Also see our New Arrivals Guide.
When to move in
Whether you’re only just joining us or are moving between rooms, you will usually be able to collect your new keys after 3pm on your contract start date from your Residence Reception. Make sure you check out their opening times.
There are specific arrivals instructions for certain groups of students who start their studies in January; please see the information below.
Students moving into Spreytonway can collect their keys from Bridestowe House reception between 4:00pm and 9:30pm on Sunday 11 January 2026.
If you are arriving to a residence where the reception isn't open, your journey is delayed or your travel plans mean that you arrive when Bridstowe House is closed, please wait outside the reception building and call Estate Patrol on 01392 723999. If you are unable to make a phone call then you can go to the Estate Patrol office which is located next to the main University reception on Streatham Campus. Estate Patrol will be able to give you your room key but you will need to report to reception when it is next open so that they can give you any additional arrival and welcome information.
Please note: If the Estate Patrol team are dealing with an emergency then there might be a delay in them reaching you. Please continue to wait at the residence reception.
If you are arriving from Monday 12 January 2026 onwards then please check the reception opening times.
Find out below how to book your arrival slot.
If you are allocated to INTO Duryard, our partners will be providing you with details about key collection once your contract is confirmed with them.
If you are allocated to another residence, please see the reception opening times to confirm where and when you can collect your keys.
If you are arriving to a residence where the reception isn't open, your journey is delayed or your travel plans mean that you arrive when Bridstowe House is closed, please wait outside the reception building and call Estate Patrol on 01392 723999. If you are unable to make a phone call then you can go to the Estate Patrol office which is located next to the main University reception on Streatham Campus. Estate Patrol will be able to give you your room key but you will need to report to reception when it is next open so that they can give you any additional arrival and welcome information.
Please note: If the Estate Patrol team are dealing with an emergency then there might be a delay in them reaching you. Please continue to wait at the residence reception.
Find out below how to book your arrival slot.
Looking for information about arriving over the Welcome weekend or during September? We will update the Moving In pages in June with all the information you need, so please check back.
Booking your arrival slot
You will need to book an arrival slot via our system so that the Residence knows to expect you and have your key and room ready.
Process for booking your arrival slot
- First – make sure you have accepted your accommodation offer. You’ll then receive your Contract Formation email from us.
- We will email you again asking you to complete an online Student Welcome Induction and book your arrival slot. Depending on the time of year you are moving in, you might only be able to do this a week before your contract start date, but we will email you to notify you when the system is open for you. Please see the My Applications and Bookings page on your accommodation account to find the link to your Welcome Induction. You cannot book your arrival without completing the Welcome Induction first.
- Once you have completed your Welcome Induction you will be asked to book an arrival slot. Use the dropdown function to change the arrival date if necessary.
- If you’re planning to arrive in a vehicle, you’ll need to print a permit for your vehicle during the booking process. This permit is only valid for the duration of your arrival slot to unload at your residence and cannot be used any other time. Outside of your arrival slot you will need to park elsewhere.
Your arrival
- Identify your residence reception. Most receptions serve a number of residences so may be located in a different area.
- Please check your reception opening times and aim to arrive during these times wherever possible.
- When you arrive, staff will register your arrival and provide instructions on how to find to your room. Keys must be collected by you as the the resident and not anyone who is with you.
- If you arrive in a vehicle, you are only permitted to park close to the residence during your booked arrival slot to enable you to unload. If you arrive early, please wait in a longer-term parking area. At the end of your slot you will need to move your vehicle to alternative parking.
- If you’re an international student, you may find the University information about travelling to the University helpful.
What to do if you arrive when reception is closed
If your journey is delayed or your travel plans mean that you arrive when reception is closed, please wait at reception and call Estate Patrol on 01392 723999. If you are unable to make a phone call then you can go to the Estate Patrol office which is located next to the main University reception on Streatham Campus. Estate Patrol will be able to give you your room key but you will need to report to reception when it is next open so that they can give you any additional arrival and welcome information.
Please note: If the Estate Patrol team are dealing with an emergency then there might be a delay in them reaching you. Please continue to wait at the residence reception.
What to bring with you
Getting ready to move to University can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming thinking about what you need to bring with you.
The good news is that you can save money and packing space by using the Gift it, Reuse it scheme. This is where last year’s students donated their unwanted items to be reused by others, for free. Find out more on the Gift it, Reuse it page.
We’ve put together a handy Moving In Guide to help you plan what to pack, and more importantly what you don’t need to bring with you. Plus, some top tips on what to do once you first arrive at your accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your accommodation will only be available from 15:00 on your contract start date. If you need to arrive early then you will need to make alternative arrangements for temporary private or hotel accommodation.
For students who are arriving to begin their studies in January, please see the specific information relevant to arrivals and key collection in the menus above.
Storage space is not available for belongings that are sent in advance. If you aren’t bringing all your belongings with you when you arrive, your other belongings should arrive after you have moved in.
