The International Students Moving In Guide

Phase 1: Arrival, Keys & Concierge

Your first day in London is important for your whole stay. Many modern apartment buildings have strict security and registration procedures that you must follow before you can move in. Knowing how these work will help you steer clear of any delays when you arrive.

The Digital Handover

UK immigration documents are now fully digital, and physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer used. To get the keys to your new home in London, you need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) “Right to Rent” share code using your online eVisa portal.

By law, landlords and property managers must check the immigration status of everyone moving in. Make sure you log in to your digital portal and create your share code just before you arrive. Show this code and your passport to your property manager so they can quickly finish the legal checks and give you your keys.

Registering with the Concierge

Many high-end London buildings, like London Dock in Wapping or Stratford’s East Bank, have a 24-hour concierge to handle security and daily operations. On your first day, it is important to introduce yourself at the concierge desk.

When you meet the concierge, they will add your details to the building’s resident portal, like MyHome or a similar system. This step is important for several reasons:

• Automated Deliveries: It activates instantaneous smartphone notifications the moment an Amazon package, secure courier item, or grocery delivery arrives at the holding facility.
• Building Access Fobs: It programmes and authorises your electronic fobs, granting secure access to main entryways, resident lifts, and private wellness facilities.
• Estate Protocols: It provides you with immediate clarity on estate-specific rules, including the location and strict sorting guidelines for integrated household waste and recycling chutes.

Phase 2: Unpacking and the Inventory

It is important to protect your deposit from the very start of your tenancy. In high-end rentals, strict legal rules are in place to make sure there are no disputes about your deposit when your studies end.

The Third-Party Protection

Before you move in, an independent inventory agency will carefully inspect the property. They create a detailed digital report with photos showing the condition of the apartment, including the walls, floors, fixtures, and appliances.

Using an independent agency gives both you and the landlord a fair and official record of the property’s condition. This protects your deposit from being used for any damage that was already there.

The Action Required

After you move in, you need to check the digital inventory report. Walk through your apartment and compare what you see to the report to make sure everything matches.

If you notice anything missing or not shown in the report, you have 7 days to add notes and photos to the portal. Signing and returning the document within this time gives you full legal protection and helps make sure you get your deposit back easily when you leave.

Phase 3: Essential Digital Applications

To get around London easily, you will need to install a few key apps on your phone. These will help you with transport, managing your money, and sharing expenses with housemates.

TfL Go & Google Maps

Transport for London (TfL) runs the city’s public transport. Download the TfL Go app and Google Maps for easy navigation. If you link your contactless card or phone wallet to TfL Go, you can check your travel history, see live updates, and keep track of your fares. This helps you get the best travel rates between home and university.

Monzo or Revolut

Opening a traditional bank account in the UK can take weeks and needs lots of paperwork. To get started quickly, download a digital banking app like Monzo or Revolut. These apps let you set up a UK bank account in about ten minutes, so you can transfer money, use digital wallets, and pay bills right away.

Splitwise

If you are sharing your apartment with friends or other students, it’s important to keep track of shared expenses. Splitwise is a great app for this. It lets you log shared costs, like cleaning supplies or groceries, and automatically works out who owes what, so you can avoid awkward conversations.

Phase 4: Setting Up Utilities & Navigating Freebies

You should contact your utility providers as soon as you move in. Setting up your accounts right away helps you avoid surprise bills and makes sure you follow local rules.

The Official Move-In Guide

Before you arrive, you will get the Official Move-In Guide by email from the management team. This guide has instructions just for your property, including where to find utility meters, who your water, electricity, and heating suppliers are, and how to set up your internet. Reading it will help you set up your utilities easily.

The Council Tax Exception (Key Step)

In the United Kingdom, residential properties are subject to a municipal service levy known as Council Tax. However, full-time international students enrolled at recognised UK institutions are entirely exempt from this financial obligation.

Remember, this exemption is not automatic. If you don’t register as a student, the local council (like Tower Hamlets, Southwark, or Camden) will think you need to pay Council Tax and could send you a bill of over £1,500 a year.

To execute this exemption successfully, follow these mandatory steps during your first week:

• Complete your official university enrolment and access your student administrative portal.
• Download your official, digitally stamped Council Tax Exemption Certificate.
• Go to the official website of your specific London borough council.
• Upload the certificate directly via the council’s exclusive student portal to formally nullify the property’s tax liability.

Phase 5: Maintaining Your Rental Property Like a Pro

If you live in a high-end apartment, it’s important to look after the interiors and appliances. Good maintenance helps prevent problems and keeps your home in great condition.

The Humidity Trap

London’s climate is often damp, so you need to manage indoor humidity. Everyday things like showers, cooking, and drying clothes add moisture to the air inside.

To stop black mould from forming, use the apartment’s extractor fans regularly. Also, open the windows for a short time after showering or cooking to let fresh air in and keep the air inside healthy.

Appliance Lifespans & Delicate Surfaces

High-end London apartments have quality appliances and special finishes. To keep them working well and looking good, follow these care tips:

• Tumble Dryers: Clear the lint filter after every drying cycle. A blocked filter reduces drying efficiency, increases energy consumption, and presents a clear thermal safety hazard.
• Premium Countertops: Many luxury kitchens have quartz or marble worktops. Don’t use bleach or rough pads on them. Clean them with a microfibre cloth, warm water, and a gentle stone cleaner to avoid damage.

Reporting Faults

Even in the best apartments, small maintenance issues can happen. The best way to fix them is to report them quickly. Tenants can use the Crown Luxury Homes 24/7 online maintenance portal for this.

If you notice a small problem, like a slow-draining sink or a dripping tap, log into the portal right away. Upload a photo and a short description. Fixing small matters early stops them from becoming bigger problems.

Why Crown Luxury Homes?

At Crown Luxury Homes, we know that moving to another country can be complicated. Our property management services are designed to make your move easier and give you full assistance throughout your stay.

Before you arrive, we carefully prepare your property. We read and record all utility meters, deep clean every room, and let the concierge team know you are coming.

Our digital onboarding system lets you verify your identity, complete eVisa checks, and sign your tenancy agreement online before you even leave home. We focus on student support and provide a safe, well-managed place to live, so you can concentrate on your studies and career.

The Student Move-In Cheat Sheet