The Complete Student Moving Guide for London 2026
Moving to London for university is one of the most exciting things you'll do — and one of the most logistically complex. London's universities are spread across a city of 600 square miles, accommodation ranges from modern halls of residence to Victorian terraces converted into six-bedroom student houses, and the sheer volume of stuff that typically accompanies a student move can overwhelm even the most organised family. This guide covers everything: how to plan your move, what to bring, how to save money, and what to do when things go wrong.
Planning Your Student Move to London
When to Book
Student moving season in London runs from mid-September through the first week of October, with a second peak in January for second-semester arrivals. These are the busiest weeks of the year for removal companies serving London — if you want guaranteed availability and competitive pricing, book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Families who leave it to the week before term starts often find that the best companies are fully booked.
What to Expect at Halls of Residence
Most London university halls have specific move-in windows — typically 2–4 hour slots allocated by the university. These slots are strictly managed to avoid congestion at loading bays. Key things to know:
- Your slot is often allocated only 1–2 weeks before term starts — factor this into your removal booking by choosing a company that can confirm the exact date once your slot is allocated
- Most halls prohibit large removal vans from entering the campus. A man and van service (transit van) is typically better suited than a full Luton removal lorry
- Trolleys and sack trucks are usually provided by the halls, but check in advance
- Most halls rooms are identical and small — measure your large items (desk chair, mini fridge, guitar) against the room plan before bringing them
What to Bring — and What Not to Bring
The most common student moving mistake is bringing too much. Halls of residence rooms are typically 10–15 square metres, with a bed, desk, wardrobe, and ensuite already installed. You are adding your possessions to a furnished room — not furnishing it from scratch.
Essentials to bring:
- Bedding (check your halls' bed size first — most are single or small double)
- Towels, toiletries, and bathroom items
- Laptop, chargers, and study materials
- A limited wardrobe (London has excellent charity shops and fast fashion — you can add to it here)
- Kitchen basics if your accommodation doesn't provide them (check before packing)
- A small toolkit for assembling flat-pack furniture
Things to reconsider:
- Large TVs — most halls have common room TVs and laptops serve most streaming needs
- Bicycles — London cycling infrastructure has improved but bike theft remains a significant problem in student areas. If you bring a bike, invest in a quality D-lock
- Large amounts of kitchen equipment — you'll share kitchen space with other students
How Much Does a Student Move to London Cost?
The cost of a student removal to London depends primarily on distance and volume:
- Local (within Greater London): A man and van for a single room's worth of belongings typically costs £150–£250 for a half-day
- From the Home Counties (Essex, Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire): Expect £200–£350 for a man and van service
- From the Midlands or North: £350–£600 depending on distance and volume
- International students shipping from abroad: Most international students use a shipping or freight service for large volumes; for modest amounts, checked baggage or courier services are often more cost-effective
Metro City Moves offers a dedicated student moving service from £149 — a man and a transit van, typically sufficient for a single room's worth of belongings. See our man and van service for full details and current pricing, or get a free quote.
Moving Into a Private Student House or Flat
If you're moving into a private rented property rather than halls, the logistics are more complex — you're likely moving more belongings and the property may be less well-equipped to handle a delivery day. Key considerations:
- Check the tenancy start date carefully — in London, most tenancies begin on 1 August or 1 September, which creates massive competition for removal bookings. Book as early as possible.
- Inventory and condition report — photograph every room and every piece of furniture in detail on moving-in day. Email the photos to your landlord with a date-stamp. This protects your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
- Set up utilities immediately — gas, electricity, broadband, and TV licence (if applicable) should all be set up on or before your first day
- Register to vote — you can register at your term-time address, which is useful for council services and increasingly required for some rental applications
London-Specific Tips for Students
- Get an 18+ Oyster card or contactless payment set up before your first day — the daily cap system means you never pay more than the equivalent of a day travelcard
- Apply for a 16-25 Railcard if you're under 26 — valid on National Rail and some Overground services
- Register with a local GP in the first week — the NHS GP registration process takes time and is easier to do before you need medical care
- Student storage — if you're going home for the summer but can't take everything with you, Metro City Moves offers short-term student storage from as little as 4 weeks. See our storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to move to London for university?
The cheapest option is to travel on public transport with the minimum of belongings and order anything else online once you arrive. If you need to move more than fits in a car, a man and van service is the most cost-effective professional option — typically £150–£250 for a local move.
Can I move into halls of residence in a large removal lorry?
Most London university halls prohibit large vehicles from campus. A man and van with a transit-size vehicle is usually the best choice for hall moves.
When should I book a student removal?
As early as possible — ideally 3–4 weeks before the move. If your halls allocates a move-in slot, book with a company that can confirm the specific date once you receive your allocation.