By
Halls Life
Posted 1 month ago
Thu 30 Apr, 2026 09:04 AM
Moving into halls for the first time is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to bring, and what to leave at home, will help you settle in smoothly and stay on the right side of your tenancy agreement.
Here's everything you need to know before move-in day:
General checklist items 📌
- Any form of photo ID (Passport or Drivers License)
- Copy of National Insurance
- Any travel documents (Visa, Tickets)
- Bank cards
- Any medication and medical documents
- Details of your Health Insurance (overseas students)
- Any University documents you have been asked to bring
- Any copies of financial documents
- Any discount cards you use (railcard)
- A basic first aid kit (quite useful for yourself or a flatmate)
Useful items 🏡
- Duvet
- Duvet Cover
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Bedsheets
- Clothing Items (don't forget a raincoat or an umbrella!)
- Clothes hangers
- Sleeping mask and ear plugs (trust us, you might need this)
- Decorations to make it homely
- Bin
- Bath Mat
- Towels and Flannels
- Toilet Roll
- Toothbrush and paste
- Hand soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower Gel
- Washbag (very useful if you're sharing a bathroom)
- Toilet cleaner
- Toilet brush
- Other essential toiletries
- Mugs and Glasses
- Cutlery
- Plates and Bowls
- Baking Trays
- Frying Pan
- One small and one large saucepan
- Tin Opener
- Scissors
- Chopping knife and board
- Vegetable Peeler
- Cheese Grater
- Spatula and Whisk
- Tupperware
- Bin Bags
- Sandwich Bags
- Foil
- Cling film
- Tea towels
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
Check out our list of kitchen cupboard essentials so you can stock up once you move in and start cooking.
- Laundry Bag/ Hamper
- Coat Hangers
- Duster
- Kitchen Roll
- Shower Cleaner
- Bathroom Cleaner
- Mop
- Washing powder/ liquid
- Washing up liquid
- Dish sponges, clothes and scourers
What NOT to bring ❌
To ensure safety and smooth living in halls, certain items are prohibited in These alignment with the UAL Tenancy Agreement and health and safety standards.
If you’re living in a Partner-Managed Hall, the rules will be very similar, but you should refer to your partner organisation’s handbook and code of conduct for full details.
*UAL-Managed Halls include Archwood House, Gardens House, Glassyard Building, Highline Building, Portland House, Sketch House and The Costume Store.
*Partner Halls include Emily Bowes Court, Wick Park and YourTRIBE Southwark, YourTRIBE Elephant & Castle, Town Hall Camberwell and Hawthorne House.
You can not bring:
1. Candles, tea lights, incense sticks, oil burners or similar devices
2. Any appliance with an exposed heating element (for example, deep fat fryers)
3. Plug-in air fresheners or electric diffusers
4. Barbecues or gas canisters
5. Additional heaters or portable radiators
6. Laundry appliances, including personal washing machines, tumble dryers or electric drying racks
Electrical appliances must be:
1. Be safe for UK use, CE marked , and meet British standards
2. Never overload sockets or be plugged into cube adapters or unprotected extensions
1. Bicycles (must be stored in designated bike areas only)
2. E-scooters, electric bikes (including “twist and go”/throttle models), e-unicycles, or any light electric vehicle (PLEV) or lithium-ion batteries for these devices are not allowed in your room or halls.
1. No pets of any kind are allowed in halls, including fish, hamsters, or emotional support animals.
2. Registered and trained assistance dogs are permitted but must be agreed in writing with UAL or our partner organisations in advance of move-in.
Do not bring:
1. Illegal drugs or controlled substances
2. Fireworks, flares, or sparklers
3. Weapons (including replicas)
4. Hazardous chemicals or materials
Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes is not allowed inside halls. These activities are only permitted in designated outdoor areas and may result in charges or action if found inside the building.
Do not bring personal furniture, mattresses, or large rugs without prior written permission.
You must not remove or alter existing furniture in your room or shared areas.
What happens if students breach these terms? 💭
Bringing prohibited items may result in:
1. Confiscation of the item(s)
2. Additional cleaning, repair, or replacement charges
3. Disciplinary action or termination of your accommodation agreement
Contact us
If you have any questions, you can contact the Accommodation Services team on:
Email us: accommodation@arts.ac.uk
