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Applying for accommodation

When can I apply for accommodation?

The accommodation application will open on 1 February 2024.

From 1 February 2024 if you have accepted a firm or insurance course offer with Birmingham City University you will then be sent an email with a link to the accommodation portal in order to make an application.

All first-year, full-time home and international students are guaranteed University accommodation if they have firmly accepted an offer in the main application cycle and apply by the deadline date.

Please view the appropriate portfolio for your academic year in-take. If there are medical or mobility factors which have a bearing on your accommodation needs, please provide full details and supporting evidence at the time of application to enable us to allocate appropriately. You may also wish to contact the Disability Support Team disability@bcu.ac.uk . 

To register and apply for accommodation you will need to use your University Application number/Student ID (it has eight numeric characters):

      • Register in the Accommodation Portal

      • Select your Application Pathway that is relevant to your Campus

      • Where required please select your accommodation preferences and contract length which is suitable for your course

      • Please use the Additional Information section to advise us of any requirements that is relevant to the allocation of your room

Note: to avoid any delay please ensure you frequently check the progress of your application.

Am I guaranteed accommodation?

All first-year, full-time home, and International students are guaranteed University accommodation if they have firmly accepted an offer in the main application cycle and apply by the deadline date.

Application Deadline Dates

  • UK Students - 31 July 2024
  • International Students – 31 August 2024
  • Clearing/Insurance Students – 13 September 2024

Why am I not able to register in the Accommodation Portal?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to register:

  • You have not yet accepted your course offer
  • You have used an incorrect University Application Number -  the UCAS ID is not the same as the University Application Number
  • Your details are not on the University's admissions system
  • You may have entered your personal details incorrectly - If you need any assistance please contact Accommodation Services.

What if I don't have a University Application Number?

Your University Application Number should be on your offer email. It is made up of eight unique numbers this should be on your Birmingham City University Course Offer. If you are unable to locate this number please contact Accommodation Services. 

Why have I not received my validation code email?

Please allow up to 30 minutes to receive the email and also check your spam/junk emails. If you have still not received the email, contact Accommodation Services.

How much is the rent?

Please see individual accommodation location pages for prices, alternatively you can view the

Residence Fee Summary 2023-24

I am a student with disabilities or a long term health condition. Will my accommodation needs be met?

If you have a disability or long-term health condition which causes you significant difficulties in your day-to-day life it is essential that you contact Accommodation Services as soon as possible to discuss your specific requirements. We will not be able to make you a room offer until we can confirm that reasonable adjustments can be made.

We may be able to offer you accommodation for the duration of your course but due to possible changes in the portfolio this may not be the same accommodation each year. If you have a personal support worker who will be enabling you to live independently at university, we can also provide a room for them (the full cost of this room is applicable). Please ensure you have also informed the Disability Support Team disability@bcu.ac.uk of your medical condition.

I am a Care Leaver or Care Experienced, am I guaranteed accommodation?

We will guarantee you accommodation for the duration of your course. You will be required to submit a new application form for each academic year by the advised deadline date. Please note: depending on the accommodation you have selected you may be required to move rooms during the summer vacation period.

A care leaver is someone who has previously lived with foster parents, in a children’s home, orphanage, or sheltered accommodation who has been in the care of the Local Authority for a period of 13 weeks or more spanning their 16th birthday (The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000).

Visit our Care Leavers student support page for further information.

I am a transgender student. Will my accommodation needs be met?

When applying for accommodation in the BCU portfolio, you can declare your trans status on application and request accommodation to meet your needs. If you choose not to declare at this point, you will still be able to request a change of accommodation later on the basis of your trans status (subject to availability).


If you disclose your trans status while already living in accommodation in the BCU portfolio you will be asked what type of accommodation you would prefer e.g. mixed gender or single gender. We will take all reasonable steps to place you in your preferred accommodation. However, there may be occasions when this is not possible e.g. because all accommodation in the BCU portfolio are booked up. In this instance, Accommodation Services will support you to seek suitable alternative accommodation elsewhere.


If transitioning whilst at University, you may reasonably request that your accommodation in the BCU portfolio arrangements be re-assessed and a room transfer offered if available. We will facilitate such requests wherever reasonably possible.


If you live at University Locks and wish to move to new accommodation, Accommodation Services will seek to arrange a move to the most appropriate type of accommodation as soon as reasonably possible. If there is no suitable alternative accommodation in the BCU portfolio, we will consider releasing you from your contract and providing assistance to find suitable alternative accommodation.

What if I am studying at Birmingham City University for one Semester?

Semester 1 Students

Subject to availability we will aim to make an offer of accommodation to Semester 1 students from (September 2024 – December 2024), so long as you have been offered and have accepted a place on a course, meet the room offer criteria and have applied for accommodation by 31 August 2024.

Semester 2 Students

Subject to availability we will aim to make an offer of accommodation to Semester 2 students from (January 2025 – June/August 2025), so long as you have been offered and have accepted a place on a course, meet the room offer criteria and have applied for accommodation by 6 December 2024.

Can I apply if BCU is my Insurance choice?

Yes, you can apply. Your application will be placed on a waiting list until BCU becomes your firm choice.

We are able to offer accommodation within the University portfolio so long as you have accepted a place on a course and have applied for accommodation by 13 September 2024.

I am a Clearing applicant to the University. Will you guarantee me accommodation?

We are able to offer accommodation within the University portfolio so long as you have accepted a place on a course and have applied for accommodation by  September 2024.

I have submitted an application after the guaranteed deadline date. Will I still be offered accommodation?

If you have applied after the deadline date we will aim to make you an offer of accommodation (subject to availability).

Allocation process

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

Residence Fee Summary 2023-24

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?

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

  • Bed with mattress

  • Mattress protector

  • Desk, chair, wardrobe

  • Bookshelf, notice board, mirror

  • Blinds or curtains

Flat

  • Fridge/freezer

  • Cooker

  • Microwave

  • Toaster/kettle*

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Dustpan & brush, mop & bucket, Kitchen Bin

  • 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.

You can also get all your room essentials like bedding, kitchen and towel packs from Student Essentials. You get £5 off your first order and free delivery. 

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 Hamcam (please contact them directly to check availability and cost).

There is no parking available at University Locks, Jennens Court, 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;  

  • What is and what isn’t covered

  • Key exclusions - where cover isn’t provided

  • Policy excess – the amount you pay when you make a claim

  • How to make claim

  • Personalise cover.

Policy details below:

Accommodation  Insurance Provider Policy Number
Beech Gardens Endsleigh Insurance HH1812
Bentley House Endsleigh Insurance HH1437
Hamcam TBC TBC
Jennens Court Endsleigh Insurance HH1072
Lakeside Endsleigh Insurance HH1072
Queens Hospital Close Cover4Students Host 21
Staniforth House Endsleigh Insurance HH1072
The Heights Endsleigh Insurance HH1790
The Old Fire Station Endsleigh Insurance HH1790
University Locks Endsleigh Insurance HH1123

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.

How can I find my postal address?

You can view your postal address on the specific accommodation page on our website or once you have accepted your accommodation offer you, will be emailed with a link to your accommodation Facebook page where you can also view this.

Do I need to register with a doctor in Birmingham?

We strongly encourage students new to Birmingham to register with our healthcare provider Handsworth Wood Medical Centre (part of the Modality Partnership), which runs surgeries from City Centre and City South campuses.

Post-arrival

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.

Unite Students

Student Roost

Yugo

Almero

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.

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