Student Storage

Planning student storage?

This guide explains when students typically need storage, how self storage works, what size you might need, and how to keep costs down during university breaks or between terms.

What is student storage?

Student storage is a flexible way to store your belongings when you do not need them on a day-to-day basis. It is commonly used by students who are moving out of halls, changing accommodation, or heading home during university breaks.

Instead of transporting everything back and forth each term, student storage allows you to keep your items secure until you are ready to use them again. Storage can be used for a short period, such as over the summer, or for longer if your plans change.

Student storage is suitable for those living in halls, shared houses, or private accommodation, as well as international students who need somewhere safe to store their belongings while travelling.

When do students typically need storage?

Summer break

Many students need somewhere to store their belongings when moving out of halls or rented accommodation at the end of term.

Between university terms

If your tenancy dates do not align, storage can bridge the gap between moving out and moving in.

Leaving halls or shared housing

Storage can help when downsizing, moving in with friends, or waiting for new accommodation to become available.

Studying abroad or on placement

If you are leaving the UK temporarily, storage allows you to keep your belongings secure until you return.

International students

Storage can be a practical alternative to shipping items home during shorter breaks.

How student storage works

Choose a storage size

Select a unit size based on how much you need to store, from a few boxes to small furniture items.

Move your belongings into storage

Bring your items to the storage facility at a time that suits you. Many students choose to pick up packing materials locally to make moving and packing easier.

Store for as long as you need

Storage can be short-term or longer-term, depending on your plans.

Access your items when needed

You can visit your unit during normal opening hours to add or remove items.

Learn more about how self storage works.

What size storage do students usually need?

The size you need depends on what you’re storing and where you’re living.

• Clothes and shoes
• Books and study materials
• Bedding and kitchen items

Popular storage sizes for students

For belongings from a single room in halls, many students typically choose a storage unit between 10 and 25 sq ft. This is usually enough for boxes, suitcases, and small personal items.

If you are storing furniture or items from a shared house, you may need a larger unit.

Choosing the smallest suitable unit can make a noticeable difference to the overall cost, particularly for short-term summer storage.

Flexible storage options for students

There are different types of student storage available, and it’s worth understanding how they work before choosing one.

Some student storage services collect your belongings and store them off-site. While this can be convenient, it often means you do not have direct access to your items. To get anything back, you usually need to arrange a return delivery, which may take time and involve additional costs.

With self storage, you bring your belongings to the storage facility yourself and keep control over access. This means you can visit your unit and access your items during normal opening hours without booking deliveries.

Many students choose to transport their belongings using Uber, Zipcar, or local van hire, which can offer a flexible and cost-effective way to move items into storage.

• Easy access to your belongings
• Flexibility if plans change
• Control over when items are added or removed

Self storage facilities are designed to give students flexible access to their belongings throughout their storage period.

Convenient locations for students

Location matters when choosing student storage, especially if you need to move items without a car. Many students look for storage that is easy to reach from halls, rented accommodation, or transport links.

With widespread storage facilities across London and the rest of the UK, it is often possible to find storage near your university, home address, or travel route.

How much student storage costs

The cost of student storage varies depending on a few key factors:

• Storage unit size
• Length of storage
• Location of the storage facility

If you are looking to keep costs down, choosing a smaller unit and planning around term dates can make a big difference. Near peak periods, it can also be useful to check storage unit costs in advance to understand pricing and availability at your local store.

Student discounts and offers

Many storage providers offer student discounts or introductory offers, particularly during peak times such as the summer break.

Offers can vary by location and availability.

Secure storage you can rely on

• Controlled access to storage areas
• Monitored premises
• Individual unit security

This provides peace of mind, particularly for students storing items over longer periods or while travelling abroad.

Why choose Safestore for student storage

Safestore offers flexible self storage designed to suit student needs, whether you are storing belongings over the summer or between university terms.

Students can choose from a wide range of storage sizes and only pay for the space they need. On-site teams are available to help if you are unsure what size you need or how long to store for.

Next steps

If you are ready to store your belongings, you can get an online quote for your nearest Safestore and choose a unit that fits your needs.