Your first days are about more than unpacking. This is when you document the room's condition, learn how the home works, prepare regular journeys and agree flatshare routines. Doing it in order prevents a minor issue from affecting the rest of your stay.
Before travelling
- Confirm the time, place and named person for key collection in writing.
- Keep the contract, payment evidence and repairs number on your phone and in cloud storage.
- Plan the journey from the airport or station with luggage.
- Carry identification and any document requested for check-in.
- Ask what bedding and household items are supplied to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Your first hour in the property
Do not postpone the inspection. Test the lock, keys, windows, shutters, lights, sockets, hot water, fridge, washing machine, internet and cooling. Inspect the mattress, walls, furniture and cleanliness.
Take well-lit overview pictures and close-ups of damage. Complete the digital check-in report within its deadline; if none exists, report issues in writing.
Learn how the flat works
Locate the electrical panel, water shut-off and basic appliance instructions. Ask about rubbish, recycling, post and shared-area cleaning. Save the correct channel for routine repairs and the emergency process.
If utilities are capped, learn how consumption is monitored. In summer, coordinating air-conditioning use prevents surprises.
Organise your real journeys
Travel to your campus or workplace before the first day and allow extra time. Seville supports many journeys on foot or by bicycle, although heat changes the experience at certain hours. TUSSAM runs city buses, the metro crosses the south-west to south-east axis, and San Bernardo and Santa Justa are major rail connections.
Always check current information and fares through official channels before buying a pass.
Paperwork depends on your situation
Requirements vary by nationality, duration and purpose. Use official sources and guidance from your university or employer for matters such as NIE, TIE, local registration and healthcare.
Avoid handing original documents or money to intermediaries promising guaranteed appointments. Keep copies and evidence of every procedure.
Buy only what you need
Before shopping, see what is already available and agree which products will be shared. Start with hygiene, basic cleaning and a few days of food. Wait a week before buying small appliances or items that may already be communal.
Locate a supermarket, pharmacy, health centre and hardware or household shop nearby. Knowing where to solve basic needs greatly reduces initial stress.
Flatshare life: talk early
- Quiet hours and calls in shared spaces.
- Cleaning rota or agreed standard.
- Allocated fridge, freezer and cupboard space.
- Guests and overnight stays.
- Air-conditioning use and shared consumption.
- How to raise a repair or household issue.
At the end of your first week
Check that every move-in issue is recorded, that you understand payments and that support channels work. Test your night journey and save emergency contacts.
If something important differs from what was agreed—the room, equipment, residents or services—report it immediately with evidence. Early documentation makes resolution easier.