Here's your complete run down on how to prepare for your first day in halls, what you should pack and when you can move in.
Your exams are done and the results are in – now all that's left is to pack up, collect your keys and move into your new university home.
It's a big change, so we've collected everything you need to know to make your first day a success.
Move in dates
If you're joining us in the 2025/26 academic year, you can move in from the 13 and 14 September dependant on your contract start date.
Once a room offer has been accepted, early arrivals can be discussed with your accommodation provider directly to check they can facilitate your request. If there are any additional costs, these will be confirmed before the early arrival date is agreed with the landlord/accommodation management.
Book your key collection
You'll need to collect your keys when you arrive. Your landlord or accommodation will be in touch to book a collection spot and arrival time.
This usually happens from the beginning of September.
Decide what to pack
Our rooms are furnished so you won't need to bring any furniture with you.
You can find a full list of what your room will have on the halls of residence page. But generally each of our rooms has a:
- bed
- wardrobe
- desk or workstation
- chair
If you don't have an en-suite, your room will also have a wash basin.
Bedroom items
You'll need to bring your own:
- duvet and pillows
- bed linen, like duvet covers and pillow cases
- towels
Kitchen checklist
If your halls of residence doesn't provide kitchen items, you'll need to bring your own crockery and cooking utensils.
These are things like:
- plates, bowls, mugs and glasses
- woks, frying pans and saucepans
- cutlery and cooking utensils
- a tea towel and dish cloth
Take the stress out of your move in day
If you want to take the hassle out of buying and transporting your bedding, kitchen and bathroom items, you could pre-order your bedding and kitchen items from UniKitOut.
All you need to do is select your items, confirm your residence and pay. Your order will be shipped to your halls and ready for your arrival.
Remember to use our promotional code SHU10 to receive a 10% discount.
Documents
Things like your ID, passport, Student Finance documents and bank cards may be low on the list, but you need make sure you bring them with you.
If you're an international student, you may also need to bring documents like your visa and proof of funds too. You can find out more about visas and enrolment on our international student page.
Make your room your own
Your new room will be where you're living for at least the next 9 months, so it's important it feels like home.
You might want to bring along personal items like photographs or soft furnishings so you can decorate your space.
If you're unsure what you can and can't bring, there will be an online module provided before you move in. Look out for an email from us around the start of September.
Protect your belongings
All our halls of residence have contents insurance which protects your belongings.
Sheffield is well known for being a safe city, but it's important to look after your belongings too.
When booking your room through Sheffield Hallam Accommodation Services, contents insurance is included in your tenancy. Further information about the policy can be found on the 'Details of your contents insurance cover' document, which will be provided with your room offer.
We also recommend students register their valuables with Immobilise. This is a quick and easy to set up tool that helps police recognise stolen property.
