MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
Students • Collection timing

Your university halls won’t accept deliveries before term — what do you do?

A common student headache, and the honest ways around it.

It catches a lot of students out: you want to send your books and belongings ahead to your overseas university, but the halls of residence won’t accept deliveries until your official move-in date. Here are the ways around it.

First, check the accommodation’s parcel policy

Many universities and private halls do accept shipments a few days before move-in, or hold them at a post room — but some don’t. A quick email to the accommodation office asking their earliest delivery date tells you exactly what you’re working with.

Then pick the option that fits
📅
Time the arrival, not the collection We can plan the shipment so it arrives on or just after your move-in date rather than before it. You hand your things over now; they land when the halls can take them.
🏠
Ship to an alternative address A relative, a friend already in the city, or a trusted contact near campus can receive the shipment for you, so it’s not tied to the halls’ timetable.
📦
Hold for collection at the destination For many destinations the shipment can be held at the arrival depot for you to collect once you’ve arrived and settled — useful if you land before your room is ready.

Tell us your university, your move-in date and where you’re shipping from in the UK, and we’ll plan the timing so your belongings don’t arrive to a locked door.

Get a quote Call 0800 096 38 39

Student questions
Can my parents send my luggage after I’ve flown out? +
Yes — a parent or anyone you nominate can hand the shipment over here in the UK after you’ve travelled.
Can I send boxes to my university before I arrive? +
Yes, as long as the timing works with the accommodation’s earliest delivery date — or we ship to an alternative address or hold it for collection.
How far ahead should I arrange it? +
Give yourself a couple of weeks for air freight and considerably longer for sea, then work back from your move-in date. We’ll help you plan it.
Related

Student shipping  ·  UK collection locations  ·  Real questions hub