Preston is home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), which boasts a large and vibrant student population, of over 20,000 students. This community includes our own local students, those from across the UK and a range of international students, all of which contribute to our city’s culture and atmosphere. 

However, being a student comes with its own set of complications, especially when it comes to finding space and storage. Uni life comes with its own set of transitions, especially for students that are living in temporary accommodations. Which is why solutions in Preston are almost a must for students. 

This article takes a look into how storage solutions can help students, and offers a guide to help local students get the most out of their storage.

Challenges UCLan Students Face with Storage

Student life at Preston comes with its own share of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing personal belongings, and the same can be said for students at other universities.

Limited space in student accommodation: Student halls and private accommodations usually offer minimal storage spaces – particularly accommodations that are considered more ‘affordable’, and this is before you consider the fact that these accommodations are typically shared, minimising the space even more. This lack of space causes students to either go to their accommodations with very limited belongings. It might have the opposite effect as well, where they feel the need to continuously declutter, which will naturally lead to the stress of trying to do this each month. 

Moving: A majority of accommodations are on short term leases, meaning students have to relocate between their academic years. For instance, a first year student will typically move from halls to a student house in their second year which they share with friends. This however, can often create gaps in tenancies, leaving students a little stuck on what to do with their belongings.

Holidays: Whether the student is returning home for Christmas, or visiting friends during summer, holidays come with their own set of complications. Typically the security and safety of your belongings. Many don’t feel comfortable leaving their things at home while they visit home, and while halls and accommodations are typically secure, there are many instances where things get stolen, or broken in that individual’s absence. 

International students: For international students, their problem lies in all of the above. A student studying from another country, such as China for example, will have to bring, and therefore store even more belongings than the average student. And, shipping items home can be very costly, and impractical. 

Types of Items UCLan Students Might Need to Store

Student life comes with its own set of belongings, many of which aren’t needed year-round. Whether you’re moving between accommodations, heading home during breaks, or just trying to declutter your living space, self-storage can be a convenient solution. Here are some common categories of items UCLan students might need to store:

• Seasonal Clothing and Bedding: Thick winter coats, scarves, duvets, and extra blankets take up valuable space but are only needed for part of the year. Storing these items during warmer months can help keep your wardrobe manageable.
• Academic Supplies: Heavy textbooks, notebooks, and course-specific equipment (like art supplies, lab kits, or tech gear) can pile up quickly. Storing them when not in use or between semesters ensures they’re safe and out of the way.
• Bulky Items: Larger belongings like bicycles, sports equipment, or musical instruments can be difficult to store in student accommodation. A self-storage unit can provide a secure space to keep these items protected until needed.
• Personal Keepsakes and Décor: Items like photo frames, posters, and decorations add a personal touch to your space but may not be needed year-round—especially during moves or extended breaks.
• Student Essentials: Many students invest in their own cooking appliances, such as toasters, kettles, and microwaves, or pick up extra furniture like desk chairs, shelving units, and small tables. These are useful during term time but can be cumbersome to move or store at home during holidays.

By placing these items in self-storage, students can declutter their spaces without parting with belongings they’ll need later.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage Options for Students in Preston

Self-storage facilities offer flexible solutions to cater to the varying needs of students at UCLan, whether for a few weeks or several months.

• Short-Term Storage: Perfect for students needing space during:
  • Summer Holidays: Store your belongings over the summer while you return home.
  • Studying Abroad: If you’re participating in an exchange programme or studying abroad temporarily, short-term storage keeps your essentials safe until you return.

Many facilities offer affordable, small units that are ideal for a student budget and amount of belongings. Short-term contracts provide flexibility, allowing students to rent for only as long as they need.

• Long-Term Storage: Ideal for students who:
  • Take a Gap Year: Whether travelling or working, long-term storage keeps your items secure for extended periods.
  • Study Abroad for a Full Year: Instead of burdening family or friends with your belongings, long-term storage offers a secure and convenient solution.

Storage providers in Preston often cater specifically to students with:

• Flexible Contracts: Month-to-month rental options mean you only pay for the time you need.
• Small Unit Sizes: Perfect for storing personal belongings without overspending on space.
• Accessible Locations: Facilities near UCLan ensure easy access when moving in or out of student accommodation.

By choosing the right storage option, UCLan students can simplify transitions, protect their belongings, and free up space for day-to-day living. Whether short-term or long-term, Preston’s storage facilities provide practical and budget-friendly solutions tailored to student life.

Tips for Packing and Organising Student Storage

Packing and organising your storage unit efficiently can make all the difference when it comes to saving space and ensuring you can easily access your belongings. Here are some practical tips to help students make the most of their storage space:

• Label Boxes Clearly: Mark each box with its contents and, if possible, the category (e.g., “textbooks,” “kitchen appliances,” “winter clothes”). This will save you time when retrieving items later.
• Use Stackable Storage Boxes: Opt for sturdy, stackable boxes to maximise vertical space within your storage unit. Clear plastic boxes are ideal as they allow you to see the contents at a glance.
• Wrap Fragile Items Securely: Protect delicate items like glassware or tech equipment with bubble wrap, newspaper, or even soft items like towels and clothing. Many of these materials are free or readily available, so you don’t have to spend extra.
• Create an Inventory: Make a list of everything you’re storing and note which boxes they’re in. A simple spreadsheet or even a handwritten list can help you keep track of your belongings and avoid losing items.
• Sort Belongings into Categories: Organise your items into groups such as “essentials,” “seasonal,” or “occasional use.” Place less-needed items towards the back of the unit and essentials at the front for easy access.
• Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Clothing, bedding, and soft furnishings can take up a lot of space. Vacuum-sealed bags compress these items, reducing bulk and helping you fit more into your unit.

By taking the time to pack and organise your storage properly, you’ll maximise space, keep your items protected, and make your life easier when it’s time to retrieve everything. Whether storing for a short break or an entire year, these tips will help keep your belongings safe and accessible.

Final thoughts:

For UCLan students, managing belongings throughout university life can be a challenge, particularly with limited accommodation space, frequent moves, and extended holidays. Self-storage solutions in Preston provide a practical and flexible answer, allowing students to store seasonal, bulky, or personal items securely and affordably.

Whether you need a short-term option for the summer holidays or a long-term solution while studying abroad or taking a gap year, Preston’s storage facilities cater to the unique needs of students with small unit sizes, accessible locations, and flexible contracts.

By taking advantage of self-storage, students can enjoy a more organised, stress-free university experience, keeping their belongings safe while freeing up valuable living space. With proper packing and organisation, self-storage becomes not just a solution but an essential tool for simplifying student life.