A Guide to Your First Week at University

Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgrad, going to university is a big change – hopefully one you’re excited for! But it’s natural to feel some anxiety and this guide is made to help ease some of those worries. We’ll go through what moving into an urbanest student accommodation is like and give you our top tips for settling in during your first week at uni.

Before You Arrive

Preparation is key for moving, no matter how far you’re going. Here are some of the things to consider before you set off.

1. Make sure you have all the important documents

When packing, it is vital that you bring these identification documents:

• Photo ID (e.g. driving license or passport)
• University acceptance letter
• Guarantor’s proof of ID and address

These are extremely important for security so that we can ensure we have the right person upon check-in. Additionally, you will most likely need these documents for other admin and getting into age-restricted bars and clubs.

2. Pack

Packing for university doesn’t need to be stressful – the key is to keep it simple and only bring the essentials, especially if you’re travelling a long way or hopping on public transport to urbanest. Every room comes with the basics like a mattress, desk, chair and wardrobe, so make sure to check the room specification guide before you start filling your bags. For things like pots, pans and other kitchen bits, it’s a good idea to chat with your flatmates first to decide what can be shared. If you’re unsure where to start, our handy university checklist is full of advice to get you started. If you forget anything, don’t worry; London has plenty of shops for you to explore!

Can I send things before I arrive?

We understand that you may be travelling with a lot of stuff and want some of it to arrive before you do. However, you cannot have any items from any suppliers other than Cabenco delivered more than 4 days before your arrival. Sadly, due to limited storage space at reception, anything delivered prior to this day may risk getting turned away.

To find the postcode for your flat you can visit the Royal Mail Postcode Finder. This is the most accurate way of checking your address to ensure that any deliveries or mail you get during your stay makes its way to you.

3. Open a student bank account

Opening a student bank account makes managing money at uni much easier. Plus, most come with useful perks like interest-free overdrafts and cashback deals. You’ll need ID, proof of address and your UCAS letter to apply, and it’s worth comparing banks to see what suits you best. For more help, read our full guide on how to choose and set up a student bank account.

To get your finances in order ahead of time, check out our list of student discount cards that can help you save some serious cash.

4. Check in

We want the day you move in to be as simple as possible. Before arrival, you’ll need to upload your documents via your urbanest portal – don’t worry, this is much quicker and easier than doing it in person! These checks are crucial for security reasons, so please ensure that this is completed.

We also ask that you choose a check-in slot before you arrive. This means we’ll know when you’re expected to arrive and there’s no waiting around. We can show you straight to your room so you can get settled.

Read through our urbanest accommodation rules to get familiar with the dos and don’ts before you arrive.

Once you’ve arrived

The big day has arrived and you finally get to move into your new urbanest home! We have put together a checklist of things to do to settle in and get familiar with your new home and city.

5. Explore your new home

When you first arrive at urbanest, take some time to get to know your new home. Start by inspecting your room and letting us know straight away if anything isn’t quite right – though all rooms are cleaned and maintained to a high standard, your feedback helps us keep it that way and most importantly, make sure you’re comfortable. Next, connect to the free wifi or ethernet to make sure you’re online from day one.

Once you’re settled, explore the building to find useful spaces like the laundry room, study areas and social spots. You’ll also meet our dedicated team, who are here to make your stay as smooth as possible. Our friendly Customer Support Assistants are always at reception to answer questions or offer local tips, while the Duty Managers oversee everything behind the scenes. If anything in your room needs fixing, our maintenance team will get it sorted quickly, and when evening comes, our concierge team keeps things running smoothly and securely overnight. Wherever you are in the building, there’s always someone on hand to help.

For more details, take a look at our handy guide on who to contact in an emergency at urbanest – or save it to your phone so it’s ready if you ever need it.

6. Meet your flatmates

You may have already taken advantage of social media, such as our urbanest Facebook groups, to connect with flatmates and other residents but if not introduce yourself as soon as possible. Whether you’re the first or last to arrive, everyone is in the same boat and the best thing to do is put yourself out there.

Never lived away from home before? No need to worry, check out our top tips for sharing a flat for some advice to make it a bit easier!

7. Do a food shop

Once you’ve settled in, it’s worth heading to the local supermarket to stock up on a few essentials. Freshers’ Week can be full-on, so having some quick meals and a few home comforts ready will make life much easier. A shopping list is your best friend here; it’ll help you stick to your budget and avoid buying things you’ll never actually cook. And if your fridge does run empty (it happens), London is packed with takeaway spots and delivery options on apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Just keep an eye on your spending so your budget lasts the whole term. To get started, read our article on how to budget at university and our guide to eating out on a budget.

8. Get to know the area

Once you’ve unpacked a little, it’s the perfect time to head out and get to know your new neighbourhood. London is one of the easiest cities to get around, so start by finding the nearest bus stops and train stations you’ll be using most often – it’ll save you time later when you’re heading to uni or exploring the city’s hotspots. Read our guide to travel cards to help you get set up for navigating the capital, and check out our advice on navigating London Zone 1.

Then, take a walk around the area to see what’s on your doorstep. All our urbanest buildings are located in some of the most exciting parts of London, so you’ll quickly discover shops, cafés, and plenty to do. Plus, stretching your legs is a great way to shake off any travel fatigue and ease those first-day nerves. For some inspiration, read our list of 21 quirky things to do in London.

Related: A Guide to Moving to London.

9. Register with a local GP

It might not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but registering with a local GP is really important once you’ve arrived at uni. Having a GP close by means you’ll be able to book appointments easily if you ever feel unwell, and it’s essential if you need repeat prescriptions during your time in London. Most surgeries will ask for proof of address and some ID, so keep those documents handy when you go to register.

For more information, read our guide to London student health services, as well as our tips for avoiding freshers’ flu.

10. Decorate your room

Your room is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your new home. Adding some personal touches can really help you feel more comfortable and at home, preventing feelings of homesickness. Bring along photos, cushions, or even a plant to brighten things up and make the space feel like yours. Just remember not to go too wild with nails or Blu Tack on the walls – there are plenty of student-friendly ways to decorate without risking your deposit.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Student Contents Insurance.

11. Join some societies

One of the best parts of starting uni is the chance to meet new people, and societies are the perfect way to do it. Whether you’re into sport, music, politics, or something totally niche, there’s bound to be a group for you. Freshers’ Fair is the ideal place to explore your options. Sign up for a few that catch your eye and give them a try. You’ll make friends outside your course and might even discover a new passion along the way.

Explore more tips on how to make the most of your time at university.

12. Prep for your studies

Last but not least, don’t forget about the reason you’re at uni – your course. While Freshers’ Week is all about settling in and having fun, it’s also worth taking a little time to get organised for your studies. Log in to your university portal, check your timetable, and make sure you know what’s expected in your first week of classes and brush up on lecture etiquette. Sorting out your laptop, software, and any course books early will save a lot of last-minute stress. To ease the switch from summer-mode to study-mode, take a look at our article on getting back into the rhythm after a break.

For a deeper dive into what’s ahead, check out our guide on what to expect during your first year at university. Or, for more local recommendations and activity suggestions, explore our urbanest Student Journal.

For any other pre-arrival questions you may have you can email us at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)20 7042 7890. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home!