If you’ve chosen to live in university accommodation we want to make it feel like a home-away-from-home for you.
To help you prepare and settle in, we have our University Accommodation Handbook which gives you all the essential information you’ll need to know before you arrive.
When you arrive in your new home, you’ll be welcomed by your ResLife Ambassador - a current student who lives in your university accommodation. They'll be there for you all year round, helping you settle into uni life and providing practical support along the way.
Your accommodation checklist
Make sure you check out the Licence Agreement that you’ve accepted, as this is a legal contract between you and the University. It lays out the obligations that you have as a licence holder in the accommodation and the obligations that the University has to you.
Make sure you also take time to read your University Accommodation Handbook.
A few weeks before you’re due to arrive (or once your guarantor process is complete), you’ll receive an email inviting you to complete the compulsory student accommodation induction. This will give you further information about your accommodation, instructions on how to find it, and how to book arrival times if you’re arriving on one of the large intake days.
Make sure you take time to read your University Accommodation Handbook.
In all student accommodation we provide a fridge, freezer, electric kettle, cooker, microwave, vacuum cleaner, toaster, iron, and ironing board. Additionally, washing machines are provided, where not offered communally. Rooms are supplied with a mattress and bed base, wardrobe, desk and computer chair, noticeboard, curtains or blinds, floor covering, lampshades, wastepaper bin, and electrical TV sockets.
Plus we provide insurance cover for room contents inside University accommodation.
Remember to complete your Accommodation Arrival Inventory Form when you arrive.
What to bring
- Bedding: Bring a duvet, pillows, a mattress protector, and a couple of sets of bed linen.
- Kitchen Essentials: You’ll need utensils, plates, cutlery, pans, tea towels, and of course your lucky mug!
- Food Cupboard Basics: Pack a few essentials to get you through the first few days. Just remember to stick to your allocated space in the cupboard, fridge, and freezer.
- Technology: Any tech you bring (like chargers or speakers) must meet UK electrical safety standards (look for the CE or UKCA mark).
- Cleaning Supplies: A few basic cleaning products will help you keep shared spaces clean and make a good first impression on your new housemates.
- Decorations: If you’re bringing posters or pictures, these can go on your pinboard - not directly on the walls.
- Bathroom Essentials: Don’t forget towels, soap, toilet roll, toothpaste, and other personal toiletries.
- Clothing: Bring your favourite clothes and don’t forget the hangers! And pack your favourite fitness kit - you’ll have free access to the CCCU gym during your first Semester/Trimester.
What Not to Bring
- No wall adhesives: Avoid Blu-tac, command hooks, or anything else that sticks to walls.
- No extra kitchen appliances: Mini-fridges, kettles, microwaves, and toasters are already provided in the kitchen.
- No cooking gadgets: Slow cookers, rice cookers, and multi-function cookers aren’t allowed. (Air fryers are the only exception.)
- No plug-in lights: LED or fairy lights that plug into the wall aren’t permitted — battery-operated ones are fine.
- No e-bikes or e-scooters
- No flammable items: This includes candles, incense, and anything else that could be a fire hazard.
Getting connected
WiFi
One of the first things you’ll want to do is access the Wi-Fi. Eduroam is our free student Wifi service.
The easiest way to connect to eduroam is to download and run the automatic configuration app.
- The majority of users should use eduroamCAT
- However, iPhone and Android 11 users should use geteduroam
You can find these apps in your usual app store. You can also download eduroamCAT directly from the eduroam website.
One advantage of this app-based approach is that you don’t need to be on campus to set up your University Wifi. Simply download the relevant app from the comfort of your home and fill in the required details. Your device will then be ready to connect as soon as you arrive.
More information on internet access.
TV Licence
If you bring a device with you to watch or record TV programmes, you’ll need a TV licence. A device can be a laptop, PC, mobile phone, games console, digital box etc. To purchase a licence or for more information go to: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud.
Reporting a fault in accommodation
- Call the Helpdesk at 01227 92 2325 (Helpdesk hours: 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
- Email repairs@canterbury.ac.uk
- Report via the Planon Fault Reporting Form
These are my top tips for when you move into accommodation. You’re going to meet so many different people who live differently to you, so have an open mind to who you’ll make friends with. Secondly, be patient. Starting uni and moving in with people you don’t know can be hectic but be patient. Everything will eventually fall into place. Lastly, have fun. Canterbury is a beautiful city. There’s so much opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community, so integrate yourself and enjoy!ClaraCCCU Alumni
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