University Accommodation

Hi all, I am still making my university decision and have not firmed any. I am worried that my preferred accommodation will run out, or that no 'good' options are left, or even any accommodation. I need to have accommodation as I don't live close enough to any of the universities I've applied to. I still have some university open/visits day to attend, so likely will not make my decision till late April, even May. Is this too late? Any advice will be appreciated, thanks.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by frostie17

Hi @frostie17 ,

I hope you’re well. It’s great that you’re taking the time to visit universities before making your final decision. Accommodation can fill up quickly, but some universities offer accommodation specifically for students so that you can book through the university. If you’re concerned about availability, I’d recommend contacting the accommodations at your preferred universities to ask about their process and whether they expect spaces to be available later in the cycle.

Hope this helps
Mercy
BCU Student Rep

Reply 2

McGinger

Just because accommodation applications open doesn't mean that you need to immediately apply. They are not going to 'run out of rooms', accomodation is not going to 'fill up', and you are not going to be homeless.

Think about it. The vast majority of applicants will not even have their 5 decisions yet, and may not until May, so what is the urgency. Rooms are not actually allocated until August - because a whole heap of those applying for accomodation now wont be going to that Uni at all. And ALL Unis know this.

Come August, many of those holding Firm offers wont get the grades and will be rejected, or will defer, drop out, change their minds, go some where else in clearing or just not turn up. Hundreds of them. Their accom applications can all be binned. Only then will any Uni know who is actually going to be there and will start considering who will get specific rooms/halls.

So stop panicking. You do not need to apply right now. It isnt 'first come, first served' (whatever that Uni tries to tells you) and when you apply will not determine which room you get. Just because you have applied for X accomodation, does not guarantee that you are going to get that - if it did then they wouldn't bother asking for your second, third, fourth etc preference would they. And having a fancy ensuite is not going to mean your degree course interests you any more or that you will get a better degree grade. And 'going to Uni' is about far more than your bedroom so try to get a sense of perspective about this.

Reply 3

TCUoS

Official Rep

Original post by frostie17

Hi, @frostie17
Firstly, please don't panic or worry about accommodation! Many students are also in your situation and worried about securing accommodation - the worst decision would be to pick something without properly considering it and regret it!

Have a look at the accommodation information of the universities you've applied for - they will have different rules and deadlines for when you can secure your place. For example, here at the University of Southampton, we offer all first year students guaranteed accommodation in our official halls if they choose us as a firm or insurance choice, and the deadline to apply is the 1st of July 2025. This means our students have plenty of time to decide, and there's no chance of places "running out", because of the guarantee. You can read more about the Accommodation Guarantee here.

Some of the universities you've applied to may offer similar guarantees - as long as you make them at least the insurance choice or firm choice! Try to rule out any universities from the list and reduce it down until you have a couple, so you can at least look into their accommodation rules.

Good luck,
Lia | University of Southampton Student Ambassador