When Can I Move to My First-Year Student Accommodation in the UK?
by Northern Life
When can student life finally start?
Most UK universities feature exclusive student accommodation options for first-year undergraduate students. These primary student rentals in the UK ensure a supportive lifestyle for new students at the universities. For example, Queen Mary University of London provides over 3,370 rooms for first-year students near the Mile End Campus, including postgraduate residences based in Stratford. The move-in dates for first-year students in the UK align with Fresher’s Week.
Let’s learn more about moving-in dates in the UK.
Moving In Dates for First-Year College Students in the UK
International students at UK universities are required to move in 12 to 15 days before the commencement of their lectures. This provides them with sufficient time to settle in and socialise with fellow batchmates. The on-campus accommodation contracts for 2025-26 academic year commence on 20th Sep 2025. This is the official move-in date for first-year students at UK universities. It allows students to settle in their residences/ halls before their term starts.
…first-year students are suggested to book on-campus halls only, especially for those who are new to the city…
Off-campus housing students, on the other hand, are not bound by any move-in dates. They offer flexible move-in dates for first-year and other college students in the UK. For example, off-campus student accommodation in London allows students to book rooms during any time of the month.
However, first-year students are suggested to book on-campus halls only, especially for those who are new to the city. First-year students at the University of Birmingham can move into their halls during Arrivals Weekend. The move-in dates for the University of Birmingham accommodation are listed below:
- Welcome 2025 – Monday, 22nd September onwards.
- Arrivals Weekend – Saturday and Sunday, 20th and 21st
Students arriving from the UK will be able to move into the University accommodation over Arrivals Weekend. Arrivals outside of this time are by arrangement only with Student Living, Birmingham’s official platform.
Students can select their own time slot for moving in once they’ve completed the Accommodation Pass, the introduction to living in University accommodation. The Accommodation Pass will be available in early September.
Move-in Dates in London
The move-in dates for first-year students in London vary for each semester/ intake. The University College of London’s (UCL) main move-in weekend for the 2024/25 academic year was scheduled for Saturday, 21 September 2024. These dates aligned with the start of Term One on Monday, 23 September 2024. An early move-in option is available on Saturday, 14 September 2024. Students are advised to complete their online induction via the UCL Accommodation Portal seven days prior to arrival.
Move-in Dates in Birmingham
The University of Birmingham’s main move-in period for student accommodations is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September, and Sunday, 21 September 2025. Students can select their preferred move-in time slot by completing the Accommodation Pass, available in early September. Arrivals outside this period require prior arrangement with Student Living.
Move-in Dates in Edinburgh
Students in Edinburgh, especially at the University of Edinburgh, can move into University-managed accommodations starting from 10:00 AM (BST) on their lease start date. Arriving before this date requires arranging alternative short-term accommodations, as early access isn’t permitted.
However, students cannot access housing facilities like libraries until Welcome Week. During Welcome Week, student cards are issued to everyone. International students should verify visa conditions before planning early arrivals.
Move-in Dates in Manchester
The University of Manchester allows on-campus halls students to move into their accommodation a few days before the start of the academic term. The move-in dates for students in Manchester start in September before the Welcome Week.
At the University of Manchester, move-in dates for student accommodations vary depending on the specific hall and the length of the accommodation contract. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the start dates are as follows:
- 41-week contracts: Begin on 18 September 2025.
- 42-week contracts: Commence on 15 September 2025.
- 50-week contracts: Start on 21 September 2025.
- 51-week contracts: Initiate on 6 September 2025
Conclusion
Moving into first-year student accommodation in the UK typically takes place in mid-to-late September, aligning with the start of the academic year. However, specific dates vary by university and contract type. Students should check their university’s accommodation portal for precise move-in dates and prepare for Freshers’ Week activities upon arrival.
