Guidance for moving out of halls

Find out everything you need to know about moving out of halls.

Preparing early makes moving out much easier. Start around a month before your leaving date so you have time to donate unwanted items, use up food, and organise transport.

Not sure when you need to move you? Check your licence agreement dates (make sure you check for 2025/26):

Key Steps

  1. Donate, sell or recycle items you no longer need
  2. Plan your transport and gather packing supplies
  3. Use up food and perishable items
  4. Pack your belongings
  5. Clean your room thoroughly

1. Donate, Sell or Recycle Items

Give unwanted items a second life by donating, selling or recycling them. A full list of donation points is available on our donations page:

2. Plan Your Move & Get Packing Supplies

Transporting Your Belongings

Once your housing plans for next year are confirmed, note the end date of your current tenancy and the start date of your new one.

  • If dates overlap: plan how to move your belongings using a removal service or help from friends/family.
  • If there’s a gap: arrange storage and transport. Many storage companies offer collection and drop-off for an additional cost.

Storage and International Shipping

The University recommends Flexistore for storage and international shipping.

Please note: halls do not have storage areas, and belongings are not insured outside the dates of your licence agreement.

3. Use Up Food and Perishable Items

Finish any food you have and ensure fridges and freezers are empty before you leave. Unopened food can be donated at our food bank drop‑off points:

4. Pack Your Belongings

Packing Tips

  • Give yourself plenty of time to sort and pack.
  • Use suitcases or bags for clothes; wrap fragile items securely.
  • Get boxes from supermarkets, moving companies or online suppliers.
  • Label each box with your name, contact details and room destination (e.g. Kitchen).
  • Coordinate with future housemates to avoid duplicate items, spares can be donated (see: donation points).

Removal of Items

If belongings are left behind, we will contact you to collect them, but daily charges apply until the room is cleared. Uncollected items may be disposed of.

  • Remove all belongings, including duvets, pillows and bikes.
  • Take all rubbish from bedrooms and kitchens using the clear bags provided.
  • Empty the fridge, freezer and cupboards.
  • Report any maintenance issues before you leave.
  • You can borrow a vacuum cleaner from housekeeping if needed.

Remember to take your bike with you when you leave. Any bikes left will be removed and donated. If you are staying in halls over the summer, you must tag your bike with your name and UID number. Checks will be made on any tagged bikes to ensure owners are in halls. 

Woolton and George Kenyon

Please note that Woolton and George Keyon House will be handed over to contractors in the summer of 2026. Anything left in these two halls after the end of your licence agreement will be disposed of.

5. Clean Your Room Thoroughly

Room Inspection

Your room will be checked against your original inventory. It must be left clean, tidy, and in its original condition.

Items found damaged and areas left in an unacceptable and untidy condition may be charged for. The charge for this will not exceed the costs incurred by the University to repair, replace or clean areas.  

  • Clean all areas thoroughly.
  • Turn off taps, electrical appliances and lights.
  • Close windows, especially on ground floors.
  • Return furniture to its original position.
  • Ensure the desk lamp and cable remain in the room.
  • Remove Blu‑Tack, tape and any LED lights.

Returning Your Key

How to Return Your Keys

  • Place your key or swipe card in a labelled envelope or small bag.
  • Clearly mark it with your University ID (UID).
  • Remove personal keys.
  • Hand it in at reception, or use the key drop box outside opening hours.

Important Reminders

  • Do not leave your keys in your room or give them to someone else.
  • You are responsible for returning them, charges may apply for lost or unreturned keys.
  • Lock your room/flat doors as you leave.

If You Take Your Keys Home

Send them back immediately via registered mail in a padded envelope, including your UID. Contact: accommodation@manchester.ac.uk

Changing Your Contact Information

When you move, update your address with:

  • Your registered GP
  • Banks
  • Insurance providers
  • HMRC
  • DVLA
  • Electoral roll/local authority
  • TV Licensing
  • Online accounts (e.g. Amazon)

All students must update their contact information at the end of their Licence Agreement, even if you are moving back into halls.

We cannot redirect or store your mail. Post delivered after your Licence Agreement ends will be returned to the sender, and we cannot accept responsibility for items delivered in error.

Moving into the private sector

 

Many students move into private accommodation after living in our halls. If you need support or advice, Manchester Student Homes can help. They are a university‑funded service that supports students in the private sector, offering guidance on a wide range of housing issues, from contract checking to communicating with your landlord. You can contact them by email or visit their pod in the Students’ Union for in‑person support.