Going Back to Uni in London? A Parent & Student Guide to Settling In

September in London has a particular feeling to it. The streets get busy again, cafés fill up, freshers arrive with suitcases that somehow seem bigger than they are, and parents make the most of their last few days before saying goodbye.

Whether you're a parent helping your child move into university, a student arriving a few days early to get settled, or you're simply visiting London before the new term begins, having somewhere comfortable to stay can make those first few days feel a lot easier. That's where Pocket Apartments comes in.

1. A comfortable base for the big move

Moving to university is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. There are boxes to unpack, bedding to buy, supermarkets to find, and roughly a million small things that somehow need sorting before lectures even begin.

Staying in a Pocket Apartment gives parents and students a bit of breathing room. Instead of trying to do everything in one exhausting day, you can arrive a little earlier, settle in, grab a coffee, and tackle things at your own pace.

Our apartments in Kensington and Notting Hill put you right in the middle of two of London's most convenient neighbourhoods, with cafés, restaurants, shops, parks and transport links all close by. It's a much nicer way to start a new chapter than spending the whole weekend surrounded by moving boxes.

2. For parents: make a weekend of it

If you're helping your son or daughter settle into London, it's worth making the most of the trip. Once the practical stuff is out of the way, there's no reason the weekend can't include a proper lunch, a walk through the neighbourhood, or a film together before the big goodbye.

Kensington and Notting Hill are particularly good for this. Spend the morning exploring the local streets, stop for coffee, browse the shops, and find somewhere nice for dinner. It's a good chance to enjoy some proper time together before university life gets busy - and once the unpacking is finally done, there's plenty nearby to help you unwind.

3. Start the day at Pocket Coffee

Moving day starts early. Whether you're arriving with a car full of boxes or coming into London by train, Pocket Coffee is the perfect place to pause for a proper coffee before getting started.

Our café on Kensington Church Street is close to both Pocket Apartments, making it an easy first stop for coffee, pastries, or a breather between jobs. It's also somewhere to come back to once the unpacking is finished - parents deserve a coffee break too.

4. Everything you need is close by

One of the best things about staying centrally is not having to plan every little journey. Forgotten something? Need toiletries? Looking for stationery? Want to grab snacks for the new room? You're surrounded by shops and everyday essentials.

Westfield London is also easily accessible for a bigger shopping trip, with hundreds of shops alongside restaurants, cafés, entertainment and a cinema - an easy way to tick off last-minute essentials and get an afternoon out at the same time. If you're staying in Kensington, South Kensington's museums and shops are another good option for a slower afternoon.

5. Where to eat after a long day of unpacking

After a day of moving, nobody wants to cook an elaborate dinner. Luckily, this part of London has plenty of options, whether you're after a quick bite with new flatmates or somewhere a little nicer for a final family dinner.

Notting Hill is packed with independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, while Kensington and the surrounding streets offer everything from casual Italian and Mediterranean food to classic British pubs. For a relaxed family meal, it's worth staying around Notting Hill and Kensington rather than heading into central London - you'll find plenty of character without the crowds, and you'll be close enough to walk home afterwards.

If you're after pizza and pasta, Portobello Ristorante & Pizzeria on Ladbroke Road sits right in the heart of Notting Hill and makes for a relaxed meal together.

6. Finish the day with a film

Sometimes you don't need another activity. You've unpacked, found the supermarket, bought the missing charger, and survived the IKEA trip. Now it's time for a film.

Vue at Westfield London has 20 screens, making it an easy option for a relaxed cinema night after a busy day. Grab some food beforehand, see what's showing, and enjoy a couple of hours where nobody has to think about university admin. For something a little more independent, there are also Curzon cinemas around London, including locations in Chelsea, Bloomsbury and Soho - a simple way to end the day together before term begins.

7. Take a break from the packing

Not every minute needs to be productive. One of the advantages of staying in Kensington or Notting Hill is having beautiful green spaces nearby when you need to escape the boxes.

Head into Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens for a walk, grab a coffee, and take some time away from the moving-in chaos. For parents, it can be a lovely chance to slow down before the journey home. For students, it's a good way to start getting familiar with your new part of London - because university life isn't just about your accommodation and lecture halls, it's about discovering the neighbourhood you'll be calling home.

8. If you're studying nearby

For students heading to university in West London or around South Kensington, Pocket Apartments can be particularly convenient. Imperial College London's South Kensington campus, for example, sits on Exhibition Road and is served by South Kensington Underground station on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines.

But even if your university is elsewhere in London, staying in a central neighbourhood gives you a chance to get used to travelling around the city before term properly begins. Work out your route, find your favourite coffee shop, figure out which supermarket is closest - those little things make the first week feel a lot less daunting.

9. For parents who aren't quite ready to say goodbye

Let's be honest - moving your child to university is a big moment for parents too. Having your own space nearby can make the whole experience feel a little less rushed. You can help them settle in, enjoy a proper meal together, have one last coffee, and then head back to your Pocket Apartment while they start their new adventure.

And if you're staying a couple of nights, you can enjoy London too. Take a walk around Notting Hill, visit the museums, explore Kensington Gardens, or simply sit down somewhere nice and enjoy a little time to yourself.

10. Arriving early? Don't let your bags get in the way

Moving days rarely run to schedule. You might arrive before check-in, have a few hours between trains, or find yourself with luggage after you've checked out. That's where our bag drop service comes in.

You can leave your bags with us at Pocket Coffee and head out into London without dragging suitcases around with you. Grab a coffee, get your university errands done, have lunch, or enjoy one last wander before heading home - one less thing to think about on an already busy day.

A new chapter starts here

Starting university is about so much more than moving into a room. It's the beginning of a new routine, a new neighbourhood and a completely different chapter of life.

For students, having a few days to get settled can make London feel a little more familiar before term begins. And for parents, having somewhere comfortable to stay means you can be there for the important bits without having to rush.

So whether you're helping your child move in, visiting them before term starts, or arriving in London yourself for university, make the most of those first few days. Explore the neighbourhood. Find your favourite restaurant. Have one last family dinner. Grab a coffee. Go to the cinema.

And let Pocket Apartments be your home base while you get settled. Welcome to London - and good luck with the new chapter!