Checklist: Things To Do Now That You Have Moved Into Student Accommodation

After packing, lifting and unpacking a seemingly endless series of boxes, it's more than likely that all you'll want to do is relax and settle into your new home and get down to enjoying student life.

The checklist below is a good starting point to ensure that you will complete the important things before you settle into student life:

Sorting out your bills

Utility bills include water, gas and electricity; if you are moving house, it's worthwhile shopping around for the best deal. If your new home has gas and electricity, dual fuel tariffs will save you money and setting up payment via direct-debit will also be cheaper. If you are happy with your previous provider, you can switch your account over to your new address.

Buy a TV Licence

You can buy a TV Licence over the phone or online; simply fill in your personal details and decide on your payment plan (you can pay monthly, quarterly or annually). If you're living in halls or a student house and watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV – online, on a TV, or on any device (even a laptop) you need to make sure you have a TV Licence.

If you already have a licence, it could not be easier to transfer it to your new property; all you have to do is contact TV Licensing and change your account details.

Get Connected

If you are an avid TV viewer or like to surf the net, you may be eager to add to your terrestrial TV package and get broadband installed; there is a range of different providers offering television packages, as well as bundles, which provide better value for money if you want to include phone calls and Internet access.

After you have chosen the provider and the deal you want, you will be given an installation date; sometimes it can take a while so it is worth booking in advance, especially if you are keen to have satellite television or Internet access as soon as you move in.

Register With a GP

If you have moved to a new area, you will also need to register with a new GP; one of the easiest ways to find GPs in your area is by searching online. It may also be beneficial to ask for recommendations from friends or use a practice recommended by your college or university. Registering with a GP is very straightforward; all you have to do is visit the practice and ask the receptionist about registering as a new patient and they will advise you on what to do next.

Moving house is widely regarded as one of the most stressful activities; however, if you draw up a checklist and work through it, it need not be such a traumatic experience, you will find that you can sort many things out quickly and simply by using the Internet. Doing a bit of research on your local area will save you time once you have moved, leaving you free to put your feet up and enjoy your new home.