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Whether you're a current resident with a query or you're stuck on the application process, our FAQs can help with most questions.
This page was updated on 30 July 2024
Considering UCL
- Is living in UCL Accommodation compulsory?
No, it is not compulsory for you to live in UCL Accommodation.
If you do not meet the UCL Accommodation eligibility criteria, or you choose to live outside of UCL Halls, we would advise you to explore Alternative Accommodation options. You may wish to consider private rental, including solo-accommodation or house shares, or private student accommodation.
- Am I guaranteed to get UCL Accommodation?
Only students that are under 18 years old or students with Additional Requirements are guaranteed accommodation.
First Year students are prioritised for UCL Accommodation, which means that they are offered spaces in UCL Accommodation ahead of returning students. During the academic year 2023-24, all applicants who met the eligibility criteria were allocated a place in UCL Accommodation.
- Where are UCL Halls located in relation to campus?
Most of UCL is located around the area of Bloomsbury, however our UCL East campus is in Stratford and the School of Management is in Canary Wharf, with other buildings around the UK.
The majority of our Halls are located in the Bloomsbury area, less than a mile away from our Bloomsbury Campus. Additionally, UCL's newest Hall, One Pool Street is located at our UCL East campus in Stratford and is a short train ride from the UCL Bloomsbury Campus.
You can find information about the locations of UCL Halls on our website.
- What types of rooms does UCL Accommodation have?
Within UCL Accommodation, there are a range of rooms available to students to suit every budget. When possible you will be offered a room based on your preferences and budget. Allocations are based on availability, so we cannot guarantee that all of your peferences will be met.
Detailed information explaining the room types on the Hall webpage can be found on our Halls webpage.
- Where can I find the virtual halls tour?
We have video tours of some of our Halls on the UCL Accommodation YouTube page.
- Will I live with students studying different degrees?
Yes, UCL Accommodation is mixed in terms of subject studied and mode of study.
- Can I apply for single-gender halls?
No, all UCL Halls and Intercollegiate Halls are mixed gender, as are the flats within the Halls.
If you would prefer single-gender accommodation, we would advise seeking Alternative Accommodation.
- How many students are there per flat?
It can vary in each Hall, and can be anywhere between 5-10 residents, with each shared space reflecting the number of people using it. Spaces with more residents will have extra toilets, showers and more fridges, cupboards, etc.
- Do you have catered accommodation?
UCL Accommodation has two catered halls and there are also three catered Intercollegiate Halls. Visit our UCL Halls page for more information.
You can out about your food or catering options while staying in UCL Accommodation including menus, meal cards and special dietary requirement information on the Food in Halls webpage.
*Please note that students with food allergies or restricted diets are advised to apply for a self-catered hall.
Financial
- How much does accommodation cost?
Fees for accommodation are available on the Fees, guidance, and payment page.
- What can I expect to pay for my accommodation?
Prices range depending on the room type. The cheapest option is a twin room, which is shared by two students of the same gender. The most expensive option is a 2 bedroom flat.
The main room type that we have available within UCL Accommodation is a single room, with a shared bathroom.
You can find out more about individual halls and prices on our UCL Halls page.- How much is the deposit?
The deposit is:
• £250 for a single room
• £250 for couple/family accommodation, or 2 x £250 if both residents are UCL students.- Is the deposit refunded?
Deposits will be deducted from your first invoice for your Accommodation fees.
If you cancel your place in UCL Accommodation before your move-in date, your deposit will be refunded to you.
- Do maintenance loans cover the cost of accommodation fees and other living costs like food?
When you are applying, it is key that you understand your weekly budget. This budget needs to include your rent and travel costs. You will need to consider the cost to travel to campus. This will depend on your distance from campus, where your course is taught, and how often you will travel to campus.
We recommend looking at the student finance calculator to determine your eligibility and to help you determine your weekly budget.
- Is there an accommodation bursary?
Yes, the UCL Accommodation Bursary is available to Home Students from low income backgrounds and those with an Access UCL offer.
- Does UCL provide scholarships; how can I apply?
Yes, UCL offers many different scholarships. There is additional information about the funding available to students including loans, scholarships and bursaries for specific subject areas.
UCL also offers some financial support to students who have experienced financial difficulty. Please visit UCL’s Scholarship webpage for more information.
- Is it possible to have financial aid for accommodation only?
We want to support our students as much as possible when they stay at UCL Accommodation. The UCL Accommodation Office can arrange a payment plan if you are struggling to pay your accommodation fees.
Contact accommodation.finance@ucl.ac.uk for more information.
- How would I go about getting the cheapest travel?
Students can get a 18+ Student Oyster photocard. This will give discounted travel on tubes, trains and buses. Lots of our students choose to bring or buy a bike as the local area is cycle-friendly.
Find out more about getting around UCL.
- I'm at risk of homelessness, what should I do?
If you are an enrolled student, and you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless please contact the Students’ Union UCL via their Advice Service contact form for support. The Advice Service can meet with you to explore your housing options and signpost you to relevant sources of support.
Eligibility
- What are the eligibility criteria?
Please check UCL Accommodation eligibility criteria for undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Can I stay in Accommodation even if I live in London?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for a place in UCL Accommodation.
If you went to secondary school in London or if your home address is in London, you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Please note, if you have already studied at a Higher Education Institution or University in Greater London, you will not be eligible for a prioritised place in UCL Accommodation.- I am not eligible for UCL Accommodation, what can I do?
If you are not eligible for UCL Accommodation, you can find useful resources and information to help you with your search on the Alternative Accommodation for Students webpage.
- I am a part-time student, can I apply for accommodation?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer UCL Accommodation to part-time students. You can find a range of housing options and support on the University of London’s Housing Advice webpage and our Alternative Accommodation webpage.
Accommodation contracts
- How long are UCL Accommodation contracts?
For 2024-25:
Undergraduate places are offered for 39 weeks, from Saturday 21 September 2024 to Saturday 21 June 2025.
Postgraduate places are offered for 50 weeks and 4 days, from Saturday 21 September 2024 to Wednesday 10 September 2025.
- Can I arrive earlier or later than my contract start date?
Yes. If you wish to arrive before your contract start date, you will need to submit an Early Arrival Request on the UCL Accommodation Portal after you have accepted your offer. This is not guaranteed and is subject to availability in your hall.
If your Early Arrival Request is approved, you will be invoiced for the additional night(s) after you arrive. The charge applies regardless of the reason for the early arrival.
If you will be arriving after your contract start date, you must submit a Late Arrival Notification on the UCL Accommodation Portal and book a check-in slot. Once you have logged in, please select "check-in" on the top tab. Please note that you will be charged accommodation fees from your contract start date.- My programme runs for a calendar year (12 months) rather than an academic year (9 months). Can I continue to stay in UCL Accommodation over the summer?
If you are a postgraduate student, you will be offered a contract of 50 weeks and 4 days that includes the summer holiday.
UCL has a range of accommodation available for other students over the summer from June to September. For more information, visit our UCL Accommodation Summer webpage. To apply, you need to be a current, full time UCL student, or to have accepted an offer to study for a full-time programme starting in September 2024.
Unfortunately, accommodation cannot be provided beyond mid-September even if your course extends this date.
- Do you provide accommodation from September to March?
No, all of our contracts are 39 weeks for undergraduates or 50.57 weeks for postgraduates.
If you require short-term accommodation, we recommend your visit our Alternative Accommodation page.- Can I stay in UCL Accommodation over Christmas and Easter?
Yes, accommodation is offered for the full academic session, including Christmas and Easter. You are liable for rent over the Christmas and Easter holidays, even if you do not occupy your room.
- Does my contract renew automatically each year?
No, we do not automatically renew accommodation contracts.
After your first year, you will need to secure alternative accommodation. You can find resources and information to help with your search on our Alternative Accommodation page, on the University of London’s Housing Advice website.
If you have additional requirements, you can re-apply for your subsequent years of study. More information can be found on the Additional Requirements page.
Applying for accommodation
- When should you start applying for accommodation?
The UCL Accommodation Portal opens at the end of March each year. Once you’ve firmly accepted your offer to study you should start your accommodation application and make sure to complete it before the deadline.
The deadline is 10 June for undergraduates and 30 June for postgraduates.
Please note, undergraduates must confirm UCL as their firm choice to be eligible for a prioritised place. If UCL is your insurance choice, you will not be eligible to apply for UCL Accommodation and we would advise checking out Alternative Accommodation.- When is the application deadline?
The application deadlines are 10 June 2024 (for Undergraduates and Affiliates) and 30 June 2024 (for Postgraduates).
If you submit an application after the deadline you will not be eligible for a prioritised place in Halls and can expect a response from the Accommodation Office during the second week of September. Exceptions will be made if you are under 18, or if you have Additional Requirements.
- Can I still apply for accommodation after the deadline?
If you submit an application after 10 June 2024 (for Undergraduates) and after 30 June 2024 (for Postgraduates) you will have missed the deadline for a prioritised place in Halls, and you will not hear from the Accommodation Office until the second week in September. Exceptions will be made if you are under 18, or if you have Additional Requirements.
If you have missed the deadline we strongly recommend you look into securing alternative accommodation. You can find useful resources and information to help with your search on the Alternative Accommodation webpage.- Am I guaranteed accommodation at UCL?
We guarantee accommodation to students that are under 18 years old or students with Additional Requirements. Current UCL students that have Additional Requirements should review the webpage to ensure they have the correct documentation for their application.
First Year undergraduate and postgraduate students are prioritised for UCL Accommodation.
During the academic year 2023-24, all applicants who met the eligibility criteria were allocated a place in UCL Accommodation.
- I received an offer to study after the accommodation deadline, am I still guaranteed a place?
Unfortunately, due to demand, we cannot offer accommodation to late applicants.
We strongly recommend you secure alternative accommodation. You can find useful resources and information to help you with your search on the Alternative Accommodation for Students webpage.- Can I state a preference for a particular hall?
If you are an undergraduate student, you cannot state a preference for a particular UCL Hall. However, you can state a preference if you are applying for Intercollegiate Halls.
Postgraduate Students may state a preference for both UCL and Intercollegiate Halls.
- Are there twin rooms?
Yes. We have twin rooms in our undergraduate halls. A twin room is a room for two people of the same gender and are assigned by our team. A shared twin room consists of two single beds and furniture, such as a desk and wardrobe, for each student.
If there is any other prospective UCL applicant you would be willing to share a room with, you can indicate this when you apply. They must be of the same gender and meet the eligibility criteria for UCL Accommodation.
- Can you set a preferred price range i.e. lower when applying?
When applying, you can select your budget along with other preferences such as self-catered or catered accommodation; standard, ensuite, or studio; etc.
Your price range should be in line with the type of accommodation you are applying for.- Can I make changes to my application?
If you are an undergraduate student and wish to make changes to your application after you have submitted, before the deadline, you will need to cancel your application. You can then reapply after this step. Please note that this will reset the date of your application, so we strongly recommend you ensure all details of your application are correct before submitting. To help you do this, we recommend watching our step-by-step guide to using the Accommodation portal as an undergraduate.
If you are a postgraduate student and wish to make changes to your application, before the deadline, you will need to contact the UCL Accommodation Office.
For both undergraduates and postgraduates, if you wish to make changes after the application deadlines, you will need to contact the Accommodation Office.- Can I change my personal details – name, contact details?
If you have applied via UCAS, please contact them to change your details.
Applicants should contact the admissions team via the Undergraduate Admissions Enquiries or the Graduate and Teacher Training Admissions Enquiries webpages. They will able to access FAQs and submit their enquiry via the Microsoft Dynamics 365 web forms.
- When are accommodation offers sent out?
Offers are sent out between April and the end of August in the year of study. Not all allocations will be generated at once, so we kindly ask you to bear with us and be patient.
- How do I get my applicant number for the application?
Your UCL student number may also be known as your applicant number. You should have this if you have made an application to UCL and received an offer.
This will be included on correspondence from UCL regarding your offer to study.
- Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, the UCL waiting list will open for applications in September 2024.
Please note that the demand for UCL Accommodation spaces outstrips supply, so we strongly recommend that you look into Alternative Accommodation to secure housing as early as possible. The housing marketing in London is extremely competitive and demand will increase as it gets closer to the start of term.
If you do choose to apply through the waiting list, you will need to log into the UCL Accommodation Portal and select the correct term to start your application. You will not be able to submit an application for a place before the waiting list opens in September.
Rooms will be allocated based on your preferences, maximum weekly rent and availability when possible.
International Students
- Are prices same for international/settled students?
Accommodation prices are the same for all applicants.
- Due to visa complications, I may not arrive until after Welcome weekend in September. Will the accommodation be held open for me until I arrive?
If you are unable to arrive on your contract start date, you must complete and submit a Late Arrival Notification via the UCL Accommodation Portal. This will ensure that your room is held open for you. Late arrivals will still be invoiced from the contract start date.
If you do not arrive in the first week and have not notified us of your late arrival, your offer will be withdrawn, and your deposit will be refunded. Even if you have paid your deposit, you offer will be withdrawn.
If you are arriving late at an Intercollegiate Hall, you should contact Housing Services directly by email, phone: +44 (0)20 7862 8881, or by contacting your Hall directly.- I need to obtain proof of residence, how can I do this? (For example, for a Visa or UK Bank Account)?
In most cases to obtain proof of address, you will require a Statement of Student Status from UCL. A standard Statement of Student Status confirms your enrolment status, mode of attendance, programme of study, programme start and end date, and your home and term-time address.
A Statement of Student Status and/or bank letter can be obtained from your Portico account after you enrol.
If you are requesting a landlord reference, please ask your Hall Team after you check in.
If you have received an offer of accommodation, you may provide the address of your hall. If you have not yet received an accommodation offer you can use:
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
- Is it possible to arrive earlier to attend the International Students Orientation Programme (ISOP)? Will there be an additional charge for Early Arrival?
Yes. Once you have accepted your accommodation offer, you should submit an Early Arrival Request on the UCL Accommodation Portal. If your early arrival request can be met, you will be invoiced for the additional night(s) on your Portico account after you arrive. The charge for early arrival applies to all residents regardless of the reason for the Early Arrival.
If you submit the Early Arrival Request, you must check with the Hall Team if you do not receive an email response.
Disabilities and Health Conditions
- Do you provide accommodation for students with additional requirements?
Yes, we do. It is worth noting that some of these halls can be a fair distance from other parts of UCL which may need to be taken into consideration. Where appropriate, a preliminary visit to view the accommodation can be arranged.
You should outline your requirements in your application. If you are diagnosed after applying, you can contact the UCL Accommodation Office directly. In an email you should outline your condition, how the condition affects your accommodation requirements, and provide supporting medical evidence.
The information you provide will be treated confidentially and is processed by UCL with your consent. It will be shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis with the Student Support and Wellbeing Services team. This will help them to offer you appropriate support during your time at UCL.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services includes Student Disability Services and Student Psychological Services. You do not have to take up this support but UCL has a duty of care to its students, especially those living in its accommodation.
You should also discuss your requirements with the UCL Student Disability Services to obtain further advice.
A Risk Assessment will be carried out by the Hall Team within one week of arrival.
There is more information on our Students with Additional Requirements page.
- Can I have a mini refrigerator in my room for medical reasons?
If you require a refrigerator (fridge) in your room for health-related reasons, which you have previously notified the Accommodation Office about, you will need to contact the Hall Team. The Hall Team will arrange for a fridge to be put into your room.
If you have not previously notified us about your requirement for a fridge for health-related reasons, you will need to contact the Accommodation Office and outline the details of your health condition and requirement for a fridge. You will need to include supporting evidence with your request.- Can I bring my Assistance Dog with me to UCL Accommodation?
UCL is committed to providing an inclusive environment and providing reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Where possible and if suitable accommodation is available, Assistance Dogs will be welcome, subject to relevant risk assessments.
On the grounds of health and safety responsibilities to our staff, students, and visitors, UCL reserves the right to refuse access for a dog if it does not meet certain criteria.
Please refer to UCL’s policy on Assistance Dogs for more information.
Couples and family accommodation
- Is couples and family accommodation guaranteed?
UCL has limited availability of couple or family accommodation and therefore cannot guarantee accommodation for students applying for this type of a place.
International Hall has a small number of flats available for couples and those with children.
There are some private halls and housing associations who can assist with couples and those with children. Places are limited, so we would advise you to get in touch with them as soon as possible:Students with children are advised not to bring them to London until firm arrangements for accommodation are in place.
- How do I accept couples and family accommodation?
If both partners are UCL students, both partners will need to accept the accommodation offer and pay a deposit.
Where one partner is not a UCL student, the UCL student will need to accept the offer and pay for a deposit.
- How is couples and family accommodation paid?
Invoices for accommodation will come in 4 instalments for students on a 50.57 week contract length.
If both partners are UCL students, both partners will be individually invoiced for half the accommodation rate each.
Where one partner is not a UCL student, the UCL student will be invoiced for the entire accommodation and the invoice will be split into two parts, for each half of the flat, for each term.
- How do we request early arrival for family and couples accommodation?
If you wish to arrive before your contract start date, you will need to submit an Early Arrival Request after you have accepted your offer. If your early arrival request can be met, you will be invoiced for the additional night(s) after you arrive. The charge applies regardless of the reason for the early arrival.
Where one partner is not a UCL student, the UCL student will need to submit the early arrival request.
Room allocation
- How is the accommodation allocated?
Accommodation places are allocated to students that meet the eligibility criteria in order of when applications are received. We use an auto allocate tool, which randomly allocates students to specific halls, as identified through the chosen room preferences and maximum weekly rate indicated on the application.
Due to the high number of applications, only one offer will be made per student.
- How is it decided who lives together?
If you are an undergraduate student, you cannot state a preference for a particular UCL hall. You can submit preferences with your application and we do what we can to match them to the rooms available. This is done randomly to keep everything fair.
However, you can state a preference if you are applying for Intercollegiate Halls.
Postgraduate Students may state a preference for both UCL and Intercollegiate Halls.
We try to meet preferences stated in applications; however, we cannot guarantee that all preferences will be met.- Will the accommodation be different if you are under 18?
Yes. Students under 18 will only be allocated to the following halls:
Your preferences regarding rent/room type etc. will be taken into account. We are unable to allocate twin rooms to under 18s.
- Are undergraduate and postgraduate students housed together?
Most halls are either undergraduate or postgraduate only, but some do house both undergraduates and postgraduates. The full breakdown is available on the UCL Halls webpage.
- Who will I be living with?
We cannot share details of your flatmates with you prior to arrival due to data protection laws. You will meet them on your check-in day.
- If my preference is catered accommodation, am I guaranteed to get it?
We try to meet preferences stated in applications, however, we cannot guarantee that all preferences will be met.
- What happens if the accommodation is not convenient for my course?
UCL does everything it can to provide accommodation based on your preferences. However, due to the large number of students applying and the nature of our housing, we cannot guarantee that all of your preferences will be met.
We recommend you accept your offer, even if the accommodation you have been offered is not convenient for your course, as only one offer of accommodation will be made per person.
- What do I do if I'm not offered a place?
If you are not offered a place, we would advise you to look into Alternative Accommodation options to secure housing as early as possible. The housing marketing in London is extremely competitive and demand will increase as it gets closer to the start of term.
Accepting your accommodation offer
- How can I accept my accommodation offer?
For UCL Halls, to accept your accommodation offer, you must:
• Log-in via the Accommodation Portal
• Click on Application and continue with the application for the term session you have been allocated for
• The next page will be Accept Offer
• Read through and follow the instructions on this page
• At the bottom of the page, you will be asked to ‘Accept’ or ‘Decline’ the accommodation offer.
• Ensure you select ‘Accept’
For University of London (UoL) Halls, you will need to follow the instructions in the accommodation offer email you will have received from the UofL.- How long do I have to accept my offer?
The deadline to accept your offer will be stated in your offer email. It is normally 4 working days.
- Will my offer be withdrawn if I do not respond within the deadline?
Yes. If your accommodation offer for a UCL Hall has been withdrawn and you still require a place, you should contact the UCL Accommodation Office as soon as possible after you have received notification that the offer has been withdrawn to enquire if your offer can be reinstated.
We are unable to guarantee that the offer can be reinstated, so we suggest that you also look into Alternative Accommodation options. If you have been offered a place in a University of London (UoL) Hall, you will need to contact the UoL, to enquire if the offer can be reinstated.
- I am on holiday or I will not have internet connection during the period that you are sending out offers, what can I do?
You must have an internet connection in order to review your accommodation offer on the UCL Accommodation Portal. Your offer cannot be accepted over the phone or in writing, it must be accepted online.
We recommend that you share your UCL Accommodation Portal log-in details with a trusted friend or family member if you won't have reliable internet during this time. This way, they can regularly review the UCL Accommodation Portal and accept your offer if you are unable to do so yourself.
If you do not accept your offer by the deadline, your offer will be withdrawn and we cannot guarantee that it can be reinstated.
- What if I am unhappy with my offer?
We do all we can to offer you accommodation in line with your preferences. However, we cannot guarantee that your preferences will be met.
If you wish to swap rooms, we advise you to first accept the offer made to you, to ensure you have a place reserved. The room swap option will be available in September and you can submit your request via UCL Accommodation Portal. Only swap requests made through this process will be considered. Please note that swap requests are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Students requesting a swap for health related or financial reasons, will be prioritised.
- How do I pay my deposit?
You can find instructions for how to pay your deposit on our Fees, guidance and payment webpage.
Before you arrive
- I need to provide my term-time address for paperwork, what address should I use?
If you have received an offer of accommodation, you can provide the address of your Hall. You can request a bank reference letter or landlord reference letter, from your Hall Team via email, after you have check in. For University of London (UoL) halls, or private providers nominated by UCL, you will need to contact UofL or other providers directly.
If you have not yet received an accommodation offer you can use:
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT- When can I move in?
You must read the ‘Arrival Instructions’ section in the ‘My Home’ section of the Pre-arrival Online Induction.
For Intercollegiate Halls, you should refer to the information sent to you by email from the University of London. You can email them directly for confirmation at info.halls@london.ac.uk.
- Can I arrive earlier or later than my contract start date?
If you wish to arrive before your contract start date, you will need to submit an Early Arrival Request. You will be invoiced for the additional night(s) after you arrive. The charge applies regardless of the reason for the early arrival.
If you will be arriving after your contract start date, you must submit a Late Arrival Notification on the UCL Accommodation Portal and book a check-in slot. Once you have logged in, please select check-in on the top tab. Please note that you will be charged accommodation fees from your contract start date.
- Can I bring my own furniture?
You cannot bring your own furniture or remove items provided. To find out more about the rooms and facilities, visit the Halls webpage.
- What furniture is provided in each room?
Visit the New Residents page to find out what items are provided in all student bedrooms.
- I have more questions about moving into halls
Check our New Residents page for more information about what you need to do before you arrive, settling in and support that can be provided.
Campus, halls, and facilities
- Are accommodation staff able to enter/check my room?
Room inspections or maintenance works may mean that we need access to your room. You will receive communications about this before that takes place. You can find out more about this in the General Regulations.
No staff members will enter your room without prior notice, unless in an emergency. Your room is your personal space, so you will need to clean it yourself, including your bathroom if you live in an ensuite.
- Are UCL halls close to facilities, such as supermarkets?
Yes, there are facilities such as supermarkets near all our Halls. The Halls are mostly within one mile of our main campus in central London, so you have all that you may need within easy reach.
Information about the local area, including resident recommendations, is included in the UCL Accommodation Welcome Information. A printed version of this will be given to you during move in.
- Do UCL halls have gyms?
There are no gyms in Halls, but there are several gyms available in the area, including the Students’ Union Gym.
- How many libraries are there around UCL halls/ how far are they?
UCL has 16 libraries around our campus and local area.
- Are there green spaces near the accommodation?
Yes, there are lots of green spaces and parks within easy reach of UCL Accommodation.
- What's the Wi-Fi in rooms like?
The maximum download speed is 16 Megabits per second, and upload is 2 Megabits per second. For residents living in One Pool Street, a new service – Halls Wi-Fi is available now for students to connect additional devices to the internet.
- What is the food like at UCL catered halls?
Twelve meals are provided a week. This includes breakfast and dinner, from Monday to Friday, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Our catered halls offer a variety of food including vegetarian and vegan options. If you have any other dietary requirements, you may need to consider if catered accommodation is the right choice for you.
More information about food in UCL halls can be found on the Food in halls page. For UofL halls, more information can be found on the Catering in Intercollegiate Halls page.
We have a sample menu available for review.- How can I wash my clothes in halls?
You have access to laundry facilities on-site. With a smartphone, you can pay via the Circuit Laundry app.
- Is there parking?
Parking is very limited and often very expensive in London. UCL Accommodation does not offer residential parking to residents on any of our sites as a part of their accommodation contract. We would recommend that you do not bring your car to London if you choose to stay in UCL Accommodation.
Any vehicles parked on UCL property, including residential buildings, need to be authorised before arrival and charges will apply in line with UCL Parking.
- Can I bring my pet with me to UCL Accommodation?
Pets are not permitted in UCL Accommodation. Only Assistance dogs that fall in to one of the following definitions will be allowed:
- Guide Dogs - Assist people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Hearing Dogs - Assist people who are deaf or are hearing impaired.
- Support Dogs - Trained to do tasks which their owner may find difficult. This may include: opening and closing doors, calling an ambulance, acting as physical support, and raising an alarm.
Assistance dogs must be trained by members of Assistance Dogs (UK), or equivalent (outside UK). Therapy dogs in the UK are not considered to be assistance dogs and are not permitted.
Leaving halls
- Can I leave halls earlier than my contract end date?
If you would like to leave halls before your contract end date, you are required to submit a Notice to Quit (NTQ) request via the UCL Accommodation Portal to notify us of the earlier check out date.
If a replacement student is found to take over your room, your liability will end from the check-in date of the replacement student. The full terms of your licence agreement can be found in the General Regulations.
If no replacement student is found, your liability will continue until your contract end date.
- What is the check-out process?
On your day of departure, you need to return your keys, swipe/ access card and electronic key fob to reception by 10am.
Your accommodation (including bathroom, if ensuite) and kitchen should be left clean and empty.
Items left in study bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms after you have left your residence and returned your keys will be disposed of.
It is not possible to forward post to you after your departure so please ensure that you change your address. Post and deliveries for residents who have left will be refused or returned to sender.- What can I do if I can't take all my belongings with me?
UCL Accommodation recommends Lovespace to help with storage solutions if you cannot take all of your belongings with you at once.
Lovespace offers a storage-by-the-box service. They can collect on the day of your choosing, store for as long as you need, and deliver back to any address in the Mainland UK. You can even order packing materials to arrive beforehand.- I have more questions about moving out of halls
Check our Moving Out page for more information about what you need to do before leaving halls.
Current residents
- How do I pay my accommodation fees?
UCL has a variety of ways to pay, including by bank transfer, or by paying online with a bank card. See the Fees, Guidance and Payment page.
- Can I have visitors stay with me?
You are welcome to have friends and family stay over. During the day, you can have multiple guests. Overnight guests can stay for a maximum of seven nights in a calendar month.
Guests will need to be signed in and out. For everyone’s security, please notify your Hall team in advance of any visitors.
- What should I do if I cannot pay my accommodation fees before the invoice deadline?
It is possible to request an extension to the payment deadline stated on your accommodation invoice. You must do so before the payment is due. The UCL Accommodation Office team may allow you to defer your payment for up to 30 days, as long as it is no later than two weeks before the last day of term. Please note, you will be expected to explain why you cannot make the original payment deadline.
To request an extension to your invoice deadline, please:
1. Log in to askUCL
2. Log an enquiry selecting the category Request for Hall Fees Deadline Extension and complete the form (only available for students that have their user ID).
- Do I have to pay my invoice in one payment? Can I set up an instalment plan?
It is possible to set up an instalment plan, i.e. monthly payments, to pay your invoice. You must do so before the payment deadline. The first instalment date should be the original due date. The final instalment payment date must be no later than two weeks before the last day of term.
To request an instalment plan, please:
1. Log in to askUCL
2. Log an enquiry selecting the category Request for Hall Fees Instalment Plan and complete the form (only available for students that have their user ID).
- I have checked-in to my room and now wish to cancel my accommodation contract, do I still have to pay my fees?
If you would like to leave your accommodation after your arrival during the first term, you can give notice at any time by submitting a Notice to Quit request on the UCL Accommodation Portal.
If a suitable replacement student is found, you must pay accommodation fees until the student takes over your accommodation. This must be a UCL student who is not currently in UCL accommodation and is suitable in UCL’s reasonable opinion. If no suitable replacement is found, you will have to pay fees until the end of the first invoicing period.
If you would like to leave your accommodation at the end of the first term, you are required to submit a Notice to Quit request on the UCL Accommodation Portal at least 28 days prior to the end of the first invoicing period. If you submit the notice after this time, you will have to pay your fees until another student takes over your accommodation.
- When do I need to pay my fees?
All students will be invoiced within two weeks of checking in to their accommodation. The payment deadline will be two weeks from receiving the invoice.
- Do you offer accommodation to returning students?
UCL Accommodation only offers places to students who meet the eligibility criteria. For returning students, we recommend you check out Alternative Accommodation options.
- Can UCL act as my rent guarantor if I'm moving into private accommodation?
Yes, UCL has a Rent Guarantor Scheme, though this is subject to eligibility.
- Can I stay in Halls over Christmas and Easter break?
Yes, accommodation is offered for the full academic session, including Christmas and Easter. You are liable for rent over the Christmas and Easter holidays, even if you do not occupy your room.
Accommodation beyond the first year
- Is a place in Halls guaranteed for all 3 years of study?
No, we only offer UCL Accommodation to eligible First Year students during their first year. The exception to this is students that are under 18 years old or students with additional requirements.
For all others, we recommend that you look into Alternative Accommodation options to secure housing as early as possible. The housing marketing in London is extremely competitive and demand will increase as it gets closer to the start of term.- Where do I stay in year 2?
At UCL, most students tend to move into private rental accommodation with friends after their first year. We recommend that you look into Alternative Accommodation options to secure housing as early as possible. The Students' Union UCL also offers at Flatmate Finder tool to help you find other UCL students to live with, or spare rooms listed by other UCL students.
If you are keen to stay in halls, you can look at private providers of student accommodation. Please note that these rooms are very popular and should be booked as early as possible.- Is it difficult to find accommodation after first year and how much does it cost in comparison?
London is a huge city and there are lots of accommodation options available. Prices tend to depend on location, and living closer to the centre is typically more expensive.
We recommend that you look into Alternative Accommodation options to secure housing as early as possible. The housing marketing in London is extremely competitive and demand will increase as it gets closer to the start of term.