Self-Storage Options For University Students
The best self-storage options for university students are storage by the box companies, due to their affordability.
If you're a university student, chances are you've faced the challenge of figuring out what to do with your stuff during the summer, over the holidays, or while switching accommodations.
Whether you're heading home between terms, studying abroad, or just running out of space in your student halls, self-storage is a good option.
But what types of services are available? What should you look for? How much does it cost? Here, we tell you everything you need to know.
Why Students Use Storage
University life is full of new chapters.
Many students need storage at the end of term when leases end or university halls close, especially over the summer. Others use it during study-abroad programmes or gap years.
Instead of hauling your belongings back and forth between cities (or countries), student self-storage allows you to keep things safe, accessible and ready when you return.
What Do Students Usually Store?
Most students don’t need a huge amount of storage space. Stored items include clothes, textbooks and coursework, kitchenware, electronics, sports equipment, and small furniture.
The idea is to store what you don’t need every day, but will definitely want back later.
Student Storage Options
There are a few different ways to store your belongings as a student. Here's a look at the main options and how they compare.
Storage-by-the-Box
This is an increasingly popular option for students - and for good reason. Companies like The Box Co. let you store your items by the box, meaning you only pay for what you use.
Even better, they collect your belongings from your door and deliver them back when you’re ready.
There’s no need to hire a van, figure out logistics, or worry about minimum unit sizes.
It’s ideal if you don’t have a lot to store or access to transport. Everything is insured, secure, and handled by professionals who understand the student experience.
Want to explore student storage from just £3.56 per month? Get a free quote from The Box Co. today.
Traditional Self-Storage Units
These are the most familiar type of storage. You rent a unit of a certain size, pack up your stuff, and take it to a local facility yourself. They’re widely available and can be useful if you have a lot of things or need regular access.
However, they’re often outside city centres, and getting your stuff there usually means hiring a van or relying on friends with cars. If you’re storing just a few boxes, you may end up paying for more space than you need.
Plus, they can be expensive - with storage units in major cities costing between £80-£200 per month.
Peer-to-Peer Storage
This option involves renting storage space from people - for example, using someone’s spare room, loft, or garage.
It can be cheaper than self-storage, but it often comes with more risk. You’ll need to vet the host, check how often you can access your stuff, and make sure your items are insured.
While it can work for some, it’s less reliable than a professionally run service.
University-Partnered Storage Providers
Some universities have partnerships with local storage companies, which may offer collection and drop-off services, often at discounted rates.
It’s worth checking with your uni's accommodation office or students’ union to see if they have any deals available.
How Much Does Student Storage Cost?
It depends on a lot of factors and costs will change based on where you are and how much you plan to store.
Traditional self-storage units can range from £80 to £200 or more per month, not including transport. You might also end up paying for a bigger unit than you actually need.
Storage-by-the-box tends to be more budget-friendly. The Box Co., for example, charges from £3.56 per box per month. Since you only pay for the space you actually use, it’s easy to keep costs under control. Plus, you don’t have to pay for transport - collection and return are included in the price.
What About Security and Access?
Security is a big thing to consider when choosing storage. Traditional units usually have CCTV, coded entry systems, and on-site staff. Box storage providers like The Box Co. also offer secure, insured storage facilities with professionally managed warehouses.
Because they handle collection and return, you don’t need to worry about regular access.
If you’re using peer-to-peer storage, make sure you understand how and when you can access your stuff - and what happens if something goes wrong.
Climate-Controlled Storage - Do You Need It?
Most students won’t need climate-controlled storage, but there are a few exceptions. If you’re storing electronics, musical instruments, or materials like photos or artwork, it’s worth asking whether the storage environment is temperature-regulated.
How to Prepare Your Stuff for Storage
To make sure your things come back in one piece, it’s worth packing properly. Clean and dry everything before you pack. Use strong boxes and don’t overload them. Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or towels, and label each box with a list of what’s inside.
Keep an inventory so you know what you’ve stored, and avoid putting anything perishable or flammable in storage.
If you need more information, see our guide around How To Prepare Your Items For Self-Storage.
Choosing the Right Storage Option
When deciding which option suits you best, think about how much you’re storing, whether you have access to transport, and what your budget looks like.
If you only have a few boxes and want to avoid stress, storage-by-the-box is the easiest and most affordable solution.
Student life is already busy enough without having to lug your things around the country or stress about where to keep them. With the right storage solution, you can focus on your studies (and your social life) without worrying about your stuff.
If you’re looking for a secure, affordable, and stress-free option from just 79p per week, The Box Co. is hard to beat. We handle the heavy lifting and make student storage simple.
