How can I book my university accommodation in the UK?   

If you'd like to organise your university accommodation before you go (and we think it's always a good idea), simply contact the accommodation officer at your university.

You can also pop into your nearest local British Council office and ask a Scholarships Officer for a name and number of a Regional Support Officer in the UK, who you can contact to organise your accommodation.   

What is a residence agreement?   

When you move into halls or private accommodation you will be asked to sign a residence agreement. Usually this means you agree to rent the accommodation for the full academic year.

At most universities, you can only withdraw from residence in exceptional circumstances.   

What will be provided in the bedrooms?   

Generally each bedroom has a bed, desk, desk chair, easy chair, wardrobe, carpet, curtains.

Your bedroom will be quite well equipped with a bed, desk, desk chair, easy chair, wardrobe, carpet, curtains and bookshelves. You'll also find an electric socket in your room so you can use your computer, printer, television, desktop lamp and stereo.   

What can I bring for my bedroom?   

You can bring whatever you wish to make your room your home. You can bring/hire computers, televisions, posters, stereos, lamps, curtains - anything you want to make your room a nice place to be after a long day of studying!   

What will be provided in kitchen?   

Your kitchen should have everything you need to cook up a feast. Most have a cooker, microwave, fridge and freezer. Individual cupboards are also provided.   

What should I bring for the kitchen?   

Bring kitchen utensils such as crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and cleaning materials.   

Can I bring my car?

Not all universities allow you to bring your car because of the space constraints (so maybe a bicycle might be better). Check with your university accommodation office for more details.   

Can I bring my computer?   

Most universities allow you to bring or rent a computer. Some universities provide you with individual telephone lines, so that your computer can be networked to that of your university. For this you will need a modem. Connection from your room to dial-up service is an internal call, which means no bill for you to pay!   

Can I bring my TV?   

You can bring your own TV, but first make sure you have bought a TV license.   

Are there any special arrangements for disabled people?   

If you have physical disabilities, you will be offered one of the small number of specially adapted rooms that have been made available. Even if the university has no special arrangements for disabled students, you can be assured the best options among the available rooms will be offered to you (e.g. ground-floor rooms etc).   

What are halls of residence?   

Halls of residences are place that you live when you're studying (sometimes known as a 'study bedroom').

As a resident, you can either live on your own or share with another student. Your bathroom and other facilities will usually be shared, but en-suite rooms are becoming more common.

In terms of amenities, telephones are normally provided either on each floor or in each room. Halls can be single sex or mixed. You will be provided with breakfast and an evening meal, so all you have to worry about is lunch.    

What are self-catering halls?   

Self-catering halls are living areas where you buy and prepare your own food (similar to a halls of residence). If you plan to live with your family, check with your institution as soon as possible since only a limited number of family halls are available.   

What are hostels?   

Hostels are like a hotel but are cheaper. Living in a hostel gives you an excellent opportunity to get to know the local community. They usually provide some meals or have cooking facilities so that you can prepare your food. They sometimes also have rooms for both single and married students.   

What are lodgings?   

Lodgings are rented rooms in private houses. When you lodge, you tend to live with the owner of the house, which gives you a great opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of a different community. Usually your meals will be provided, or you will be given access to cooking facilities so that you can prepare your own food.    

What type of accommodation are flats and houses?   

Flats and houses are usually shared between a group of people, so it's a little like living with a family. You will probably have your own room; but you will share the kitchen, the hall, the bathroom, and probably the bills. This type of accommodation is great if you and your friends are moving in as a group. Otherwise, it's a great excuse to go out and make some friends so you can move in with them.