At a glance
A student move-in day checklist covering paperwork, photos, room checks, meter readings, Wi-Fi, cleaning basics and protecting your rental deposit.
Student move-in
Keep the important paperwork together
Before keys, boxes and introductions take over, keep one physical folder or zipped pouch for the documents you may need on the day.
- ID and university documents: passport, driving licence, student ID details, acceptance or enrolment information.
- Accommodation records: tenancy agreement, halls contract, check-in instructions, guarantor paperwork and emergency contact details.
- Money and access: bank card, rent payment confirmation if relevant, key collection details and any parking or arrival slot information.
Do not pack this folder in a random moving box. Keep it with your phone, charger and keys.
Do a room video before you unpack
As soon as you have access, take a slow video of the room or flat. Capture walls, carpet, mattress, desk, wardrobe, windows, plugs, bathroom fittings and kitchen areas if they are part of your tenancy.
Then take clear photos of anything damaged: marks on walls, stained carpet, chipped furniture, mould, broken blinds, missing shelves or appliance issues. This is not about being difficult; it is about having a fair record of the condition on day one.
Check the basics while the room is still empty
A mostly empty room is easier to inspect. Before you build a bed nest, test the things you will rely on every day.
- Lights and sockets: test switches and plug in a charger where you plan to work or sleep.
- Heating and windows: check radiators, draughts, locks and whether windows open and close properly.
- Wi-Fi and signal: connect early so you can report issues before the first week gets busy.
- Meters and appliances: if you are in a shared rental, record meter readings and test the fridge, freezer, hob, microwave and boiler controls where appropriate.
Report issues in writing
If something is broken, dirty, missing or unsafe, report it to your landlord, agent, accommodation office or halls team as soon as possible. Written records matter. A quick email with photos is easier to rely on later than a casual conversation in a hallway.
Keep your tone factual: what the issue is, where it is, when you noticed it and what photo or video shows it.
Set up your first 24 hours
Once the checks are done, make the room usable before you try to make it perfect. Put bedding on the bed, find toiletries, plug in your charger, wipe surfaces, set up water and snacks, and keep bin bags close.
An extension lead is often one of the most useful student move-in items, but check accommodation guidance and avoid overloading sockets.
Store evidence where you can find it
Deposit evidence only helps if you can find it months later. Save move-in photos and videos in a dedicated folder, back them up, and keep copies of any emails about existing damage.
PackQR can be useful for this kind of record keeping. Create a record for your room, add notes like “carpet mark by desk” or “wardrobe door scratched”, and keep the photos grouped with the rest of your move-in information. At move-out, you are not searching through a year of camera roll photos under pressure.
Before your helpers leave
Do one final sweep: paperwork safe, keys working, bed made, charger accessible, medication unpacked, wallet or purse located, and anything valuable moved out of the car. Once that is done, you can start turning the room into yours.
General information: This guide is practical information, not legal, financial, medical or regulated professional advice. Requirements and risks vary by location and circumstances.