---
title: Can I choose my move-in date?
description: Find out how Scape move-in dates work, including contract start dates, arriving later and why you cannot move in early.
---

[Skip to content](https://help.scape.com/can-i-choose-my-move-in-date#main-content)

English - United Kingdom

Show submenu for translations

[Need more help?](https://help.scape.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en-gb)

[![Scape logo](https://help.scape.com/hubfs/Scape-Logo-Pink-Padded.svg)](https://scape.com/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English - United Kingdom
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [Need more help?](https://help.scape.com/kb-tickets/new)

 HOW CAN WE HELP?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Scape Knowledge Base](https://help.scape.com/?hsLang=en-gb)
2. [Before you book](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb)
3. [Contract lengths and dates](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#contract-lengths-and-dates)

# Can I choose my move-in date?

Your move-in date is linked to the contract start date you choose when you book. This date is fixed in your booking, and your room will be available from that point onwards.

You can usually check in any time from your contract start date, so if you need to arrive a few days later, that is normally fine. Your rent and contract will still begin from the original start date, even if you move in later.

### Important things to know

- **You cannot move in before your contract starts:** your room will not be available before the agreed start date.
- **You can arrive after your start date:** your booking remains active, but rent is still due from the contract start date.
- **Check-in details matter:** keep an eye on your emails for arrival instructions and any steps you need to complete.
- **Late arrivals should be shared:** if you will arrive much later than planned, let your building team know.

Before confirming your booking, check the contract start date carefully. If you need accommodation from a specific date, contact the Scape sales team or check current options on [scape.com/rooms](https://www.scape.com/rooms/) before you book.

- [Finding the right room](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Locations and buildings](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#locations-and-buildings)
    - [Room types and layouts](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#room-types-and-layouts)
    - [Availability and pricing](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#availability-and-pricing)
    - [Viewing options](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#viewing-options)
    - [Accessibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#accessibility-and-requirements)
- [Eligibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Who can book](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#who-can-book)
    - [Student status and enrolment](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#student-status-and-enrolment)
    - [Age requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#age-requirements)
    - [Visa requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#visa-requirements)
    - [Guarantors](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#guarantors)
    - [Required documents](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#required-documents)
    - [International student requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#international-student-requirements)
    - [Exceptions and special circumstances](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#exceptions-and-special-circumstances)
- [Before you book](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [What’s included in rent](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#whats-included-in-rent)
    - [Contract lengths and dates](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#contract-lengths-and-dates)
    - [Choosing and securing your room](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#choosing-and-securing-your-room)
    - [Booking with others](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#booking-with-others)
    - [Offers and promotions](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#offers-and-promotions)
    - [Requests and preferences](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#requests-and-preferences)
    - [Before booking considerations](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#before-booking-considerations)
- [Booking your room](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to book](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-book)
    - [Booking process and timeline](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-process-and-timeline)
    - [Payments during booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#payments-during-booking)
    - [Booking confirmation](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-confirmation)
    - [Documents and verification](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#documents-and-verification)
    - [Making changes to your booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#making-changes-to-your-booking)
    - [Booking help and issues](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-help-and-issues)
- [Payments, fees and rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Rent and pricing](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#rent-and-pricing)
    - [Paying your rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#paying-your-rent)
    - [Payment methods](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#payment-methods)
    - [International payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#international-payments)
    - [Deposits and advance payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#deposits-and-advance-payments)
    - [Late and failed payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#late-and-failed-payments)
    - [Refunds and cancellations](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#refunds-and-cancellations)
    - [Invoices and receipts](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#invoices-and-receipts)
    - [Managing payment details](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#managing-payment-details)
- [Contracts, cancellations and policies](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Tenancy agreements](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#tenancy-agreements)
    - [Understanding your contract](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#understanding-your-contract)
    - [Cooling-off period](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cooling-off-period)
    - [Cancelling your booking](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cancelling-your-booking)
    - [Change of Study Circumstances](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#change-of-study-circumstances)
    - [Replacement tenants](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#replacement-tenants)
    - [Ending your contract early](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#ending-your-contract-early)
    - [Changes before move-in](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#changes-before-move-in)
    - [Policy updates and exceptions](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#policy-updates-and-exceptions)
- [Preparing to move in](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Move-in checklist](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#move-in-checklist)
    - [What to bring](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring)
    - [Arrival planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-planning)
    - [Pre-arrival tasks](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#pre-arrival-tasks)
    - [Travel planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#travel-planning)
    - [Deliveries before arrival](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#deliveries-before-arrival)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
- [Arriving and checking in](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Check-in process](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#check-in-process)
    - [Arrival times and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-times-and-access)
    - [What to bring on the day](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring-on-the-day)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Room and inventory checks](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#room-and-inventory-checks)
    - [Support on arrival](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#support-on-arrival)
- [Living with Scape](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Your room and shared spaces](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#your-room-and-shared-spaces)
    - [Facilities and amenities](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#facilities-and-amenities)
    - [Wi-Fi and connectivity](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#wi-fi-and-connectivity)
    - [Laundry](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#laundry)
    - [Mail and parcels](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#mail-and-parcels)
    - [Guests and visitors](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#guests-and-visitors)
    - [Noise and shared living](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#noise-and-shared-living)
    - [Cleaning and upkeep](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-and-upkeep)
    - [Resident app and portal](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#resident-app-and-portal)
- [Maintenance and repairs](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Reporting an issue](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#reporting-an-issue)
    - [Emergency vs non-emergency](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-vs-non-emergency)
    - [Repair timeframes](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#repair-timeframes)
    - [Access for maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#access-for-maintenance)
    - [Common issues](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#common-issues)
    - [Shared spaces and facilities](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#shared-spaces-and-facilities)
    - [Planned maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#planned-maintenance)
    - [Damage and responsibility](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#damage-and-responsibility)
- [Safety, security and emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Building security](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#building-security)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Fire safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#fire-safety)
    - [Emergency procedures](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-procedures)
    - [Medical emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#medical-emergencies)
    - [Incident reporting](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#incident-reporting)
    - [Personal safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#personal-safety)
- [Managing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Resident account and portal](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#resident-account-and-portal)
    - [Updating your details](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#updating-your-details)
    - [Room moves and transfers](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#room-moves-and-transfers)
    - [Extending or renewing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#extending-or-renewing-your-stay)
    - [Changes during your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#changes-during-your-stay)
    - [Complaints and feedback](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#complaints-and-feedback)
    - [Escalations and support](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#escalations-and-support)
- [Moving out](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Giving notice](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#giving-notice)
    - [Move-out process](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#move-out-process)
    - [Cleaning requirements](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-requirements)
    - [Key return](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#key-return)
    - [Final inspections](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#final-inspections)
    - [Charges and payments](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#charges-and-payments)
    - [Deposit returns](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#deposit-returns)
- [International students](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Before arriving in the UK](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#before-arriving-in-the-uk)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
    - [Paying from overseas](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#paying-from-overseas)
    - [Healthcare and support](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#healthcare-and-support)
    - [Settling in](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#settling-in)
- [Parents, guardians or trusted person](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Booking for a student](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#booking-for-a-student)
    - [Payments and contracts](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#payments-and-contracts)
    - [Supporting move-in](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#supporting-move-in)
    - [Welfare concerns](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#welfare-concerns)
- [Contact and support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to contact Scape](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-contact-scape)
    - [Reception and opening hours](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#reception-and-opening-hours)
    - [Emergency contacts](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-contacts)
    - [Sales and booking support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#sales-and-booking-support)
    - [Resident support queries](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#resident-support-queries)
    - [Response times](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#response-times)

[![Scape logo](https://help.scape.com/hubfs/Scape-Logo-Pink-RGB.svg "Scape logo")](https://scape.com)

 

<https://www.tiktok.com/@scape.uk> <https://www.instagram.com/scape.uk> <https://www.facebook.com/ScapeUK>

Copyright © 2026, Scape