Last-Minute Student Accommodation Checklist: What to Do Before Term Starts

You’ve got the offer to the Lancaster University course you’ve been dreaming of. All of your hard work over the last couple of years has finally paid off, but there are still a couple of essential admin tasks to tackle before term starts. Student accommodation is the biggest lifestyle change you'll face, and being prepared for the big move is really important.

If you’re searching for last minute student accommodation in Lancaster, we only have a few rooms remaining, so be quick if you want to live with us!

1. Finalise Your Student Accommodation

You’ve booked your room, brilliant. Now is the time to double check your booking confirmation. All student lets will require you to upload documents to their portals (such as guarantor information), so make sure you’ve submitted everything that’s needed. You don’t want to turn up on moving day only to find there’s still paperwork holding things up.

Speaking of moving day, do you know when yours is? Check your confirmation documents for the exact date and time. Some places have parking slots allocated, so it's worth planning ahead to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

While you’re looking at your student accommodation details, note down the contact information for your property or landlord (especially if you’re in private rented student accommodation) as you never know when you’ll need it.

2. Contact Your Flatmates

If you’re a first year and moving in with strangers for the first time, why not break the ice? Set up a WhatsApp group with your flatmates and introduce yourself. They’ll be just as nervous as you, and this is a great way to bond over common ground.

You might find you're planning to pack items that could easily be shared (nobody needs five air fryers in one flat), or discover you’ll be on the same course. It’s well worth spending 10 minutes this summer to get to know the people you’ll be living with every day next term.

3. Sort Your Admin (Boring But Important)

Before you move into student halls in Lancaster, it’s a good idea to get some of the admin sorted early. Start by registering with a local GP so you're covered in case you need medical support during term time. Next, set up a student bank account if you haven’t already. Lots of banks offer great incentives like free railcards or cashback just for students. Speaking of railcards, it’s also worth applying for a 16 to 25 Railcard or a student bus pass to help cut down on travel costs around Lancaster.

Make sure you’ve also downloaded your university apps and logged into key portals before you arrive. It will make your first week far less stressful. Having everything set up in advance means you can spend more time settling in, meeting your flatmates, and enjoying freshers' events. It might not be the most exciting part of your big move, but it’s definitely one of the most useful.

4. Learn to Cook the Basics

This is not a drill. If you can't boil pasta, heat a pizza, or make a simple stir fry, now’s the time to learn. You don’t need to be the next Gordon Ramsay, but being able to whip up a few easy meals will save you money, reduce stress, and stop you living off instant noodles. Start with the basics like pasta, rice, scrambled eggs, and one or two simple one pan meals. Trust us, your future self (and your flatmates) will thank you.

5. Don’t Panic – You’ve Got This

If you’re feeling behind, you’re not alone. Lots of students are still getting organised right up until the first week of term. The good news is there’s still time to tick everything off your list and feel fully prepared. From packing for university to sorting out your admin, every step you take now will make move in day that much easier.

Still looking for last minute student accommodation in Lancaster? We’ve got you covered. Check our availability today and get ready to start your university journey feeling confident, comfortable, and completely at home.