Student housing checklist: 12 key tasks when moving in

It's so exciting to finally move into your uni accommodation, but there are a few small jobs to do before the fun starts.

We've highlighted 12 tasks to complete when you first get to your student house, with advice on getting them done as quickly as possible.

1. Make sure you’re happy with the inventory

You should receive an inventory at the beginning of your tenancy, which records the condition of the property.

It's worth checking everything works properly (and even taking some photos), as it’s used to judge whether you'll get your full deposit back when you move out. If something's already broken, you shouldn’t be charged to fix it!

2. Check you have a Gas Safety Certificate

Your landlord needs to make sure the property's safe before you move in. Landlords are legally required to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all the gas appliances in a property, and it should be renewed every 12 months.

You can ask to see it if it hasn’t already been sent to you.

If you live in Scotland, your landlord will also need to send you an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

3. Sort out your utilities

Reading gas and electricity meters, shopping around for cheaper energy deals, sorting out payment… maybe not the most fun you'll have at university, but it's something you won't have to think about too much once it's done. 

4. Unpack your bags

Time to make your house your home! Start with the essentials, like unpacking your clothes and bedding and then you can get creative decorating and putting your stamp on the place. 

5. Clean

The property should be very clean when you move in. But it’s probably going to get a little grubby when everyone has unpacked everything.

It’s better to keep on top of cleanliness, so freshen things up with a quick vacuum and dust over. 

6. Do a safety check

This will hopefully be covered in the inventory check, but make sure all the locks work and that windows close securely. Let your landlord know if you have any concerns.

You'll want peace of mind that all your favourite belongings are safe, so don’t forget this one.

7. Check smoke and CO alarms

Again, this should be done before you move in but it's still worth checking them yourself. 

Make sure they’ve been installed in the right places. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to make sure there’s at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor; and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (like a coal fire or wood-burning stove).

8. Sort out broadband

If broadband isn’t included in your rent, you’ll need to get it set up. You could end up waiting a few weeks to get broadband installed, so take a look at it as soon as possible.

Loads of broadband contracts last for 18 months, which isn't great if you won’t be there for more than a year. So narrow down your search to either 12-month contracts, or more flexible monthly deals.

9. Register to vote

This one won't take long. If you aren’t registered to vote, you don’t get a say on who represents you - so head over to the register to vote gov.uk page.

10. Tell people your new address

You don't want your birthday cards to end up with a stranger - tell your friends and family where you’re living!

Once your loved ones know where you are, you should update your address with your uni, bank and mobile phone provider.

11. Decorate!

Time to have some fun and make the place your own. If you’re a music-lover, you might want to stick-up posters of your favourite bands.

It can be nice to put up photos of your friends and family to make things feel more homely - and to keep you going during a stressful exam season.

12. Reassess your student budget

It's a good idea to work out all of your expenses, so you know much money you have left to play with after paying for all the essentials like rent, bills and transport.