic university bedding list should include:
- Duvet
- Duvet cover
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Bed sheets
- Mattress protector
You may also want:
- Mattress topper
- Blanket
- Throw
- Extra pillow
urbanest's own resident guidance tells students to think about bringing personal items such as bedding, towels, cushions and throws.
The key is to confirm your bed size before ordering fitted products.
Shared Kitchens
If you've booked a room in a shared flat, you'll normally share your kitchen with your flatmates.
The major kitchen facilities are already provided.
Depending on your residence and flat, these can include:
- Oven
- Hob
- Fridge/freezer
- Microwave
- Sink
- Kitchen storage
- Dining space
The exact specification varies, so check your individual property.
Studio Kitchens
If you've booked a studio, your kitchen facilities are contained within your own accommodation.
That means you won't need to share your everyday cooking area with other residents.
Studio kitchens typically provide the major appliances required for everyday student cooking.
Check the inventory for your particular studio before buying anything substantial.
What Kitchen Equipment Should You Bring?
Having an oven and fridge doesn't mean your kitchen is ready to cook in.
urbanest's own guidance tells students they can bring personal kitchen items including crockery, utensils and cutlery.
Unless your specific inventory says otherwise, think about organising:
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Plates
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Glasses
- Cutlery
- Kitchen knife
- Chopping board
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Tin opener
- Bottle opener
- Food-storage containers
- Tea towels
You'll also need everyday consumables such as:
- Washing-up liquid
- Sponges
- Bin bags
- Kitchen cleaner
Always check your individual property inventory before buying.
Sharing a Kitchen
If you're moving into a shared flat, you don't necessarily need one of everything per person.
urbanest itself encourages students sharing kitchens to think about coordinating what they bring.
Items that are easy to share can include:
- Large saucepan
- Frying pan
- Baking trays
- Colander
- Cleaning products
Items you may prefer to keep individually include:
- Mug
- Plate
- Bowl
- Cutlery
- Water bottle
- Food-storage containers
If you can contact your future flatmates before moving in, coordinate the larger communal purchases.
It saves money and valuable London cupboard space.
And your kitchen definitely doesn't need six identical cheese graters.
Bathrooms
Bathroom arrangements depend on your room type.
You may have:
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Shared bathroom
- Private studio bathroom
Check this carefully when booking.
Regardless of the bathroom arrangement, you'll need your own personal bathroom items.
Bring:
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Toiletries
- Skincare
- Toilet roll where required
- Bathroom cleaning products where appropriate
urbanest's own guidance specifically identifies towels among the personal items students should think about bringing.
Are Bills Included?
Yes.
urbanest operates on an all-inclusive rent model.
That means your main utilities are included rather than requiring you to arrange separate household accounts.
This makes budgeting easier — particularly for international students arriving in the UK for the first time.
Always check your tenancy agreement for the exact terms applying to your room.
Wi-Fi
Internet access is included within urbanest accommodation.
You therefore shouldn't need to arrange your own household broadband contract.
When you move in, follow the property's instructions for connecting devices such as:
- Laptop
- Phone
- Tablet
- Games console
- Smart devices
If you experience connection problems, speak to the on-site team.
Laundry
urbanest residences provide on-site laundry facilities.
These are communal rather than washing machines inside individual bedrooms.
Exact payment arrangements and facilities can vary.
Bring:
- Laundry basket or bag
- Detergent
- Stain remover
- Delicates bag
Check the laundry instructions at your particular property when you arrive.
Community and Shared Spaces
urbanest properties provide communal spaces where students can study, relax and meet other residents.
Facilities vary between buildings but can include:
- Study areas
- Social lounges
- Communal kitchens
- Outdoor spaces
- Courtyards
- Terraces
- Bike storage
These areas can be particularly useful during the first few weeks of university.
Don't spend Freshers' Week waiting in your bedroom for someone else to make the first move.
Explore the building and use the communal spaces.
Study Spaces
Your bedroom provides a desk or study area.
Many urbanest properties also have communal areas suitable for studying.
That gives you several options:
- Work in your room
- Use a communal study area
- Study on campus
- Use your university library
Because your main desk furniture is supplied, focus on useful accessories rather than bringing furniture.
Parcels and Deliveries
Parcel arrangements vary between residences.
Before ordering something expensive or particularly bulky, check:
- Correct delivery address
- Whether reception accepts parcels
- Where parcels are stored
- How you're notified
- Collection procedure
- Any size restrictions
Always include your full name and room information where instructed.
Can You Have Things Delivered Before You Arrive?
This can be particularly useful if you're travelling a long distance or moving to London from overseas.
urbanest's current resident guidance allows certain essential items to be delivered shortly before your arrival.
Examples include:
- Kitchenware
- Bedding
- Duvets
- Pillows
Current guidance indicates these should generally arrive only one or two days before you do, rather than weeks in advance.
This can be a useful way to avoid carrying bulky bedding through airports, train stations or across London.
Always check the current instructions for your particular residence before arranging an advance delivery.
Maintenance
If something in your room or shared accommodation isn't working, report it to the on-site team.
Examples might include:
- Heating
- Lighting
- Plumbing
- Kitchen appliances
- Doors or locks
- Furniture
- Internet problems
Don't attempt significant repairs yourself.
Report the problem and allow the accommodation team to deal with it.
Security
urbanest provides 24/7 on-site teams and secure student accommodation.
You should still follow basic precautions:
- Lock your bedroom when you leave
- Keep keys/access cards secure
- Don't allow strangers through controlled entrances
- Keep valuables secure
- Report lost access cards immediately
- Report suspicious behaviour
London is a major international city, so the same sensible precautions apply when you're outside the residence.
Preparing for Move-In Day
1. Check Your Exact Room
Before buying anything, check:
- Room category
- Bed size
- Bathroom arrangement
- Kitchen arrangement
- Furniture
- Storage
- Included appliances
2. Confirm Your Mattress Size
Do this before ordering fitted sheets, mattress protectors or toppers.
3. Check the Kitchen Inventory
Work out what's already supplied.
Then buy only what you're missing.
4. Coordinate With Flatmates
If you're sharing a kitchen, decide who is bringing larger communal items.
5. Organise Your Bedding
Make sure your duvet, pillows and bed linen are either travelling with you or arriving at the correct time.
6. Consider Advance Delivery
If you're travelling from overseas or a long distance within the UK, check whether your property can accept essential bedding or kitchenware shortly before you arrive.
7. Keep Important Documents Together
Don't bury your identification and accommodation paperwork at the bottom of a suitcase.
8. Pack a First-Night Bag
Keep these somewhere easy to reach:
- Toothbrush
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Medication
- Phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Pyjamas
- Water
- Snacks
And make sure you know where your bedding is.
International Students Moving into urbanest
urbanest accommodates a large international student population.
If you're moving to London from overseas, avoid filling your luggage with bulky household items that are inexpensive and easy to buy in the UK.
Your suitcase space is better used for:
- Clothes
- Personal possessions
- Important documents
- Medication
- Difficult-to-replace items
Keep important paperwork accessible, including:
- Passport
- Visa/right-to-rent documentation where applicable
- University documents
- Accommodation booking
- Insurance information
- Medication information
- Emergency contacts
The UK uses Type G electrical sockets.
Check that electrical items brought from overseas are compatible with the UK electricity supply.
One particularly useful option for international residents is urbanest's ability to accept certain essential deliveries shortly before arrival.
That means bulky items such as bedding may not need to travel with you.
What Should You Buy Before Moving into urbanest?
The best strategy is:
Check what's included first. Then buy what's missing.
Bedroom Essentials
Your main furniture is supplied.
Concentrate on:
- Bedding
- Mattress protector
- Bedroom organisation
- Comfort items
- Chargers
- Useful student tech
Kitchen Essentials
Major appliances are provided.
You may still need:
- Cookware
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Utensils
- Food-storage products
- Kitchen cleaning accessories
Bathroom Essentials
Bring your own:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Bathroom organisation
- Personal care products
Study Essentials
Your desk and chair are provided.
Add the smaller accessories that help you study comfortably.
Helpful Student Guides
Getting ready to move into urbanest?
Loomz has created practical guides for students moving into UK university accommodation:
- 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
Where does urbanest have student accommodation?
urbanest specialises in student accommodation across central London, with multiple residences in locations including King's Cross, St Pancras, Westminster, Tower Bridge, Hoxton, Vauxhall, Battersea and Victoria.
What types of rooms does urbanest offer?
Depending on the residence, accommodation can include:
- Rooms in shared flats
- En-suite rooms
- Studios
- Twin rooms
- Premium room categories
Are urbanest rooms furnished?
Yes.
Your main bedroom furniture is provided.
What size are urbanest beds?
Bed specifications vary by property and room category.
Check your exact room before buying fitted bedding.
Do I need to bring bedding?
Yes, unless your particular booking explicitly states otherwise.
Plan for items such as:
- Duvet
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Duvet cover
- Pillowcases
- Mattress protector
Do I need towels?
Yes. Plan to bring or buy your own personal towels.
Are bills included?
Yes.
urbanest advertises all-inclusive rents.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes.
Do I have my own bathroom?
It depends on your room type.
En-suite rooms and studios have private bathrooms, while some other room types use shared facilities.
Do I have my own kitchen?
Studios provide private kitchen facilities.
Students in shared flats generally share a kitchen.
Do I need my own cookware and crockery?
You should check your exact property inventory.
urbanest's own guidance tells students they can bring items such as crockery, utensils and cutlery.
Should I coordinate kitchen equipment with my flatmates?
Yes.
If you're sharing a kitchen, coordinating larger communal items can save money and storage space.
Is there laundry?
Yes.
urbanest properties provide on-site laundry facilities.
Can I have bedding delivered before I arrive?
urbanest's current guidance allows certain essential items — including bedding, duvets, pillows and kitchenware — to be delivered shortly before arrival.
Check the exact procedure and timing with your residence before ordering.
Is urbanest suitable for international students?
Yes.
Its central London locations serve a large international student population.
What should I prioritise before moving in?
Start with:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Cookware if required
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Toiletries
- Laundry supplies
- Cleaning essentials
- Study accessories
- Chargers and useful tech
Then check your particular room inventory before buying anything else.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Loomz is a UK-based online store focused on the practical things students actually need when moving into university accommodation.
urbanest provides your room, furniture, major kitchen facilities and building amenities.
Loomz helps with the things you need to make your accommodation ready for everyday student life:
- Bedding
- Bedroom essentials
- Cookware
- Crockery and cutlery
- Kitchen accessories
- Towels
- Bathroom essentials
- Laundry products
- Storage and organisation
- Study accessories
- Student-friendly tech
- Free UK delivery
The aim isn't to buy every product labelled a “student essential”.
It's to check what's already included and buy the things you'll genuinely use.
Ready to Move into urbanest?
Moving into central London is exciting — but move-in day is considerably easier when you've prepared properly.
Before you start shopping:
Check your room. Confirm your bed size. Check your kitchen inventory. Coordinate with your flatmates.
Then organise the essentials that aren't already provided.
Get uni-ready with Loomz.
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