Shortly after you've accepted your accommodation offer you'll receive an email with details of an online induction usually in late August or early September. It's important for you to complete the induction before you arrive as it will enable you to live safely in your residence and help you to understand what to expect from your accommodation.

At the end of the induction you'll be able to book your arrival slot. The arrival information will help make the move into your accommodation as smooth as possible.

Booking your arrival slot

You must book a time to arrive at your residence in advance - you can do this via the online induction. You may face a long wait if you turn up at your residence without booking an arrival slot.

Arrival dates

Our residences have different arrival days and times. Each residence has an official arrival day when welcome events (and catering in catered residences) begin. Arrival and contact information for your residence is available from your residence guide.

Your arrival date may be one or two days before your formal tenancy start date. In this case you won't be charged any extra for your stay. On the day that you move in, you should try to ensure you arrive at your residence before 10pm. 

Arriving early

You can arrive early if it is essential, however, we can only provide limited services. Your residence guide will tell you the earliest date you can arrive and the services on offer. Please read this information carefully so that you know how to make arrangements for an early arrival.

Arriving with parents or relatives

If friends, parents or other relatives accompany you to Bristol they will need to book accommodation in advance. They will not be able to stay in your residence with you. Find out where to stay in Bristol.

International students

The University organises a meet and greet service for new international students and hosts a variety of welcome events around the start of the academic year. Visit the new international students pages for more details.

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When you are moving out of home for the first time it is difficult to know what to pack, the best advice is to travel light! Items vary in each residence, your residence guide has full details of what is provided for you. If you wait until you arrive to buy general cleaning equipment or shared kitchen items, you can share the cost with your fellow residents.

Items you should bring with you are:

Bedroom and bathroom

• Bedding (duvet, duvet cover, pillows, pillow cases and sheets) please check your acceptance to see whether you have a single or double bed. Bedding can be pre-ordered online up to 8 days before your arrival
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Bath mat (for en suite accommodation)
• Laundry bag
• Clothes hangers

Mains extension leads can be used provided that the load on the extension is a maximum of 13 amps and one lead per socket. Cables should be positioned carefully and not present a trip hazard.

Kitchen

Kitchen packs can be pre-ordered online up to 8 days before your arrival. You don't necessarily need to bring these things with you on day one - you could wait to see what your fellow housemates bring with them so that you don't end up with 8 cheese graters.  

• Crockery and cutlery (catered and self-catered residences)
• Saucepans/frying pan
• Bottle/can opener.

General

• Cleaning products including washing-up liquid, sponges, cloths and tea towels.
• Stationery
• TV licence (you will need a licence if you use any television receiving equipment in your room, including watching iPlayer on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device).

Bedrooms

• Bed, mattress and mattress cover
• Wardrobe
• Desk, chair and task lighting
• Bookshelves
• Curtains
• Mirrors

Kitchens in self-catered residences

• Cookers
• Fridges
• Freezers
• Dining table and chairs
• Storage cupboards
• Kettles
• Iron and ironing board (irons available from reception in The Courtrooms. Iron and ironing boards not provided in New Bridewell)
• Microwaves

Kitchen/pantries in catered residences

• Small cookers/microwaves
• Fridges
• Kettles
• Toasters

You should read your tenancy conditions and your residence handbook for rules and regulations on prohibited items, which can be accessed from your residence guide.

You should not bring a car to Bristol unless you have a residence parking permit. Any student who brings a car without a permit or drive or park in such a manner as to cause a nuisance or disturbance to other residents or to our neighbours, for example by restricting access,  may be fined and/or their permit withdrawn.

You should not bring alcohol into your residence. The University is concerned about the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption on the welfare of its students. We discourage the inappropriate use of alcohol, using alcohol during the day and excessive consumption of alcohol during social events. The University strongly encourages students not to drink alcohol in flats and rooms, especially during the first two weeks of the academic year.

The following items aren't permitted in bedrooms:

• heaters and cooking equipment,
• flammable materials (e.g. curtains, wall hangings or foam filled furniture),
• multi-socket adaptors.

These items will be removed by residence staff and put into storage. Students with flammable materials may receive a disciplinary penalty.