What's in the room and what to bring

Our university accommodation offers a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and shelves as a minimum. On this page we'll look at some of the things you might want to bring with you.

If you've got any other questions, please contact us.

  • Bedding (pillows, duvets and sheets)
  • Towels
  • Personal items, eg hairdryer, shaver, etc
  • Electric kettle
  • Plates and bowls
  • Pots and pans
  • Cutlery
  • Coded padlock
  • Toaster
  • Tea towels
  • Oven gloves
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Small sewing kit
  • Electrical adapters (these must meet British Safety Standards)

You could buy kitchen items after you arrive and share the cost with your housemates.

A company called Uni Kit Out sells packs of student essentials. You can order before you move in and they’ll be in your room when you arrive. There’s more information on pack content and prices on the Uni Kit Out website, and ARU students can get 10% discount across the site by using the code ARU10.

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If you’re moving into accommodation that ARU manages, your possessions will be automatically covered up to £10,000 through our insurer Cover4students.com. Please check below that the policy covers everything you need it to.

Student possessions insurance policy overview (PDF)

Student possessions insurance schedule (PDF)

Student possessions insurance product information document (PDF)

Block halls possessions policy (PDF)

If you’ll be living at CB1 or The Railyard, your possessions will also be automatically covered. The staff there will give you a copy of the policy, as it's different to the one above.

If you’ll be living in the YMCA, Sedley Court or ARU Writtle, you'll need to arrange your own personal possessions insurance as it isn't included in your rent.

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When you move in we'll provide parking while you unload, but we don't have have long-term parking at all campuses for all residents, except for those with a Blue Badge.

Car parking is available to students living in Writtle halls only. Vehicles must be registered, display a permit and use designated student parking spaces (disabled parking bays are available). You can register and obtain a permit when you enrol as a student at Writtle. Currently there is no charge for parking on campus. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

In Chelmsford, there’s limited parking available if you're studying a specific course. Get more information about Student Village parking.

Student Village parking form

In Cambridge, the closest public car parks are the Queen Anne and Grafton Street multi-storeys, both about five minutes' walk from campus.

In Chelmsford, the Riverside Ice and Leisure car park is a five-minute walk from campus.

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Yes, we have parking spaces for motorcycles and bikes on our campuses. There's also plenty of bike parking at our halls and houses.

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If you want to watch TV in your room, download or record live programmes or watch BBC iPlayer on any device, you'll need to get a TV licence. This covers you for watching through any device. You might need a portable aerial if you want to watch TV in your room.

Anyone without a valid TV licence who watches or records television programmes as described above risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

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The internet is supplied by Glide in most University managed accommodation.

When using Wi-Fi you will receive up to 250Mb. This includes unlimited downloads.

Please follow the digital guide (PDF)* to find out how to connect.

If you are having internet issues please contact Glide on 0333 123 0115, [email protected], visit https://my.glidestudent.co.uk/contact-us, or view Glide's trouble getting online poster (PDF)

If you continue to have issues with your internet connection please contact the housing team to gain assistance:

*Please note your internet charge is included in your rent, because of this please only follow steps 1, 3 and 4 to connect. However, if you would like to upgrade your internet this would be an additional cost, for this please follow the steps 1 to 4 in full.

Internet for 107 Chesterton Road is provided by Reach Hall. Please refer to the Help and Info poster in your kitchen for more information.

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