As A-level results day has now taken place, and with a record number of students securing their first-choice university place, preparations for the big move in September are firmly underway.
Findings from the UCAS Finding Their Place 2025 report reveals that students begin preparing for university as early as May, purchasing essential items like kitchenware, bedding, and technology well before results day.
This challenges the traditional focus of marketing efforts around the end of August and presents an opportunity for retailers and storage and removal companies to shift their timelines forward and engage students earlier.
Jo Richards, senior insight Lead at UCAS, explains how preparation for university occurs much earlier than many brands anticipate and highlights how businesses can help support:
“Moving to university is a complex and lengthy emotional process. Yet brands may not be taking advantage of this and make the reasonable assumption that students and parents will begin preparations for university in September.
“The new Finding Their Place report from UCAS presents a very different picture. In reality, students start preparing months in advance, spreading essential purchases across multiple shops and timeframes.
“As well as this, almost two fifths (39%) of students say they feel overwhelmed with information during their first few weeks at university. So, if they’re also having to organise storage and removals at the last minute, it only adds to the pressure of an already significant life change.
“For storage brands, the key takeaway is that university planning begins long before September. This early window, when competition is lower and students are actively researching, presents a real opportunity to engage sooner and help ease the strain of the transition.”
Why early engagement matters
By the time freshers’ week arrives, the student decision-making window is largely closed.
So brands that start early, when key decisions are still being made, are those most likely to succeed, rather than those competing for attention in September, when students are already feeling overwhelmed.
It is also important to remember that parents are often the primary logistical decision-makers. They will prioritise trust, clarity, and flexibility and will favour no stress solutions provided early on. It is not just about price; it is about confidence and peace of mind well before results day.
Storage brands that build strategies around certainty, ‘book now, change later’ options, flexible amendments, and clear cancellation policies will stand out in a market where timing and trust are everything.
Tips for storage brands to win the student market by acting early
Create university preparation bundles
Storage brands should consider offering university preparation bundles to incentivise early engagement. These could include “pack now, decide later” offers that students can take advantage of once they know where they’re going, as well as kits that come with boxes, tape, and labels. This helps build early familiarity while giving students a practical head start.
Run early-bird campaigns as soon as exam season ends
Begin marketing way ahead of September, with campaigns ready to launch as soon as A-level results are released. Offering instant storage and removals support based on confirmed university locations, as well as flexible options for last-minute changes or support during busy periods – it can help reduce stress and provide reassurance.
Partner with sixth forms and colleges
Building partnerships with sixth forms and colleges is essential for reaching more students. These partnerships can enable brands to feature in leavers’ packs, virtual events, or end-of-term newsletters. Many students and families rely on guidance from educators during the university preparation phase, so becoming part of this advice stream significantly increases visibility.
Build a student fact hub
Create a simple online resource to support students who may not know how to arrange storage or packing. Include clear answers to questions such as “What do I need to bring?”, “Can I store items early?”, and “How do I book a service?” This positions your brand as a trusted, practical resource, and not just a service provider.
Incentivise returning students to refer new ones
Consider offering discounts to second- and third-year students who refer incoming freshers. Students who have used your service before and are returning are more likely to understand the benefits of a stress-free move and may end up becoming important advocates.
