Last Minute Accommodation Checklist for Students Arriving in January 2026

• 05 Dec, '25
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Visa delays. Last minute course decisions. A change of university or pathway that comes through just before the new term. If you are arriving in January 2026, you are not alone in feeling behind everyone else. While your friends might have been talking about student accommodation for months, you may only now be realising that you need to find a place to live quickly.

The good news is that there is still time to find somewhere safe, stylish and fully prepared for you. Iconinc The Ascent in Liverpool and Iconinc The Bonnie in Glasgow are move in ready, luxury student communities designed to make late arrivals feel easy. With direct booking, concierge style support and an incredible events and community programme, Iconinc turns last minute panic into a fresh start you can feel excited about. 

Use this simple student accommodation checklist to get everything sorted for January 2026.

1. Get your course and visa details organised

Before you start looking seriously at student accommodation, make sure you understand exactly where and what you are studying.

• Confirm your university offer and course start date
  
  

• Save digital and printed copies of your CAS, visa, passport and insurance
  
  

• Check any pre arrival tasks from your university, such as online enrolment
  
  

If you are still waiting for visa approval, do not panic. You can research and shortlist student accommodation now so you are ready to book the moment your visa is granted. Iconinc’s direct booking system is set up for fast turnaround, which is ideal for students in this situation. What’s more, Iconinc now offers payment through Alipay and simple installment options so it is easy and straight forward.

2. Decide what kind of living experience you want

A rushed decision can sometimes push students toward the first room they see, even if it does not match their needs. Take a moment to picture your ideal day.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want my own private apartment, or to share a basic house
  
  

• Do I feel confident setting up bills, Wi Fi and furniture from scratch
  
  

• How important are on site security and support
  
  

• Do I want the convenience of breakfast available 7 days a week for me?
  
  

• Would I rather live somewhere social, with events, gym and cinema access included
  
  

At Iconinc The Ascent in Liverpool and Iconinc The Bonnie in Glasgow you get hotel style studios and apartments designed specifically for students. That means big beds, great storage, smart TVs, study desks, kitchen areas and modern bathrooms already in place. You also get fast Wi Fi, all bills included, and professional teams looking after the building day and night. CCTV and a 24 hour concierge ensure that all students feel safe in their student accommodation.

For January arrivals, that move in ready setup is priceless. You can step straight off a plane or train into a space where everything works.

3. Book directly with Iconinc

When time is tight, you do not want to be chasing third party landlords, booking agents or complicated contract details. Booking direct with Iconinc keeps things simple.

You can:

• Browse apartment types at The Ascent and The Bonnie on the Iconinc website
  
  

• See photographs and floorplans of real rooms
  
  

• Compare contract lengths and prices clearly
  
  

• Secure your place online with guidance from the bookings team
  
  

• Benefit from exclusive booking deals such as cashback incentives - book direct to get the BEST deal on your student accommodation for January start dates
  
  

Because Iconinc has been voted Best Luxury Accommodation Provider in the UK, you know you are dealing with an experienced, trusted operator that understands what late booking students and international arrivals need. The team is used to talking through questions from both students and parents, and can explain everything from payment schedules to move in days. 

4. Pack smart for a January move

January weather in Liverpool and Glasgow is cold, often wet, and sometimes snowy. When you are packing, combine practicality with comfort and do not overload your suitcases with things you do not need.

Bring:

• Important documents and printed copies of key emails
  
  

• A mix of warm layers, including a good coat, waterproof shoes and cosy jumpers
  
  

• Personal items such as photos, a favourite blanket or small decorations
  
  

• Your laptop, phone, chargers and any course specific equipment
  
  

You can be more relaxed about items like:

• Pots, pans, plates and cutlery
  
  

• Cleaning equipment
  
  

• Lamps, hangers and other household basics
  
  

Iconinc apartments are well equipped, and you can buy or pre order kitchen and bedding packs so that everything is waiting when you arrive. This creates real value for money, because you are not paying out for lots of items that might be used only for one year.

5. Plan how you will get from the airport to Iconinc

If you are travelling from overseas, you may arrive tired and overwhelmed. Knowing exactly what to do after you land can make all the difference.

Before you travel:

• Check the nearest airports for Liverpool or Glasgow
  
  

• Look at train or coach options in advance
  
  

• Save Iconinc’s address and contact details to your phone
  
  

• Let the Iconinc team know your expected arrival time
  
  

The concierge style teams at The Ascent and The Bonnie can talk you through local transport or help you plan taxis. When you arrive, they will welcome you, help you check in and show you around your new home. Having that human support at the end of a long journey feels incredibly reassuring.

6. Use the community and events to make friends fast

Arriving in January can sometimes feel like arriving late to a party. Other people may already have formed friendships. Iconinc’s community and events programme is designed to break down those barriers and help new arrivals settle in quickly.

In your first weeks you can:

• Join welcome events, games nights and social mixers
  
  

• Use shared lounges, study spaces and cinema rooms to meet people naturally
  
  

• Join one of the regular day trips to explore Liverpool or Glasgow with other residents
  
  

• Attend cultural celebrations and themed events that reflect a wide range of backgrounds
  
  

Because events and activities are part of life at Iconinc and included in your experience, you do not need a big extra budget to be involved. Your rent covers much more than just a room, giving outstanding value for money when you look at everything you gain.

7. Know who to turn to when you need help

Moving country or starting university midway through the academic year can feel like a lot. At The Ascent and The Bonnie you are not expected to handle everything alone.

You will have:

• A friendly team at reception 24 hours a day
  
  

• Secure access control and monitored communal areas
  
  

• A straightforward system for reporting maintenance issues
  
  

• Staff who can signpost wellbeing and support services at your university
  
  

Parents appreciate knowing that their student is living in a professionally managed building with a trusted provider, rather than an unregulated private house. Students appreciate knowing there is always someone they can talk to in the same building.

Turn last minute stress into a luxury fresh start

You might be booking late, but that does not mean you have to settle for less. Iconinc The Ascent in Liverpool and Iconinc The Bonnie in Glasgow give you luxury student accommodation, all inclusive value, a strong community and a full events calendar from the moment you arrive.

If you are arriving in January 2026 and still need a place to live in Liverpool or Glasgow, book a viewing or secure your apartment at Iconinc today. Let the UK’s Best Luxury Accommodation Provider turn your last minute arrival into the best possible beginning.