Types of Student Moves
Every year brings different moving challenges. Here's what to expect at each stage of your university journey:
First Year: Home to Halls
Usually the smallest move—just your essentials for the term. Parents often drive you down, but a small van works if they can't.
What you'll typically bring:
- • Bedding, duvet, pillows
- • Clothes for the term
- • Laptop + study supplies
- • Kitchen basics (if self-catered)
- • Toiletries + personal items
Second Year: Halls to House Share
You've accumulated more stuff—and now you're furnishing your own room. This is usually the biggest move.
What's typically added:
- • Desk and chair (sometimes)
- • Bookshelf or storage unit
- • Marketplace furniture finds
- • Kitchen equipment you've collected
- • Decorations, plants, fairy lights
Third Year+: House Share to House Share
Moving between rentals with housemates? Coordinate to share a van and split costs dramatically.
Smart move tip:
- • Coordinate move-out with housemates
- • Share one larger van, split cost 3-4 ways
- • Each person pays £30-50 instead of £100+
- • We do multi-stop pickups in one trip
Graduation: Moving Home or First Flat
Three years of accumulated stuff heading home—or straight into your first "proper" flat. Often involves IKEA trips too!
Consider:
- • Selling furniture you can't take
- • Storage if there's a gap before your next place
- • Combining IKEA pickup with your move
- • Longer distance if heading out of London
Student Moving Timeline
Exams, deadlines, and moving don't mix well. Here's when to do what:
4 Weeks Before
- • Confirm your new tenancy start date
- • Book your man and van (avoid last-minute rush)
- • Start decluttering—sell or donate what you don't need
- • Collect free boxes from supermarkets
2 Weeks Before
- • Start packing non-essentials (books, out-of-season clothes)
- • Arrange key collection for new place
- • Notify bank, Student Finance, HMRC of address change
- • Set up mail redirect (£33.99 for 3 months via Royal Mail)
1 Week Before
- • Pack kitchen items and decorations
- • Take photos of your room for deposit return
- • Clean as you pack (less to do on move day)
- • Confirm times with your van driver
Day Before
- • Pack your overnight bag (essentials for first night)
- • Defrost fridge/freezer if you're taking one
- • Double-check parking situation at both addresses
- • Charge your phone—you'll need it for coordination!
Student Packing Checklist
Everything you need for a student room, organised by category. Tick off as you pack:
Bedroom Essentials
- Duvet + duvet cover
- Pillows + pillowcases
- Mattress protector
- Sheets (fitted + flat)
- Blanket/throw
- Desk lamp
- Clothes hangers
Kitchen (Self-Catered)
- Pots and pans (1-2)
- Plates, bowls, mugs
- Cutlery set
- Chopping board + knife
- Kettle (check if shared)
- Tupperware containers
- Tea towels + sponges
Bathroom
- Towels (2-3)
- Shower caddy/bag
- Toiletries
- Flip flops (for shared showers)
- First aid kit basics
- Toilet roll (first night!)
Tech & Study
- Laptop + charger
- Phone charger
- Extension lead (4-way minimum)
- Ethernet cable (WiFi backup)
- Headphones
- Stationery basics
Packing Pro Tips
Costs & Saving Money
We know students are on a budget. Here's what moves actually cost and how to keep prices down:
Typical Student Move Costs (London)
| Move Type | Van Size | Solo Cost | Shared (each) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halls to nearby house share | Small (SWB) | £50-70 | — |
| House share to house share (local) | Medium (LWB) | £70-100 | £25-35 |
| Cross-London move | Medium (LWB) | £100-150 | £35-50 |
| 3-4 housemates, full house | Large (Luton) | £150-200 | £40-50 |
7 Ways to Save Money
Share with housemates
Split one van 3-4 ways. Individual cost drops 50-70%.
Move midweek
Tuesday-Thursday is 10-20% cheaper than weekends.
Book early
2-4 weeks notice = better rates. Last minute = premium prices.
Declutter first
Less stuff = smaller van = lower cost. Sell on Marketplace first.
Pack yourself
We load/unload, you pack. Free boxes from supermarkets.
Be ready when we arrive
Fully packed, doors unlocked, clear path = faster move.
Mention you're a student
Show your student ID—we offer student discounts. We know budgets are tight.
London University Area Guide
We regularly help students move to and from every London university. Here's what you need to know about each area:
University College London
Main campus: Bloomsbury (Gower Street) | Other: Stratford, Hampstead
King's College London
Campuses: Strand, Waterloo, Denmark Hill, Guy's
Imperial College London
Main campus: South Kensington | Medical: Hammersmith, Chelsea
London School of Economics
Campus: Holborn/Aldwych | Halls spread across London
Queen Mary University of London
Main campus: Mile End | Also: Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square
More Universities We Cover
Best Student Areas in London
Where you live affects your budget, commute, and social life. Here's the breakdown:
| Area | Avg Rent (pw) | Near To | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mile End | £150-180 | QMUL, City | Student-heavy, affordable |
| Elephant & Castle | £160-200 | KCL, LSE, UAL | Regenerating, good transport |
| New Cross | £140-170 | Goldsmiths | Arty, affordable, SE vibe |
| Camden | £180-220 | UCL, Central St Martins | Trendy, nightlife, markets |
| Stratford | £160-190 | UCL East, UEL | Modern, Westfield, good links |
| South Kensington | £250-350 | Imperial, RCA | Posh, museums, expensive |
Budget tip: Live 20-30 mins from campus by tube. Areas like Walthamstow, Lewisham, or Wood Green offer lower rents with good transport links. Get a Student Oyster for 30% off travel.
Busy Periods to Avoid
Student moves peak at predictable times. If you can be flexible, you'll save money and stress:
Extremely Busy
- Late September (Freshers)
- Last week of June
- First week of July
Busy
- Last weekend of any month
- Early September
- Saturdays generally
Best Times
- Tuesday-Thursday
- Mid-month dates
- Early June, mid-September
Summer Storage Solutions
Don't want to drag everything home for summer? Here's how storage works:
How We Help
- Collect from your uni accommodation
- Deliver to your chosen storage unit
- Collect from storage in September
- Deliver to your new address
Typical Costs
Often cheaper than 3 months empty rent or transporting everything home twice!
Tenancy & Contract Tips
Protect yourself and your deposit with these essential tips:
Photograph everything on move-in
Take dated photos of every room, any existing damage, and meter readings. Email them to yourself for a timestamp.
Check your deposit is protected
In England, deposits must be in a government scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits). Ask for certificate within 30 days.
Understand break clauses
Can you leave mid-tenancy if plans change? Check for break clause options after 6 months.
Clean properly before leaving
Match the move-in condition. Professional cleaning (£100-150) is cheaper than deposit deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a student move cost in London?
What size van do I need for a student move?
When is the best time to book a student move?
Can students share a van to save money?
Do you offer student discounts?
Can you help with summer storage moves?
What should I pack first as a student?
Do you move items from IKEA for students?
Ready to Book Your Student Move?
Student discounts available. Same-day service. Flexible scheduling around exams.