Moving Into Student Accommodation in Bath: The Complete Student Move-In Checklist

Moving into student accommodation in Bath is exciting, but there is a lot to think about in the first few days.

Whether you are moving into university halls, a shared student house, a studio or managed student accommodation, a little preparation can make the whole process much easier.

This checklist covers the practical things students should do when moving into accommodation in Bath, from checking the inventory and taking photographs to setting up Wi-Fi, understanding bills and knowing how to report maintenance.

For a wider overview of accommodation options, read our The Complete Guide to Student Accommodation in Bath (2026)

Before You Arrive

Before move-in day, make sure you have the basic information you need.

Check:

• your move-in date and time
• where and how to collect keys
• whether you need ID at check-in
• whether any rent or deposit payments are outstanding
• what furniture is included
• whether bedding is provided
• whether bills are included
• whether internet is already active
• where you can park or unload
• who to contact if you are delayed

If you are travelling from overseas or from another part of the UK, it is worth confirming these details in advance so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Your First Job: Check the Inventory

One of the most important things to do when you move in is check the inventory.

The inventory is a record of the condition of the property and its contents at the start of the tenancy. It may include photographs and descriptions of furniture, walls, flooring, appliances and other fixtures.

Read it carefully and make sure it accurately reflects the property.

Look for:

• marks on walls
• stains on carpets
• damaged furniture
• broken handles
• cracked tiles
• chipped worktops
• missing items
• damaged blinds or curtains
• appliance faults
• existing mould or damp
• broken lights
• damaged bathroom fittings

If something is missing or incorrect, report it straight away.

Take Your Own Photos and Videos

Even if an inventory has been provided, take your own photos when you move in.

Photograph:

• your bedroom
• kitchen
• bathroom
• communal areas
• furniture
• walls
• flooring
• windows
• appliances
• any existing damage

Take clear pictures in good light and keep them somewhere safe.

A short video walkthrough can also be useful.

This gives you your own record of the property condition at the start of the tenancy and can help avoid disputes later.

Test Everything

Do not assume everything is working just because it looks fine.

In your first day or two, test:

• taps
• shower
• toilets
• heating
• hot water
• cooker
• oven
• fridge
• freezer
• washing machine
• lights
• extractor fans
• door locks
• windows
• smoke alarms
• internet connection

If anything is not working properly, report it promptly.

Do not leave small problems for weeks. A minor leak or fault can become a bigger issue if it is not dealt with quickly.

Find Out How to Report Maintenance

Make sure you know how to report repairs.

Depending on your accommodation, this may be through:

• an online maintenance system
• an app
• your managing agent
• an accommodation office
• email
• telephone

Ask:

• What is the normal maintenance reporting process?
• Who do I contact in an emergency?
• Is there out-of-hours support?
• What counts as an emergency?
• How will I know when a contractor is visiting?

Students living in professionally managed accommodation should have a clear way to report maintenance and track what happens next.

Understand Your Bills

If you are in bills-included accommodation, check exactly what is covered.

This may include:

• gas
• electricity
• water
• internet
• contents insurance
• communal cleaning

Check whether there is a fair usage policy or any limits.

If bills are not included, you may need to arrange utility accounts with your housemates.

Make sure everyone understands:

• which bills need setting up
• whose name will be on the accounts
• how payments will be split
• when bills are due

For more detail, read our guide to bills-included student accommodation in Bath.

Get Your Wi-Fi Sorted

Good internet is essential for studying, streaming and keeping in touch with family and friends.

If internet is included, connect as soon as you move in and check that the signal works throughout the property.

If you need to arrange broadband yourself, do it early. Installation can take time.

In a shared house, think about:

• number of users
• video calls
• streaming
• gaming
• study requirements

A slow connection can become frustrating very quickly if several people are using it at the same time.

Check the Heating

Bath can get cold quickly once autumn begins, so make sure you understand how the heating works.

Find out:

• where the thermostat is
• whether heating is timed
• how radiators are controlled
• whether hot water is separate
• whether heating is included in the rent
• whether there are usage limits

If you are unsure, ask your agent or accommodation provider.

Knowing how the system works early can save a lot of confusion later.

Know Where the Stopcock and Fuse Box Are

This is easy to forget, but useful in an emergency.

Find out:

• where the water stopcock is
• where the fuse box is
• where the gas shut-off is, if applicable

You may never need them, but knowing where they are can help if there is a leak, power issue or other emergency.

Check Fire and Safety Information

Make sure you know where safety equipment is located.

Check:

• smoke alarms
• carbon monoxide alarms where required
• fire exits
• fire doors
• escape routes
• emergency contact details

Do not interfere with smoke alarms or fire doors.

If anything appears damaged or missing, report it immediately.

Check Your Keys and Access

Make sure you have all the keys or access devices you need.

This may include:

• front door key
• bedroom key
• communal entrance key
• fob
• mailbox key
• bike store access
• bin store access

Check that everything works.

If you lose a key or fob, report it quickly rather than trying to organise a replacement yourself.

Register for Council Tax Exemption

Full-time students are often exempt from Council Tax, but you may need to provide evidence of your student status.

Check with your university and local council to make sure the correct exemption is in place.

If everyone in the property is a full-time student, Council Tax may not be payable. If you live with someone who is not a full-time student, different rules may apply.

Do not assume the exemption happens automatically.

Register With a GP

If you have moved to Bath for university, it is sensible to register with a local GP.

You do not want to wait until you are ill before trying to work out where to go.

Check:

• which GP practices cover your area
• whether your university has a medical centre
• how to register
• where the nearest pharmacy is

International students should also make sure they understand how NHS services work and what support is available through their university.

Find Your Nearest Pharmacy

It is useful to know where your nearest pharmacy is before you need it.

Save the details on your phone and check opening times.

You may also want to know where the nearest:

• supermarket
• convenience store
• dentist
• urgent treatment centre
• hospital

is located.

Learn the Bin and Recycling Rules

Different properties may have different bin arrangements.

Find out:

• which bins are yours
• collection days
• recycling rules
• where communal bins are located
• whether food waste is collected separately

In shared houses, agree who will put the bins out.

Missing collections can quickly become unpleasant in a busy student property.

Check Your Contents Insurance

Some student accommodation includes basic contents insurance, but not all properties do.

Check whether your belongings are covered.

Think about items such as:

• laptop
• phone
• tablet
• bicycle
• musical instruments
• jewellery
• gaming equipment

If insurance is included, check the limits and exclusions.

You may need additional cover for higher-value items.

Update Your Address

Once you have moved in, update your address where necessary.

This may include:

• bank
• university
• employer
• GP
• driving licence
• insurance
• mobile provider
• online shopping accounts

If you have moved from overseas, make sure your university has your correct UK contact details.

Introduce Yourself to Housemates

If you are living with people you do not know, a little effort at the beginning can make shared living much easier.

Discuss:

• cleaning
• fridge space
• food
• guests
• noise
• bills
• shared purchases
• bins
• bathroom routines

It may feel formal, but agreeing some basics early can prevent arguments later.

Agree Cleaning Responsibilities

Shared properties work much better when everyone knows what is expected.

You could use:

• a cleaning rota
• shared cleaning products
• agreed kitchen rules
• shared responsibility for bins

Do not wait until the kitchen or bathroom becomes a problem before discussing it.

Check Your Commute

Before lectures begin, practise your journey to university.

Check:

• bus stops
• walking route
• cycling route
• journey time
• peak-time travel
• evening transport

Bath is compact but also very hilly, so travel times can feel different in reality than they do on a map.

University of Bath students should check routes towards Claverton Down.

Bath Spa University students should check whether they need to travel to Newton Park, Locksbrook or another teaching location.

Save Important Contacts

Save these on your phone:

• landlord or managing agent
• maintenance reporting details
• emergency maintenance number
• university accommodation team
• university security
• GP
• housemates
• local taxi number

You do not want to search through emails during an emergency.

International Students: Extra Things to Check

If you have moved to Bath from overseas, there may be a few additional things to organise.

Check:

• UK bank account
• UK mobile number
• student status letter
• GP registration
• council tax exemption
• transport options
• emergency contacts
• university international student support

For more guidance, read our guide to student accommodation in Bath for international students.

What to Do in Your First 48 Hours

Use this quick checklist:

Day One

• collect and test all keys
• check the inventory
• take photographs and video
• test appliances
• check hot water
• check heating
• connect to Wi-Fi
• locate the fuse box and stopcock
• check smoke alarms
• report any immediate problems

Day Two

• unpack properly
• confirm bills
• understand maintenance reporting
• locate bins and recycling
• practise your route to university
• find your nearest supermarket
• find your nearest pharmacy
• register with a GP
• organise contents insurance if needed
• agree household basics with housemates

Once these things are done, you can actually start enjoying your new home.

Shared House Move-In Checklist

If you are moving into a shared student house, also check:

• everyone has signed the tenancy
• everyone knows how rent is paid
• guarantor paperwork is complete
• utility accounts are organised
• Wi-Fi is active
• housemates agree how bills are split
• cleaning responsibilities are clear
• room allocation is agreed
• communal furniture is recorded on the inventory

Shared houses can be great fun, but they work best when everyone is organised from the start.

Moving Into a Studio

If you are moving into a student studio, your checklist is slightly simpler because you are responsible for your own space.

Focus on:

• inventory
• appliances
• internet
• heating
• storage
• laundry arrangements
• bills
• maintenance reporting
• security
• contract terms

For more information, read our guide to student studios in Bath.

Moving Into Student Halls or Managed Accommodation

If you are moving into halls or managed student accommodation, check:

• reception or management contact
• parcel arrangements
• laundry facilities
• communal areas
• guest policies
• bike storage
• building access
• maintenance reporting
• fire procedures

Managed accommodation can make move-in simpler, but you should still understand how the building operates.

For more information, read our guide to student halls vs shared houses in Bath.

FAQs

What should I do first when moving into student accommodation?

Check the inventory, take your own photos, test appliances and make sure all existing damage is recorded.

Should students take photos when moving in?

Yes. Photographs provide your own record of the property condition and can be useful at the end of the tenancy.

Do students need to register for Council Tax exemption?

Full-time students are often exempt, but you may need to provide evidence of student status. Check with your university and local council.

Do I need contents insurance?

It is sensible to check whether your belongings are covered. Some student accommodation includes basic insurance, while other properties do not.

Should I register with a GP in Bath?

Yes. If you are living in Bath during your studies, registering with a local GP can make accessing healthcare much easier.

What should I report when I move in?

Report anything that is damaged, missing, unsafe or not working. Do this promptly and keep a written record.

What should international students organise after moving to Bath?

International students may need to organise a UK bank account, GP registration, student status documents, council tax exemption, mobile phone and local transport.

Final Thoughts

Moving into student accommodation is much easier when you deal with the practical details early.

Take time to check the property properly, understand your bills, learn how maintenance works and make sure important safety and contact information is easy to find.

Once the essentials are sorted, you can focus on settling into Bath, starting university and enjoying student life.

For more guidance, read our complete guide to student accommodation in Bath, compare the best areas to live in Bath as a student, explore bills-included student accommodation in Bath, or read our guide to student halls vs shared houses in Bath.