Applying for accommodation at your prospective UK university is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student. You live there whilst studying, you make lifelong friends and you learn valuable life skills. Make sure your accommodation application is submitted in good time so you can start getting excited about your study abroad adventure and moving in.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for university accommodation.
- Where do I start and how do I apply?
- Do I have to pay when I send my application?
- When should I apply by and does it affect my choices?
Where do I start?
There are lots of accommodation options available to you, but before you start looking at rooms you need to work out what you can realistically afford. If you can attend an open day, then you can go on an accommodation tour whilst you’re there. It's a good way to help you decide where you want to stay.
However, if you can’t visit for an open day, Newcastle University has 360 degree tours of accommodation you can view online.
First of all, you will need to formally accept your academic offer and make a university a firm choice before the deadline to guarantee accommodation. You’ll need your ID number from your offer letter - so keep it in a safe place.
Here at Newcastle University, we have an easy-to-use online application portal where you can make accommodation selections based on your requirements. If you’re an international student looking to study here, you're guaranteed a room in one of our 9 undergraduate accommodation sites for the duration of your study at our university.
We've also signed up to The Student Accommodation Code which protects your rights to safe, secure and good quality accommodation. It ensures you get the best out of your time living and studying with us.
Do I have to pay when I send my application?
Accommodation is usually the main expense for international students. You don’t have to pay for anything when you send your preferences. However, at some universities you will need to pay a reservation fee/prepayment to secure your accommodation when it’s offered.
All of the terms will also be included when you receive your accommodation offer, with details of residence fees and date of each instalment.
If you have any questions about costs or anything else regarding your stay, there are staff members happy to talk you through it.
When should I apply by and does it affect my choices?
Every university will have a different deadline date, so it’s ideal to check on their website or get in contact.
Accommodation and room allocations are not usually processed on the date you complete your application and how soon you submit your choices does not affect your chances or priority.
As long as you get it finalised before the deadline, you have the same chance as any other eager students ready to study. Just remember your chosen accommodation is not guaranteed.
However, accommodation officers will try their best to match your preferences or find a suitable alternative instead. When allocating rooms, at Newcastle University, we make a great effort to balance a mix of students in every residence so that you can easily make friends and experience different cultures.
Want to find out more about accommodation at university? Discover the types of student housing offered by Newcastle University and guidance on how to choose accommodation.