It's nearly time for you to start your journey with us...

Arrivals day is one of the most exciting moments of your uni journey – your first step into a new chapter! As first days go, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves about what to expect. That's why we're here to tell you everything you need to know about arrivals day (whether you’re moving into campus accommodation or settling in the city).

Arriving on campus

If you’re moving into one of our on-campus accommodations, here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. Arriving by car: When you arrive, stay in your car. University security will guide you to where you need to collect your key. Key collection is organised like a drive-through – you simply stay in your car, and someone will come to your window, take your name, and hand over your key and any welcome information. Once you have your key, you’ll be directed on where to park.
2. Moving into east side accommodation: If your accommodation is on the East side of campus, you will be asked to park in the East Car Park. To help you move your belongings from your car to your new room, large cages will be available. Just keep in mind that during busy times, there might be a bit of a wait for a cage, but that’s a great chance to meet new people – you could even ask someone if you can have their cage next!
3. Moving into west side accommodation: If your new home is on the West side of campus, you’ll either park in the West Car Park or drive through campus to park right outside your accommodation. If you do park outside your accommodation, remember it’s just for unloading. Once you’ve unpacked, you’ll need to move your car back to the West Car Park.
4. Friends and family: Feel free to bring friends and family along to help you settle in. There’s no rush for them to leave, so you can take your time saying goodbye and getting everything sorted!

Food and drink on campus

Moving in can be tiring, so you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of food and drink options available on campus to keep you fuelled. From coffee shops to quick bites, there’s something to satisfy everyone. Check out the monthly opening times for food outlets to see what’s open on arrivals day.

If you need to pick up some essentials, the Fresh supermarket is conveniently located on campus. Alternatively, if you’re planning to stock up for the week, there are plenty of larger supermarkets around Bath.

Arriving in the city

If you’re moving into university-managed accommodation in Bath city centre, here’s what to expect:

1. Park in the city: First, find a suitable place to park your car in the city. You will collect your key directly from your new accommodation. A member of the ResLife Team will be there to greet you and hand over your key, making it a straightforward process. Once you have your key, you can start moving in right away.
2. Friends and family: Friends and family are welcome to stay longer and help you settle in. However, they will need to find suitable parking in the city, so be prepared to check out the local parking options.

Top tips for a smooth arrivals day

• Arrive for your slot: Getting to campus or your new accommodation on time/a little bit earlier can help you avoid the busiest times and give you more time to settle in. Arrive too late or too early and you will cause problems for everyone!
• Be patient and friendly: Moving day can be hectic, so a bit of patience goes a long way. It’s also a great time to meet your new neighbours and make some new friends.
• Prepare for the weather: British weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring an umbrella just in case.
• Don’t forget the essentials: Make sure to bring any important documents, a form of ID, and some snacks or drinks for the journey. 

Hopefully this quells the nerves a little bit to make your arrivals day as exciting as possible :)