Moving in checklist
So you've made your accommodation arrangements, whether it's in halls or a private rental, and now it's time to plan the big move.
Take a look through our helpful checklist for some of the things you may need to arrange before you arrive or once you're here.
Your room will have storage, but not a huge amount, so pack sensibly and remember that, for most of you, you’ll be moving out again in June.
You can order bedding, kitchen and bathroom kits through UniKitOut, who deliver directly to your halls before you arrive. Save 10% with the discount code MU10.
Consider waiting until you arrive to buy kitchen items as some shared houses may have kitchen supplies. Often your fellow housemates may already own some things that you can share – and be sure to check out local charity shops in the city centre, Fallowfield and Withington for bargains.
There is no parking available at University halls, with the exception of spaces for blue-badge holders, so we advise against bringing your car to University.
If you’re renting privately and have access to a car, make sure you check whether parking is available or a permit is required.
If you’re moving into University accommodation you must complete your inventory within 24 hours of your arrival. An inventory is a record of what is in your room and what condition it is in when you arrive.
For those renting privately Manchester Student Homes has more details about inventories.
Licence agreements for University accommodation include up to £10,000 contents insurance cover against theft and loss, but not accidental damage.
If you’re living in private accommodation, you should arrange insurance as soon as possible after arriving.
Although the cost of living in Manchester is similar to other major cities across the UK, we know that the rising cost of essential items is a worry. We have support available across campus for our students, as well as guidance on accessing urgent financial assistance.
You can visit our Student Support site to discover:
Council Tax is a local government tax which covers local public services such as street lighting and waste collection. The majority of students are exempt from paying Council Tax, so if you’re renting privately, you need to inform Manchester City Council that you're a full-time student.
This exemption is based on your academic year, not your tenancy dates. For example, if you sign a tenancy agreement in July but do not enrol on your course until late September, you will be charged council tax from the start of your contract until your student status officially begins.
Check the length of your licence agreement – you might only want to stay in Manchester during term-time, which for undergraduates is 41 or 42 weeks. Private rentals usually last a full year, so you could end up paying for an additional 12 weeks rent that you don’t need. Use the links below to check the details for your accommodation licence or contract:
Manchester Student Homes will check your contracts for free. We also have guidance on how to pay for your accommodation.
If you’re moving into halls we can assure you that all rooms will be properly cleaned before arrival. Our Accommodation Team have put together some arrival information, so be sure to read it before you get here.
If you're moving into private accommodation, you should expect that it has been well cleaned prior to your move-in. If the property has been poorly cleaned and you’re renting, it’s worth taking photos as evidence and following up with your landlord or estate agent to see if they can send a cleaner to sort it out for you.
You may be able to register to vote at both your home and term-time addresses. If your home and university addresses are in different local authority areas, it's possible to vote in both areas for local elections but only once in general elections. EU and international students should check if they’re eligible to vote.
You'll find several GP practices located within a short distance of University accommodation. You can use our list of surgeries to find out which ones are closest to your halls.
Our on-campus University GP Service – provided by the Robert Darbishire Practice – is located in Crawford House (shown on the Campus map here as Building 31). Find out more about the service on the Robert Darbishire Practice website, or register as a patient using their online portal.
We strongly encourage you to register with a local GP close to your accommodation, so you can access their services quickly should you need them.
In the UK all televisions must be licensed. A licence costs £174.50 per year, which can be paid in monthly instalments. If you have a television or stream live TV on your laptop or devices in University accommodation or in any room in private accommodation, you'll have to purchase a TV licence.
If you're moving into the University's Unsworth Park Halls, the University provides the licence for the communal TV.
If you are living in a shared house, you may not need to purchase a TV licence depending on the type of contract you are on. Visit the TV licencing page for more info.
If you’re living in University halls you don’t need to worry about utility bills – this is all included in your accommodation fees.
If you’re renting privately your landlord should provide you with details of utility suppliers. Make sure you take meter readings as soon as you move in. If your contract includes bills, make sure you check the fair usage policy. There might be a limit, and if you go over it you could end up paying extra.