Types of Student Accommodation in London
London students typically move into one of three types of accommodation. University halls of residence are often the first choice for first-years—managed by the uni, usually all-inclusive, and a great way to meet people. Shared houses (HMOs) are popular with second and third years, offering more independence and often lower costs per person. Private studio or one-bed flats are an option for postgraduate students or those who prefer their own space. Each type has different moving considerations: halls may have specific move-in slots, while shared houses often require coordinating with housemates and landlords.
Budgeting for Your Student Move
Student budgets are tight, so planning costs in advance matters. A man and van for a typical student room move (bed, desk, boxes, maybe a small sofa) usually costs £80–£200 for a local London move. If you're coming from outside London, add distance and possible parking or permit costs. Many students split a van with friends moving to the same area—this can cut costs significantly. Factor in packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) and any storage if you're moving in stages. Use our quote calculator for a quick estimate based on your move size and distance.
Universities like UCL, King's, and LSE are in central London where parking can be tricky. Some halls have loading bays or drop-off points; others require a permit. Ask your accommodation office for details before booking. Mid-week moves are often £20–£50 cheaper than weekends, and booking 3–4 weeks ahead usually secures better rates than a last-minute slot.
When to Book Your Student Removals
University move-in dates are concentrated around September and January. These are peak periods for removals companies, so book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best availability and prices. If you leave it to the last week, you may face limited slots or higher rates. Mid-week moves (Tuesday–Thursday) are often cheaper than weekends. If your parents are helping, coordinate with their schedule—many families book a house removals van for a full-day slot so they can unpack and set up in one trip.
What to Bring vs What to Leave
Room space is limited, so prioritise essentials. Bedding, toiletries, clothes, study materials, a laptop, and chargers are must-haves. A small lamp, kettle, and basic kitchen kit (plate, mug, cutlery) will make your first week easier. Check with your accommodation—halls often provide a bed and desk; shared houses may be unfurnished. Avoid bringing bulky furniture unless you know it fits. For items you need occasionally (winter coats, extra books), consider storage or leaving them at home and collecting later. We can help with furniture delivery if you buy second-hand from Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
If you're in a shared house, coordinate with housemates on kitchen and living room items. Duplicates (three toasters, five irons) waste space. Some students bring a mini-fridge for their room—check your tenancy agreement first, as some landlords restrict appliances. See our moving day checklist for a full packing list.
Moving Day Tips for Students
On the day, be ready when the removals team arrives. Have boxes labelled by room (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) so unloading is quick. Keep valuables, important documents, and anything fragile with you. Confirm access details—key collection, building codes, parking—before the move. If you're in halls, there may be a designated loading bay; in a shared house, check parking restrictions and resident permits. Read our moving day checklist for a full step-by-step guide.
Quick Checklist
- Book removals 2–4 weeks ahead
- Label all boxes clearly
- Confirm access and parking with accommodation
- Keep valuables and documents with you
- Have water and snacks for the team
London Student Areas We Cover
We serve all London universities and student hubs. From Bloomsbury (UCL, SOAS, Birkbeck) to Stratford (UEL, Queen Mary), Greenwich to South Kensington (Imperial), our teams know the streets, parking restrictions, and building access. We also cover shared house areas like Camden, Hackney, and Clapham where many students rent. See our areas we serve for full coverage.
Ready to Book Your Student Move?
We cover all London universities—UCL, King's, Imperial, LSE, and beyond. Our teams know student areas like Bloomsbury, Stratford, and Greenwich and can advise on access and parking. Get an instant quote in under 2 minutes using our calculator, or call us at 07345 129254 to discuss your move. We're here 7 days a week to help with your London student move.