Home insurance
Your landlord or university may insure the building, but that does not usually cover your own belongings. Check what cover you need and whether you already have it.
Student essentials
Starting university? Get the essentials sorted
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🎓 Student essentials for University
✏️ Your university moving-in checklist
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Before you move
Check your accommodation contract and who is responsible for bills
Consider whether your belongings are already covered
Compare a student bank account if you need one
Set a realistic spending plan for the term
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When you move in
Arrange broadband if it is not included
Check mobile signal and data needs around your new address
Take meter readings if you are responsible for energy bills
Keep copies of your tenancy agreement and important documents
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During term time
Review subscriptions and regular payments
Keep valuables secure and retain receipts or serial numbers
Update your car insurance if your vehicle is kept at university
Check the cover you have before booking trips or buying additional insurance
⚠️ When you move in, find the fire exits and assembly point, and read any fire-safety guidance. Report faulty alarms or fire-safety equipment to your landlord or accommodation team, keep emergency contacts handy, and make sure shared areas and escape routes stay clear.
💷 Make your money go further at university
University can bring new costs and new financial decisions. Explore support you may be eligible for, compare accounts and get to grips with borrowing, saving and your credit score before making a choice.
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Financial help for students
Find out about grants, bursaries and other financial support that may be available while you study.
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What is a student bank account?
Learn how student accounts work and what to consider, from eligibility and account features to overdrafts.
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What is a student overdraft?
An overdraft is a form of borrowing. Understand how it works, what it costs and how to manage it responsibly.
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Credit Score
See how your credit score works and why keeping your details and repayments up to date can matter.
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Savings account
If you have money you do not need for everyday spending, compare savings accounts to find an option that suits you
Why Super Save with MoneySuperMarket?
We’re on a mission to help you save money over and over again....
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Always more ways to save
There’s more to us than insurance. We work with hundreds of companies to find more ways for you to save on dozens of bills.
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On top of the brilliant savings you can already make with us, we’re now offering you even more rewards when you join our SuperSaveClub.
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In your corner
We’re with you for the long haul. We relentlessly hunt down better deals for you, so you can keep saving money over and over again.
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Supercharge your savings
We’re already helping 13 million people across the UK Super Save on their household bills and finances – why not join them?
What do I need to sort out before going to university?
Before you move, check your accommodation agreement and find out what is included in your rent, such as bills, broadband or contents cover. You may also want to arrange a student bank account, compare mobile or broadband options, and make a note of important contacts. Once you move in, take meter readings if you are responsible for energy bills, keep a copy of your tenancy agreement and check the fire-safety information for your accommodation.
Do students need contents insurance?
Not always, but it is worth checking. Your university or landlord is normally responsible for the building itself, but this does not usually include your personal belongings. Check whether you are already covered through a parent or guardian’s home insurance, a packaged bank account or another policy before arranging separate cover.
Can I get broadband on a student contract?
Yes. Some providers offer student-specific broadband deals, while others offer shorter or more flexible contracts that may suit a student tenancy. Before choosing, check what is available at your address, the contract length, any set-up costs and who will be responsible for the account and payments.
What should I look for in a student bank account?
Compare the features that matter to you, including any account fees, eligibility criteria and access to online banking. If an account includes an interest-free overdraft, remember this is borrowing: check the limit, when it may change and how you will repay it. It is also worth looking beyond introductory perks to make sure the account suits your everyday needs.
Do I need to change my car insurance address when I go to university?
You should tell your insurer if your car is kept at your university address for all or most of the time, as this can affect your cover and premium. Even if you only use the car during term time, check with your insurer which address should be recorded and make sure your details remain accurate.
Can I use a SIM-only deal at university?
Yes. A SIM-only deal can be a useful option if you already have a phone and only need minutes, texts and data. Compare data allowances, monthly cost, contract length and network coverage around your university and accommodation before choosing.
Reviewed on 29 Sep 2026
Sources and supporting information
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[1]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
