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Before you move in

Lists, lists, lists!

There are a million-and-one things to think about when you’re moving house, let alone if you’re moving away from home for the first time.

Try and keep things simple and avoid bringing too much stuff with you.

Take a look at our list of essentials:

  • Driving licence or passport as proof of ID
  • Your booking reference number, a copy of your offer letter/email or a payment receipt
  • Bedding including duvet and cover, pillows and covers, sheets
  • Towels
  • Clothes hangers
  • Cleaning, washing up and laundry items

We also think it’s a good idea to wait to buy your cooking utensils and crockery until you arrive so you can decide what to buy between your flatmates.

And who needs six colanders anyway?! They just take up essential cupboard space you need for your healthy snacks and meals.

Save the student have put together a comprehensive list of what to take to university.

How can I meet my new housemates?

Get to know your new housemates by posting a message to our Facebook wall. Check out the Freshers’ Facebook pages from your university – a good way to find out who is staying with us and meet people on your course too! The Student Union website is often a good place to start.

Come along and meet your Sanctuary Students team at your welcome parties at the beginning of term.

When can I arrive?

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Check-in opens from the start date on your contract or if you’re an eager beaver and want to settle in sooner, get in touch with us and where possible, we’ll arrange for you to arrive early.

We’ll be in touch with you a few weeks before your start date with lots of handy tips and info, like what time the site is open or what to do if you’re arriving out of hours.

What if I’m coming from abroad?

Flights land at all times of the day and night so we’re fully prepared for international arrivals. If your flight is scheduled to land out of office hours, don’t worry – just let us know in advance so we can make arrangements with our security team to hand over your keys.

Don’t forget that international students without a UK guarantor will need to pay your rent before you arrive, otherwise we won’t be able to give you your keys. Contact us to make your payment or to submit your guarantor documents.

Make sure you book your airport transfers before you leave home so you won’t be stranded at the airport. Visit National Rail or Trainline for trains or National Express for coaches. Check out your accommodation page for information on local transport links.

What can I expect on the day?

Move-in day will be busy but really exciting!

Our teams work really hard over the summer to make sure your check-in is as smooth and quick as possible. It really helps us if you come prepared with your documents complete and your passport photos already printed.

Your parents are welcome to stay the night on move-in day (excluding our Dundee properties), but we think it’s always best to wave them good-bye as soon as possible so you can settle in quickly and get to know new people, especially your flatmates!

Where can I park?

Our great city centre locations mean that parking is always limited on-site and especially during move-in.

We’ll direct you to local car parks in your pre-arrival information.

You can unload your car where we have spaces but please bear in mind that your fellow students are also eager to get their cars unloaded so please be as quick as possible and don’t leave your car in the space longer than necessary.