See our advice for moving into your new home, including preparing for the move, and what to do on the day.
Preparing for moving day
Follow our advice for things to consider before moving day.
Storing items
Important: The University will not store any items over the summer. If you are returning to Brighton for the next academic year and do not wish to take all belongings home with you, you will need to arrange for the collection and storage of your items by a private company. There are many packing and storage companies in the city that offer deals to students over the summer.
Check you’ve paid your deposit and received important paperwork
Make sure you and your housemates have paid everything that was due before moving in, such as the security deposit and (if requested) rent in advance. You will also need to have completed your right to rent check. You may not be able to collect your keys if you have not done this.
You should check you’ve received the correct paperwork, such as:
- the tenancy agreement
- deposit protection information
- how to rent guide and safety certificates for the property.
Confirm with your landlord or letting agent when and where you will collect your keys.
Work out how you’ll travel to the property
Think about how you’ll get to the property.
If you are travelling by car, think ahead about where you can park to unload your belongings.
If you are travelling to the property from outside the UK, plan your arrival time so that you can collect your keys from your landlord or letting agent at a suitable time. If you arrive late at night they may not be able to meet you.
Plan the day
Decide with your housemates before you arrive who is having which bedroom, this will prevent any disagreements on the day.
Check if the landlord will be meeting you at the property to show you around and make sure you have agreed on a suitable time.
Discuss with your housemates which household items each of you will be bringing.
On the day
Moving into your new home is an exciting day – see how to make it as stress free as possible.
Check the inventory
Before you move your things in, go around the property and check the inventory. If you don’t have an inventory, you can create one yourself. You should also take your own timestamped photos of the property before moving your belongings in.
If you notice anything different to what has been written on the inventory, make a note of it and send an updated version in writing to your landlord or letting agent.
Set up utilities and council tax
When you arrive, you need to take a meter reading for gas, electricity and water. It is best to take a photo of the meter reading in case you need to send this to the supplier.
Once you have your meter readings, you can call or go online to set up an account with the energy supplier if your bills are not already included in the rent. You should put the names of everyone in the house on the account.
Your tenancy agreement may require you to inform the landlord if you wish to change supplier.
If you do not know who your energy supplier is you can find out from Ofgem.
You will also need to complete the council tax discount application form. If you are a full time registered student you may be eligible for a council tax discount or for exemption.
Find out more about council tax exemptions.
Your first week at the property
Find out what to do during your first few days in your new home.
Register with local health providers
You must register with your local GP practice, don’t wait until you are feeling unwell. We also recommend that you register with a dentist.
You may want to register for healthcare on campus.
Check appliances and bin collection days
It is important you check where important appliances are in the property such as the boiler, safety valves and the water stopcock (which is used to turn the water off in an emergency).
Look for any manufacturer guides or landlord instructions on how to use the appliances or check to see if they are available online.
Find out when your rubbish and recycling collection days will be and put this information on your notice board. You could also put important contacts on the notice board, such as the landlord’s number and email.
Check what you can dispose of and recycle. You can find out more about this and collection days on Brighton & Hove City Council’s website.
Meet neighbours and explore the area
It’s good to have a positive relationship with your neighbours, they have lots of local knowledge about the area and are great to ask for advice.