20 Things To Consider When Moving Out Of Halls At Uni
Moving out of uni halls? Here's your go-to guide with 20 tips to help you leave stress-free and prep for your next student home.
So, it’s finally happening - you’re moving out of uni halls.
Maybe it’s the end of the first year, or maybe you’ve spent a bit longer in halls.
Either way, this next step is a big one. Moving out of halls isn’t just about swapping one place for another - it’s about moving to more independent living, taking on a bit more responsibility, and figuring out how to manage everything from rent to rubbish day.
To help you out, we’ve put together 20 key things you really need to think about before you pack up your uni room and say goodbye to halls life.
1. Know When You’re Supposed To Leave
Let’s start with the basics. Your contract will have an exact end date - and sometimes even a set check-out time. This isn’t like moving out of your mate’s spare room where you can faff about for a few days. Uni halls are strict, and missing your move-out deadline can lead to extra costs or complications.
Make sure you know when your last day is, what you need to do before then, and whether you need to book a slot for your room inspection or key return.
2. Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before
Want your full deposit back? You’re going to need to clean your room properly. That means hoovering, dusting, wiping down skirting boards (yep, even those), cleaning your en-suite or shared bathroom, and making sure there’s not a single mouldy plate hiding under your bed.
It’s also worth checking if you’re expected to help clean communal areas too - if one flatmate leaves a mess in the kitchen, everyone might get penalised.
3. Don’t Forget To Return Your Keys
This one sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong. Don’t just leave your keys on your desk and head home - check with your halls team about where and how to return them.
Some ask you to sign them in or use a specific drop-box. If you don’t return them properly, you might be charged for a replacement or “late checkout”.
4. Redirect Your Post
You’d be surprised how much important stuff still arrives by post. Your bank, GP, online orders - all of it needs to know your new address.
The best way to make sure nothing slips through the cracks? Set up a mail redirection with Royal Mail. It’s quick to do and gives you peace of mind.
5. Clear Any Outstanding Fees or Fines
Before you leave, check that your accommodation account is all settled. Unpaid laundry charges, damages, or late rent can delay your deposit or even cause problems with re-enrolment.
It’s best to get everything squared away while you’re still on campus.
6. Know Where You're Going Next
Sounds silly, but some students leave halls without having their next accommodation sorted - especially if they’re heading home for the summer first.
Whether you're moving into a house-share, private halls, or staying with family, knowing your next step will shape what you pack, store, or get rid of.
7. Start Looking Early for Your Next Place
If you haven’t found your next place yet, get a move on. In student cities, good rentals go quickly - sometimes as early as January for the following September. The sooner you start looking, the more choice you’ll have (and the less you’ll end up paying out of desperation).
8. Choose Your Future Housemates Wisely
You might’ve made great friends in halls - but being mates and being housemates are two very different things.
Before you agree to live together, think about how well your routines and expectations line up. Do they clean? Do they party every night? Do they pay rent on time? These things matter more than you think.
9. Learn How to Budget Without All-Inclusive Rent
In halls, you pay a fixed amount that covers everything - Wi-Fi, heating, electricity, even insurance. In private housing, it's a different story. You’ll need to budget for rent plus utilities, broadband, a TV licence (yes, really), and sometimes council tax depending on your setup.
Sit down and make a rough monthly budget before you move out - it’ll save you a lot of stress later.
10. Check What Your New Place Comes With
Your halls room probably came with a desk, chair, bed, and all the basics. Not all private accommodation is that well equipped.
Ask what’s included so you know what to bring - or what to buy. You don’t want to show up with four saucepans but no mattress.
11. Location Matters More Than You Think
You’ve probably been within walking distance of lectures all year. That might change. When choosing your next place, think about the distance to uni, your social life, part-time work, and even bus routes.
A cheaper flat 40 minutes away might cost you more in time and travel.
12. Plan Your Move-Out Day in Advance
Leaving everything to the last minute? That’s a one-way ticket to chaos. Book transport early - whether you’re borrowing a mate’s car, getting a lift from home, or hiring a van.
And if you don’t want to haul everything back, get help from professionals like The Box Co., who offer easy student removals and storage across the UK.
13. Use Student Storage If You’re Stuck
Going home for the summer but renting a place from September? Don’t drag everything back and forth.
Companies like The Box Co. offer affordable student storage - you pack your stuff, they collect it, store it, and return it when you’re back. It’s a lifesaver, especially for international students.
With student storage from 79p per week, it's a no brainer! Get in touch with the team at hello@theboxco.co.uk to get your free quote today.
14. Take Photos of Your Room
Before you leave your room for the last time, take clear photos of everything - walls, furniture, floors, even the inside of the fridge.
If there’s a dispute over your deposit, having photo evidence of the condition can really help your case.
15. Know How Deposit Returns Work
Not all halls handle deposits the same way. Some hold onto them for weeks, others return them quickly after inspections.
Check the process, and make sure you’ve provided up-to-date bank details so there’s no delay.
16. Keep Your Documents Handy
Print or save digital copies of your halls contract, deposit receipts, and anything else you might need for future accommodation applications.
You never know when you’ll be asked for proof of previous residency or payment.
17. Be Ready for More Responsibility
Halls usually have cleaners, 24/7 security, and on-site maintenance. In private housing, you’ll be calling the landlord yourself when the boiler breaks. It’s not difficult, but it’s a shift - so be ready to take more ownership of your living situation.
18. Talk House Rules Before Moving In
Whether you’re moving in with mates or strangers, have an honest chat early on about cleaning, guests, parties, bills, and boundaries.
It’s awkward at first, but way better than months of silent resentment.
19. Stay In The Loop With Uni Services
Moving out of halls doesn’t mean disconnecting from uni life. Keep using campus resources - careers services, student support, the library, societies. They’re still there for you, no matter where you live.
20. Mark The Moment
Moving out of halls is a big milestone. You’ve made it through your first chapter of uni life - and grown a lot along the way. Before you rush into the next thing, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
You’ve earned it.
Moving Out Of Halls - How To Hack It
Moving out of halls can feel like a mix of excitement, stress, and freedom all at once. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. F
rom handling the logistics to preparing for a new way of living, these 20 tips should help you make the move smoothly - and start your next chapter with confidence.
And if you're dreading the packing? The Box Co. is your go-to for student removals and storage. Let them take the heavy lifting off your plate - literally.
Get in touch with the team at hello@theboxco.co.uk to get your free quote today.
