Accommodation options FAQs

We can only guarantee a room to undergraduate applicants for September 2025 entry who meet the UCAS deadline of 18:00, 29 January 2025, and meet the other terms and condition of the Accommodation Guarantee.

We do not guarantee a room in the BU student accommodation portfolio if you have chosen BU as your insurance choice. However, you will be able to book any rooms available after 14 August 2025 (A-level results day). We will contact you with an update on your options nearer the time.

We do not guarantee a room in the BU student accommodation portfolio if you apply to BU thorugh Clearing. However, you will be able to book any rooms available after 14 August 2025 (A-level results day). We will contact you with an update on your options nearer the time.

Yes. Once your offer status is showing as Unconditional Firm (UF), we guarantee accommodation for all undergraduate students who have selected BU as their firm choice and submitted their application by the UCAS deadline of 18:00, 29 January 2025.

Midwifery, Operating Department Practice and Nursing students will experience the full 24-hour shift pattern whilst on placement and for that reason we recommend you stay in accommodation close to the hospital, rather than the university campus. Our NHS accommodation web pages have comprehensive information about the rooms available in different locations and how to apply for them.

Please contact the partner college directly for details of accommodation options available to you.

Unfortunately, to be eligible for BU accommodation students need to be studying full time at either our Lansdowne or Talbot campuses.

Whether you have a specific disability or health condition that impacts on the type of accommodation you need, or you are a couple or have a family, you will have the chance to tell us about any additional requirements in the accommodation portal when you register for BU accommodation. We will then contact you to discuss your specific situation and the best options to meet your needs. However, we are not able to guarantee that a room that meets your specific needs will be available at the time you need it. Please see our the terms of our Accommodation Guarantee for more details. 

There are different room types within our halls of residence, although you won't necessarily find examples of each in every hall.

• Standard room - These rooms have all the furniture you'll need to be comfortable. The room sizes are pretty standard but the bed size may vary between buildings, although beds will normally be either a standard single or four-foot-wide. These rooms will typically be in a cluster flat arrangement with a shared kitchen and living space.
• Value room - These rooms are of a very similar specification to standard rooms, but may be a little smaller or an irregular shape and the beds are standard singles. These rooms will typically be in a cluster flat arrangement with a shared kitchen and living space.
• Premium room - These rooms may have a higher specification than standard rooms, such as improved light fittings, additional or better-quality furniture, different decor or a heated towel rail. They will be larger than Standard or Value rooms and will have a four-foot bed. These rooms will typically be in a cluster flat arrangement with a shared kitchen and living space.
• Studios - These are self-contained units, with their own en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, as well as a small living and study area and bedroom. They are typically between 18 and 22 square metres, although some units are larger. Beds vary in size from single to full double.
• Non-en-suite - Single bedooms in the Student Village and Unilet have shared bathroom facilities.
• En-suite - All studios have their own en-suite bathroom as do all other rooms types other than those in the Student Village and Unilet.

Check out the individual accommodation web pages for specific information, including bed sizes. 

Not as a rule and requests to move will not normally be considered for at least the first four weeks to give you time to settle in. However, if after this you are still struggling to settle then you should speak to your accommodation team or contact the Residential Services about your options. 

You can view all the information on how much BU accommodation costs, what's included in your rent and when you have to pay at our Costs, payment and what's included webpage.

If you would prefer to stay with a local family please contact the Residential Services team for further information about HomeStay.

We have a very limited amount of accommodation specifically for families and couples, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As these properties are available as longer lets – up to three full years, or the entire length of a student’s course – they are not always available at the beginning of each academic year.

Visit our accommodation for families and couples page for further information about your options.

If your 18th birthday falls after the first day of term then you will need to refer to and follow our Under 18 Accommodation Booking policy.