We’re so excited to welcome you to the University of Chester on Arrivals Day – Saturday 4 October! Moving to university is a big step, and we want your first day to be smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable.
This page will guide you through what to expect on move-in day, how to get here, parking, and a reminder of what you need to do before you arrive.
Before You Arrive
To make sure everything runs smoothly on the day, please complete the following before you arrive:
You can find the full pre-arrival checklist with more information here: www.chester.ac.uk/welcome
How To Find Us
Key Collection and Check-In for all students living in university accommodation will take place at Seaborne Library, Exton Park (CH1 4BJ).
Exton Park is centrally located in Chester and easily accessible by car via the M53, A483, A41, and A56, as well as by public transport from the city centre. Please enter via the main entrance on Parkgate Road.
Please note: major roadworks are taking place across the city during this period so please allow plenty of time for your journey.
For more information about finding us and available public transport options, please visit our website.
What To Expect on Arrival
Our Accommodation team have already contacted you to confirm your allocated move-in timeslot. Please arrive during your allocated timeslot. This is really important as it helps us ensure a safe and smooth move-in process for everyone. We understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you arrive after 5.15pm, don’t worry – simply head to the Security Lodge (the first building on the right as you enter Exton Park) to collect your keys.
Parking & Luggage:
On arrival, our friendly Security and Welcome Team will confirm your timeslot, ask where you’ll be moving into, and help you find a parking space. Please note that parking is limited and cannot be guaranteed, but we’ll do our best to direct you to the nearest available spot to your accommodation.
We ask that you leave your luggage in your car until after check-in. If you’re arriving by public transport and need a place to store your luggage while you collect your keys, simply stop by the red Welcome Tent (located opposite Seaborne Library) and we’ll keep your belongings safe.
Check-In:
Once you’ve parked, your first stop will be Seaborne Library, where you’ll collect your accommodation keys and complete your in-person enrolment. This includes receiving your student ID card and lanyard. Please have the UoC app open on the photo ID page to show staff at the collection point.
After checking in, it’s time to move your belongings into your accommodation. A small number of trolleys will be available at the Red Welcome Tent, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
Parking After Unloading:
Once you’ve finished unpacking, we kindly ask to move your vehicle from campus to a nearby city centre car park. This helps the move-in process run smoothly and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to unload safely during their timeslot. You can find local council car parks online, or you can visit the Red Welcome Tent where our staff can direct you to a local carpark.
This is a great opportunity to explore the city centre, which is just a short walk away, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore. Please avoid parking on residential streets or restricted zones to respect our neighbours and the local community.
Once you’ve moved your vehicle, your friends and family are welcome to return to Exton Park to help you settle into your new home away home.
Help and Advice:
On the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet and get support from a wide range of services:
- Student Services – Information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student life.
- Registry Services – Help with enrolment and timetabling queries.
- Finance Team – Support with accommodation fee queries.
- Catering Team – Information on catering outlets, meal schemes, and dietary requirements.
- LIS Team – Support with immediate IT needs and collection of your student ID card. This includes getting your devices on our Wi-Fi, downloading the UoC app, and accessing your university account and making it safe with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Remember to bring your student number and password.
- Facilities Helpdesk – Your go-to contact for support with campus and accommodation facilities, including maintenance and cleaning.
- Chester Students’ Union (CSU) – Meet your officer team, find out about opportunities, and enjoy prizes and freebies.
Weekend Events
We have a full line-up of events and activities to help you feel at home throughout the weekend from BBQs, drop-ins, and craft sessions, to relaxed socials, live music, and much more. For the full schedule, check out Student Shout Out, where you’ll find everything happening over the weekend and throughout Welcome Week. It’s a fantastic way to get involved, settle in, and start making friends.
Useful Resources
Make sure to explore our Accommodation Guide which is packed with what to bring checklists, tips for settling in, and details about the support available to you.
We’ve got some useful Moving In Tips and some helpful advice on How to Be A Good Neighbour.
Join the UoC Residential Hub Teams group to get connected before you arrive!– It’s the go-to place for all your accommodation and residential life updates. You can also connect with your new neighbours and start building friendships before you’ve even moved in
You’ll also find plenty of useful information about your induction and arrival at www.chester.ac.uk/welcome.
Contact Us
If you have any questions before arrival, the Student Experience Team is happy to help – just email us at studentexperience@chester.ac.uk.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the University of Chester! Wishing you a safe and smooth journey – see you very soon.