Everything you need for your new home in London

Heading to Coventry University London or CU London for the first time? Packing smart will make moving into student accommodation a lot less stressful. Rooms in PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) and private housing are well equipped, but space is limited, so it’s best to focus on essentials and leave the rest behind.

This guide is designed especially for students at our London campus. It covers what to bring with you, what you can easily buy after arrival in London, and which items are not permitted in student accommodation.

Before you travel, remember to:

• ✅ Check your accommodation instalment plan so you know when payments are due.
• ✅ Confirm your check-in date and the time you can collect your keys.
• ✅ Contact your student accommodation provider to let them know your arrival date.
• ✅ Clear any outstanding payments in line with the provider’s Terms and Conditions.

This guide is designed especially for students at our London campuses. It covers what to bring with you, what you can easily buy after arrival, and which items are not permitted in student accommodation.

✅ Packing Checklist

Travel & Documents

• Passport and visa documents (keep these in your hand luggage)
• University offer letter and accommodation contract
• Bank cards and some British pounds (£) cash
• Insurance details, prescriptions, and emergency contacts

Bedroom

• Bedding: duvet, pillows, covers, sheets, mattress protector (check bed size first)
• Everyday clothes and shoes
• Seasonal wear: winter coat, gloves, summer clothes, raincoat, umbrella
• Laundry bag or basket, hangers, and detergent
• Comfort items: blanket, photos, small decorations

Bathroom

• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant
• Towels (body and hand) and bath mat
• Small first aid kit and any personal medication

Kitchen

Most PBSA kitchens already include a kettle, microwave, and oven. Bring or buy locally:

• One plate, bowl, mug, and glass
• Cutlery set and one sharp kitchen knife
• Frying pan, saucepan, and chopping board
• Reusable water bottle and lunchbox

Study & Tech

• Laptop, phone, chargers, and headphones
• UK plug adapters (Type G, three square pins)
• Notebooks, pens, highlighters, and folders
• Small desk lamp (if not provided)

🚫 What to Leave at Home

For safety reasons, student accommodation providers in London have strict rules. Prohibited items usually include:

• Candles, incense, or open flames
• Large appliances such as heaters, rice cookers, fridges, or toasters
• Excess furniture (rooms are already furnished)
• Fan heaters, electric scooter/bike chargers, or multi-socket block adaptors
• Printers (campus printing)

Note: Always check your accommodation handbook for a full list of restricted items.

Space-Saving & Travel Tips

• Travel light — London has affordable shops like IKEA, Argos, Primark, and Wilko for essentials.
• Use vacuum storage bags for bulky clothes like winter coats.
• Roll clothes instead of folding to save suitcase space.
• Buy toiletries after you arrive — they are heavy to pack and easy to find locally.
• Coordinate with flatmates so you do not all bring the same kitchen items.

Moving to London to study at Coventry University London or CU London is the start of an exciting chapter. You don’t need to bring your whole home with you. Focus on the essentials, clear any outstanding payments before you travel, confirm your check-in arrangements, and let your accommodation provider know when to expect you.

Almost everything else can be bought locally once you arrive. By packing smart and preparing in advance, you’ll make your first days in London stress-free and ready to enjoy student life from the moment you arrive.

You can find more information on our Coventry University London and CU London (Dagenham and Greenwich) accommodation webpages.