Moving Into Student Accommodation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Neurodiverse Students

Moving In: Your New Beginning 🎉

The time has finally arrived - you’re about to check into your new home for the academic year. What an exciting milestone!

For many of you, this moment will be filled with excitement - living somewhere new, gaining independence, and discovering more about who you are. For others, it might feel a little daunting or unfamiliar at first - and that’s completely okay too. It’s normal to experience a mix of emotions as you step into this new chapter. Whatever you’re feeling, please know you’re not alone - our teams are here to support you every step of the way.

Getting Checked In

Check-in can be a busy time for both you and our teams, so we want to make your arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re worried about arriving during peak times, don’t hesitate to reach out to your building team ahead of time - they may be able to suggest quieter times to help you settle in more comfortably.

When you arrive, there will be parking available either on-site or nearby. At some locations, you may be asked to stop briefly in a designated unloading area before moving your vehicle and completing check-in. Don’t worry - our team will be outside to guide you, help you unload, and answer any questions. We’ll also have trolleys ready, so you won’t need to carry everything on your own.

Your Welcome

Once you reach reception, you’ll be greeted by our friendly on-site team, who are available 24/7 - so no matter when you arrive, there’ll always be someone ready to welcome you. They’ll help you get checked in, which usually involves:

• Showing a form of photo ID (passport, driving licence, or residence permit)

• Providing your booking reference

• Confirming your details

Top tip: Downloading the Unite Students app beforehand can make everything quicker and easier, giving you instant access to your booking information. Don’t worry about remembering everyone’s name straight away - you’ll get to know the team in no time!

Getting to Know Your New Home📋

As part of your check-in, the team may give you a quick tour of key areas in the building - like the laundry room, parcel collection area, bin store, and other important facilities. They’ll also share helpful information, such as fire alarm test times and what to do in an emergency.

Stepping Into Your Space

And then - the moment you’ve been waiting for - heading up to your room. Whether you’re moving into a studio or a shared flat, our team can help guide you there and assist with your luggage if needed. Once you’re inside, take a moment. Pause. Breathe. Let it sink in.

This is your space now. Grab a drink, sit down, and give yourself time to settle. It might feel like a lot at first, but as you unpack and start making it your own, it will quickly begin to feel like home.

And remember - no question is too small. We’re here to help make this experience as smooth, welcoming, and enjoyable as possible.

Settling In: What to Expect

Moving into student accommodation is a big step, and it often comes with new experiences - especially if it’s your first time living away from home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you settle in:

🏡 Living Together

If you’re in a shared flat, you’ll be living alongside other students and sharing spaces like the kitchen and lounge. Everyone will have different routines and lifestyles, so it’s all about finding a balance, being respectful, and keeping communication open. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and build friendships.

🔊 Being Considerate

With lots of students living under one roof, some noise is to be expected. Being mindful of others - especially late at night or early in the morning - helps create a comfortable environment for everyone.

🤝 Creating a Community

We want everyone to feel safe, welcome, and at home. A big part of that comes from kindness, respect, and being open to those around you. To help with this, we run a 6-week welcome programme packed with events - a great way to meet your neighbours and feel part of the community.

🧹 Sharing Responsibility

Living independently also means looking after your space. This includes:

• Keeping your bedroom clean and tidy

• Sharing responsibility for communal areas like the kitchen

• Doing your own laundry

Working together with your flatmates will help create a space everyone can enjoy.

💸 Managing Your Money

While your rent covers bills like water, Wi-Fi, and electricity, you’ll still need to budget for everyday expenses like food, travel, and socialising. It’s a learning curve for many - so take your time and don’t be too hard on yourself while you figure it out.

Support When You Need It

🛡️ Your wellbeing is really important to us. Our Support to Stay approach helps us identify and resolve any concerns early, so everyone can enjoy a positive and respectful living environment.

If something isn’t right - whether it’s a concern about behaviour or something else - our team is here to listen, support you, and take action where needed.

If you’d prefer not to speak to someone in person, you can also access our 24/7 Student Wellbeing Helpline and Support Hub for advice or to report concerns at any time.

Most importantly, you’re never on your own. Our on-site teams are available around the clock - whether you need help, advice, or just someone to talk to.