Studying Abroad from UoM? How to Prepare Your Accommodation Before Leaving

Jun 22, 2025

Studying Abroad from UoM? How to Prepare Your Accommodation Before Leaving

Spending a semester or year abroad is one of the most exciting opportunities available to University of Manchester students. New country, new culture, new experiences.

But before you board your flight, there’s something less glamorous to deal with: your accommodation in Manchester.

Whether you’re currently in halls or private housing, preparing your room properly before studying abroad prevents unnecessary costs, protects your belongings, and makes returning for final year much easier.

This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare your accommodation before leaving Manchester.

Step 1: Confirm Your Tenancy Dates

The first thing to check is your housing contract.

Ask yourself:

  • Does my tenancy end before I leave?
  • Am I tied into a contract while I’m abroad?
  • Can I legally sublet?
  • Do I need to give notice?

If you’re in university halls, your contract usually ends in June or early July. If you’re studying abroad for a full academic year, your halls contract will likely finish before you leave.

If you’re in private housing, read your tenancy agreement carefully. Many student contracts run for 12 months regardless of whether you’re physically there.

Step 2: Decide What to Do With Your Belongings

If you’re leaving Manchester for several months, you’ll need a plan for your belongings.

There are generally three options:

1. Move Everything Home

This works if you live nearby and have transport access. However, for international students or those travelling long distances, this can be expensive and impractical.

2. Leave Items in Your Current Property

This only works if:

  • Your tenancy continues while you’re abroad
  • You trust your housemates
  • Your landlord allows belongings to remain

Even then, you take on risk if something is damaged or moved.

3. Use Student Self Storage in Manchester

Many students studying abroad choose student self storage in Manchester to keep their belongings secure while they’re away.

This allows you to:

  • End your tenancy cleanly
  • Avoid transporting everything home and back again
  • Return to Manchester without starting from scratch

If you’re currently in halls, you can review University of Manchester storage options designed around typical UoM contract dates.

Step 3: Declutter Before You Pack

Studying abroad is a good opportunity to reduce what you own.

Before packing, divide your belongings into three groups:

  • Take abroad – essential clothing, documents, laptop
  • Store safely – bedding, kitchen items, books
  • Sell or donate – unused items

The less you store, the simpler your return will be.

Step 4: Plan Storage Around Your Departure Date

Timing matters.

Confirm:

  • Your move-out date in Manchester
  • Your flight date
  • How long you’ll be abroad

Booking early using the online booking form ensures you secure space before peak move-out season in late June and July.

Reviewing the pricing information in advance helps you budget for the full duration of your time abroad.

Step 5: Pack Strategically for Long-Term Storage

If your belongings will be stored for several months, pack carefully.

Use Strong Boxes

  • Choose sturdy, stackable boxes
  • Avoid overfilling

Label Clearly

  • Write category and box number
  • Create a digital inventory list

Protect Fragile Items

  • Wrap breakables in clothes or bubble wrap
  • Avoid placing heavy items on top

This makes unpacking in final year much easier.

Step 6: Clean and Close Your Room Properly

If your tenancy ends before you leave, you must return the room in good condition.

Before handing back keys:

  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Wipe surfaces and shelves
  • Empty wardrobes and drawers
  • Remove all rubbish
  • Take photos of the cleaned room

This protects your deposit while you’re abroad.

Step 7: Never Store Important Documents

Certain items should always travel with you:

  • Passport
  • Visa documents
  • Bank cards
  • Placement or exchange paperwork
  • Prescription medication

Keep these in your hand luggage when travelling.

Step 8: Consider Final-Year Accommodation Early

If you’re studying abroad for a full academic year, don’t forget about your return.

While abroad:

  • Coordinate with friends about final-year housing
  • Confirm your move-in date
  • Plan when you’ll retrieve stored belongings

Having your items stored locally in Manchester makes returning much smoother.

Common Mistakes Students Make Before Going Abroad

  • Leaving accommodation decisions too late
  • Underestimating how much they own
  • Transporting everything home unnecessarily
  • Forgetting to budget for storage
  • Not cleaning properly before leaving

Most of these are avoided by planning even a few weeks in advance.

Quick Checklist Before You Leave Manchester

  • Confirm tenancy end date
  • Decide what to take, store, or donate
  • Book student self storage in Manchester if needed
  • Pack and label carefully
  • Clean thoroughly before key return
  • Keep important documents with you

Summary: Preparing Your Accommodation Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is exciting, but your accommodation needs careful preparation.

By confirming contract dates, reducing what you own, organising storage in advance, and cleaning properly before departure, you protect both your belongings and your deposit.

With practical planning in place, you can leave Manchester confidently, and return without unnecessary stress when your exchange ends.