Frequently asked questions
Allocation process
- When will I know I have been allocated a room?
- Can I live with my friend/s?
- How are students grouped in shared accommodation?
- Am I guaranteed my top preference?
- Am I guaranteed single or mixed gender preference?
- What if I am unhappy with my Room Offer?
- Is there provision for students under the age of 18?
- Is a payment required to accept the Room Offer?
- What is a guarantor and do I need a guarantor?
When will I know I have been allocated a room?
Students who have accepted Birmingham City University as their firm choice and hold an Unconditional Course Offer will receive a room offer from 7 February 2024. Students who have accepted Birmingham City University as firm choice and hold a Conditional Course Offer will receive a room offer from 15 August 2024 (subject to your course status becoming unconditional firm).
You will receive an email from Accommodation Services informing you that you have been offered a room, please ensure you accept and make the relevant payment required before the offer deadline date (three days UK Students or five days for international students) which will be stated in the accommodation portal. Please follow the instructions in the email on how to accept your offer.
Please Note: If you have been allocated a room at Beech Gardens, Bentley House, Jennens Court, Lakeside, Queens Hospital Close, Staniforth House, The Heights, The Old Fire Station or Hamcam, your offer and contract is with one of our University Partner Providers. If you miss the offer deadline date your room offer will be withdrawn. If your offer is withdrawn and you still require accommodation you will be required to make a new application and your application will be placed accordingly in the queue to await allocation.
Can I live with my friend/s?
If you wish to live with a friend/s, you must both/all clearly indicate this on each of your application forms in the additional information section. We will endeavour, but cannot guarantee to place you near to each other, this will depend on course offer status at the point of applications made and is subject to availability.
How are students grouped in shared accommodation?
We take into account age, gender and course in order to place students near to others with whom they may have something in common, but not necessarily in the same flat.
Am I guaranteed my top preference?
We cannot guarantee you will receive your first choice of accommodation. Your preferences will be used as a guideline and we will make every effort to offer you your preferred accommodation but this is dependent on the availability of rooms at the time of allocation.
Am I guaranteed single or mixed gender preference?
We cannot guarantee single or mixed gender accommodation as places are subject to availability at time of allocation.
What if I am unhappy with my Room Offer?
We will offer you the best option available on the day of allocation, taking into account date of application, availability, suitability, additional information provided and the need to create a balanced community in halls. If your offer is rejected or withdrawn and you still require accommodation, you will be required to make a new application and your application will be placed accordingly in the queue to await allocation.
Is there provision for students under the age of 18?
All student accommodation is an adult environment where most residents are aged over 18. Students sharing a flat with a student under the age of 18 will not have been vetted. All bedrooms are single occupancy however, students will share kitchen/dining/lounge facilities. Allocations are not based on age, gender or religious belief.
Is a payment required to accept the Room Offer?
Yes – you are required to pay either an advance payment or deposit to accept the room offer, depending on which accommodation you have been offered. Please see each of the accommodation pages or you can view the
What is a guarantor and do I need a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it, for example a parent or close relative. A guarantee agreement may also extend to other conditions under the tenancy
For the majority of the accommodation sites you are required to provide a guarantor, unless you pay in full.
Please see each of the accommodation pages or click on the Facilities Summary for further information.
Pre-arrival
- When can I move in?
- Can I view my accommodation before I move in?
- What is provided in my room/flat?
- What items do I need to bring?
- What items are not permitted?
- Can I send my luggage/parcels in advance of my arrival?
- Can I bring a car?
- What options of contract length are there?
- Do I need a TV licence for my room if I choose to watch TV?
- Do I need to upgrade my contents insurance?
- What is the Accommodation induction and when is it available to view?
- How can I find my postal address?
- Do I need to register with a doctor in Birmingham?
When can I move in?
You can move in on the start date as indicated on your Tenancy or Licence Agreement. If you need to move in earlier or later than this date please contact Accommodation Services to advise them.
Can I view my accommodation before I move in?
It is not possible to view the halls of residence independently, but some faculties do arrange talks and viewings as part of their Applicant Taster Days. Tours of selected halls are also available on our University Open Days.
What is provided in my room/flat?
Room
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Bed with mattress
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Mattress protector
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Desk, chair, wardrobe
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Bookshelf, notice board, mirror
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Blinds or curtains
Flat
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Fridge/freezer
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Cooker
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Microwave
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Toaster/kettle*
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Vacuum cleaner
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Dustpan & brush, mop & bucket, Kitchen Bin
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Iron/ironing board
*Please note: Toaster and kettle are not provided at Bentley House.
What items do I need to bring?
- Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets, pillowcases) - just remember to check your bed size first!
- Laptop/mobile phone and charger/s
- Towels (tea and bathroom)
- Cutlery and crockery (plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, pots & pans, knives and forks)
- Clothes hangers
- Medicines (paracetamol, lemsip, plasters)
- Cleaning products (washing up liquid, surface cleaner, sponge, scourer)
- Basic food provisions until you do your first shop
- Home comforts
Remember, it all has to fit in your room (and car). Plus, a lot of things you can buy when you get here.
You can pre-order bedding and kitchen packs from the Unikitout website and they will be delivered to your room ready for your arrival. Use the promotional code 'BCITY10' – this discounts all orders by 10 per cent.
That way, you can have all your stuff delivered directly to your halls and waiting for you on arrivals day!
What items are not permitted?
- Pets
- Candles, joss sticks, oil sticks, heated wax
- Fireworks
- Portable heaters
- Plug in fairy lights
- Your own furnishings/curtains
- Foam covered bedding material and inflatable furniture
- Fridges
- Electric blankets
Can I send my luggage/parcels in advance of my arrival?
No, as there are no storage facilities available. Please do not send anything in advance of your arrival at the University.
Can I bring a car?
Parking is extremely limited and costly, it is much easier to get around by bus/bicycle or on foot, as well as being better for the environment.
There is limited parking at Beech Gardens, Queens Hospital Close, The Heights, The Old Fire Station and Hamstead Campus (please contact them directly to check availability and cost).
There is no parking available at University Locks, Lakeside, Staniforth House and Bentley House.
What options of contract length are there?
40, 41, 43, and 44 week contracts are most suitable for undergraduates, whereas postgraduates usually prefer the 51 Week contract. If you choose a shorter contract and find you need to extend over the summer vacation, you can apply for this directly with the accommodation provider.
Do I need a TV licence for my room if I choose to watch TV?
If you watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand – you will need a licence. Get more information about TV licensing.
Do I need to upgrade my contents insurance?
This will depend on what equipment/belongings you will be keeping in your accommodation. It is advisable to obtain additional for specific items such as musical instruments and laptops.
Please see below your contents insurance provider along with the policy number to review which will show you;
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What is and what isn’t covered
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Key exclusions - where cover isn’t provided
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Policy excess – the amount you pay when you make a claim
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How to make claim
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Personalise cover.
To view your policy you must click on the link below for your accommodation and register to create an account.
When registering on the link you will be asked for your University/College Name please select (Birmingham City University) and also select who has provided your content insurance, this information in provided below.
Policy details below:
Accommodation | Insurance Provider | Who has provided your content insurance? |
---|---|---|
Beech Gardens | Howden | Almero |
Bentley House | Howden | Yugo |
Hamstead Campus | Howden | Evenbrook |
Lakeside | Howden | Unite |
Queens Hospital Close | Cover4Students | Host |
Staniforth House | Howden | Unite |
The Heights | Howden | Canvas |
The Old Fire Station | Howden | Canvas |
University Locks | Howden | Birmingham City University |
What is the Accommodation induction and when is it available to view?
The Online Induction/Welcome contains important information about your move to Birmingham City University, including where you'll need to go to collect your keys, the teams who are here to help you during your stay, safety information, health and wellbeing advice, and lots more.
You will be emailed a link to your online induction prior to arrival.
Post-arrival
- What accommodation is available after the first year?
- I want to change rooms, what can I do?
- Do I need to vacate my room during the Christmas/Easter Vacation?
- How do I collect my post/parcels?
- Can I have visitors?
- Is accommodation covered by a code of practice?
What accommodation is available after the first year?
Returning students in their second year and above also able to re-book direct with some of our partner providers.
I want to change rooms, what can I do?
Please contact your site accommodation office to discuss your request to transfer.
Do I need to vacate my room during the Christmas/Easter Vacation?
No, you do not need to move your belongings or vacate the room during these holidays.
How do I collect my post/parcels?
There are post boxes for each flat, so you should arrange for your letters to be delivered to you directly.
Reception can receive packages and parcels on your behalf, you will be notified that a parcel has been received and you will be required to visit reception to collect this.
Please ensure that all packages are addressed correctly.
Can I have visitors?
Visitors are permitted at each accommodation site. Visitors must be signed in at each site.
Please ensure you make contact with your accommodation provider for specific details.
Is accommodation covered by a code of practice?
Under the 2004 Housing Act, University Locks accommodation complies with the Universities UK Student Accommodation Code for University managed student accommodation.
Please click for further information about the Code
Beech Gardens, Bentley House, Jennens Court, Lakeside, Queens Hospital Close, Hamcam, Staniforth House,The Heights and The Old Fire Station, are fully accredited by the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) code. This code ensures that residents benefit from clear policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety, effective day-to-day management and completion of maintenance and repairs, detailed procedures for dealing with any complaints and/or disputes, Student Welfare and Environmental Quality.
Please click for further information about the Code.
Can't find what you're looking for?
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Contact us
Get in touch and a member of our accommodation team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Phone us
If you still can't find what you're looking for give us a call. Office hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4pm.