Canterbury Campus Accommodation Arrivals
Get ready for move-in day: Your guide to arriving at your Canterbury accommodation.
Find out more about Arrivals. We're here to support you and help you feel prepared for your big day.
You can only pack so much, so check what's already included in your room and what essentials you need to bring.
Find out more about getting to campus and what support we offer to international students during Arrivals.
Find out which documents you need to bring when collecting your key or fob from reception, plus where to park and unload your car for a smooth move-in day.
Whether you're arriving late, need to adjust your travel plans, or want to know when your meal plan begins, you'll find all the answers here.
If you are an exchange or postgraduate student, you should aim to arrive on campus for Thursday 8 January 2026.
Register your arrival date via the MyAccommodation Portal and check college reception opening hours online. If you find yourself delayed, don't worry, check out our useful video on arriving outside reception opening hours.
We understand plans can change. If you need to update your arrival date, you can do so in the portal up to 48 hours before arrival to get a new arrivals pass. If it’s within 48 hours, just contact us to let us know.
My advice for new students arriving? Just relax, you’re about to make a big step and it may seem daunting, but everything will work itself out!
Each college area has a designated car park for unloading, which will be shown on your unloading permit.
Due to limited parking at unloading areas, you’ll have around 20 minutes to park and unload your belongings before moving to a larger overflow car park.
For students living at Giles Court
For students living at Becket Court
When is my reception open?
During the Arrivals period, all our receptions have extended opening hours. You can check your college reception times online.
If you arrive outside these hours, you'll need to return the next morning to complete your check-in.
What if my travel plans change?
Don't worry, we understand plans can change. If you won’t be arriving within the week you originally planned, just contact the Accommodation Team to let us know.
Arriving late or outside reception hours?
You can either stay in a local hotel and arrive the next day or call Campus Security at +44 (0)1227 823300. They’ll let you in after verifying your Arrivals Pass.
Meal plans
If you are living in accommodation that includes a meal plan or have purchased the Flex Meal Plan separately, this will start on Saturday 10 January 2026. Make sure you download the Time2Eat app to access your plan's credit.
Do you need a car?
Everything on campus is within walking distance, and we’re well-connected by UniBus, which offers great student discounts.
Student parking is restricted to commuting students and a few exceptions, such as Disability Blue Badge holders, who can apply for a permit.
Final Reminder: Don’t forget to check your reception opening times before you arrive!
Our packing list will help, but remember to check your bed size before buying bedding and skip grocery deliveries on arrivals weekend, just bring a few essentials to get you started and take a quick look at our prohibited items list.
Take the hassle out of buying and transporting your bedding and kitchen items to campus by pre-ordering all your essentials from our friends at UniKitOut ready and waiting in your room for when you arrive.
This is just the beginning of an incredible journey! There’s so much to look forward to, and for many of you, this will be your first time living away from home, meaning the learning won’t stop at the lecture halls.
Be sure to check out our Living in University Accommodation page for everything you need to know about the facilities included in your accommodation.
On a personal note, remember to be kind, open, and friendly, you’ll be off to a fantastic start. And if you ever need support, we’re here for you, along with a wide range of student support services.
No problem! Use the help point or call Campus Security. They’ll bring your keys - just show your Arrivals Pass, then return to reception in the morning to finish check-in.
After enrolling, take a few steps to make campus life easier—set up Wi-Fi, plan your budget, and more. Here are our top tips!
If you have any questions not answered on our pages feel free to check out our online FAQs, contact us via email or social media.
Find out more about the application process, our guaranteed offers and when you can expect a room offer.
From applying through to arriving find all you need to know about our accommodation and living on campus.
With bedding, one size doesn't fit all so be sure to check the size of the bed in your room.
The Home at Halls app makes campus life easier, giving residential students access to exclusive features anytime, anywhere.
Access your application portal to apply, amend or make changes to your accommodation application.