Starting uni or returning for another year? Whether you’re unpacking for the first time or you’ve graduated from halls to a private rental, moving into a new place is a big moment. It’s exciting, sometimes chaotic, and full of potential - especially when you’re turning a house into a home with your housemates.
To help you settle in smoothly and avoid future headaches, we’ve pulled together ten essential tips to keep your new space stress-free, safe, and student-ready.
💻 1. Sort out your internet
If your broadband isn’t already included in your rent, don’t wait - get it sorted early. Engineers can take time to arrive, and you don’t want to be stuck hotspotting when deadlines hit or when the final season of Stranger Things drops.
📌 Returning students: even if you sorted it last year, contracts don’t carry over. Look for 12-month or flexible deals—18-month contracts might outlast your tenancy.
Comparison websites make it easy to find student-friendly options. A quick search could save you money and hassle.
📸 2. Get snapping
Before you start rearranging furniture or unpacking your stuff, take photos of the property. Document everything - especially anything damaged, dirty, or missing. It might feel boring, but it’s your best defence if any disputes come up later.
📷 Returning students: even if you’ve rented before, don’t skip this step. Every property is different, and your deposit depends on it
📋 3. Check your inventory
You should receive an inventory list at the start of your tenancy. It records the condition of the property and its contents. Check that everything listed is actually there and working properly.
🛋 If something’s broken or missing, report it now - not when you’re moving out and being charged for it. This is one of the easiest ways to protect your deposit.
🔍 4. Read your meters - good luck finding them
Finding your gas and electricity meters might feel like the dullest scavenger hunt ever - but it’s worth it. Even if bills are included, knowing where your meters are helps if you ever need to give readings.
💡 If bills aren’t included, shop around for the best student deals. Some websites offer quotes tailored for student households - just make sure you read the terms and conditions before signing up.
🏠 5. Update your address
New house = new address. Update it everywhere: takeaway apps, banks, online shopping accounts, car insurance, and anything else that sends you post or deliveries.
🍕 You don’t want your late-night pizza heading to your old flat. And your parents probably don’t want to receive your ASOS haul either.
💸 6. Sort out bills with your housemates
If bills aren’t included in your rent, have a chat early on about how you’ll split them. Decide who’s setting them up and how payments will be shared. Apps like Splitwise or utility management services can help keep things fair.
💬 Sorting this now avoids awkward conversations later and helps everyone budget properly.
🔥 7. Safety first
Your landlord is legally required to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for all gas appliances. These should be renewed every 12 months. If you haven’t received one, ask for it.
🚨 Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms yourself. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every floor and a CO alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. If anything’s missing, raise it with your landlord.
🧼 8. Perfect time to get cleaning
Even if the property looks clean, give it a quick once-over before unpacking. It’s easier to clean when the space is empty, and it helps you feel more at home.
🧽 Returning students: if you’re inheriting a house from last year’s tenants, a deeper clean might be needed. Blast some music and make it a housemate bonding moment.
🚗 9. Get to grips with the parking situation
If you or your housemates have brought a car, figure out the parking rules early. Some student-heavy areas near the city centre require permits, which you can get from the local council website.
🚗 Don’t risk a parking ticket when you thought that envelope was a “welcome to your new home” card from your parents.
🧭 10. Know who to call (that's us!)
If anything goes wrong - or even if you just need advice - reach out to us and your SU Advice Team. We’re here to help you have the best experience possible while studying in Plymouth.
📍 Reach us here.
Whether you’re a fresher finding your feet or a returning student levelling up your living space, these tips will help you settle in, stay safe, and make the most of your time in Plymouth. So unpack, unwind, and enjoy everything this brilliant city has to offer!