How do I apply for accommodation?
Students applying for accommodation in Ipswich should complete an accommodation request form, or call us for advice. Students applying to or attending UCS for the first time will find the accommodation request form on the Applicant Portal, you will be given access to this once you have applied for a course with us. Current UCS students will find the accommodation request form on MyUCS.
Completing the UCS accommodation request form does not commit students to taking a room, it is simply a request for further information about the accommodation we recommend and the landlord's contact details. Once the student has received this information, they can choose which landlord to contact and begin the process of booking a room with them, or decide not to take a room and discard the information they have received. Students deciding the accommodation recommended by UCS is not suitable are advised contact the Accommodation Office who will identify some alternative properties, or delete the request form if our assistance is no longer required.
When should I apply?
Any prospective first year students should apply for accommodation information once they have been offered a place on a UCS course. If they decide before coming to UCS that they do not need accommodation but then later change their mind, do not worry, accommodation can be applied for at any stage. However, the later a student leaves it before requesting accommodation, the less choice of properties there will be. Students can apply at any time during their studies, so whether they are half way through their first semester, or starting their third year, we look forward to hearing from them.
Students applying through clearing should apply for accommodation at the same time as applying for a course. As there will be a shorter period of time to arrange accommodation, students applying through clearing do not need to wait until they have been made an offer, but should not book a room, sign a tenancy agreement, or pay a deposit until they have been accepted on their course.
UCS is my "insurance choice" – do I still need to apply?
Students indicating UCS as their "insurance choice" are still welcome to apply for, and view, the accommodation, but should not sign a tenancy agreement until they are certain they will be attending UCS. If they succeed in obtaining a place at another university they must make sure they advise the UCS Accommodation Office that they no longer require our assistance. This will prevent them receiving unnecessary correspondence and ensure we can devote our attention to those who require it.
I am applying for a course through clearing – is it too late to apply for accommodation?
We welcome accommodation requests from students going through the clearing process. Accommodation cannot be guaranteed but we will assist students where possible. Students should apply for accommodation at the same time as applying for their course, as there will be less time for arranging accommodation.
Can I still apply for accommodation if I already live in the same town?
Yes. Some universities may require students to live a certain distance from the campus before allowing them to apply for accommodation. UCS has no such restrictions. UCS Accommodation is currently available to all UCS students, no matter where their home address is.
Who will I be living with?
Students will be living with fellow UCS students. They will be studying various courses and they can expect a mixture of male and female students, unless otherwise requested. There is likely to be a mix of ages too, though many mature students prefer to live with students their own age. Students with special requirements or preferences regarding who they will be living with are advised to put this in the final box on the request form. Whilst we cannot guarantee to fulfil these requests, we will do our best.
How do I apply for same sex accommodation?
If you are applying for accommodation in Ipswich, there is an option on the accommodation request form for students to advise if they would prefer same sex or mixed sex accommodation, or if they have no preference. Students should state in the final box of the form if they have any other special requests. Same sex accommodation will be subject to availability but we will do our best to advise on suitable accommodation.
Can I view the accommodation?
We strongly recommend students view the accommodation. They will be the person living in the accommodation so it is important that they are happy with it. When requesting off-campus accommodation in Ipswich students will normally be advised of a number of properties that match their needs so it is even more important that they view the accommodation. Information on recommended accommodation will be sent to them in ample time before their course is due to start, along with this information will be the contact details for the landlord/manager of the properties so they can make arrangements to view at a time that is convenient to them.
Can I apply to live with a friend?
Yes. Students need to advise the names of anyone they wish to live with on their accommodation request form. When completing the request form, there is a box at the end for this type of information. Students are advised to discuss with thier friends before putting their names on the request form, as their friends will also need to request to live with them in order for us to consider them as a group request. We will do our best to find them accommodation together in the same house/flat, or close by in larger blocks.
Can I change rooms once I have moved in?
This is not normally possible but, if there is another room available in the property and the landlord has no objection it might be possible Once a student has signed a tenancy agreement, it will not be possible to move from one property to another unless there are exceptional circumstances which their landlord is willing to accommodate. This is why we strongly recommend students view the accommodation prior to signing a tenancy agreement.
When can I move in?
Students are recommended to move into accommodation the weekend before their course is due to start. Please note that if they need to move into accommodation any earlier than this, they will not be exempt from council tax for this period of time. The amount of council tax due will depend on the accommodation they are moving in to. Course start dates and details about Induction week will be made available on the Applicant Portal as the start of term approaches.
I submitted my application form months ago but I have heard nothing from you.
A confirmation email will be sent once an accommodation form has been submitted. We will send further information on accommodation in plenty of time before the course is due to start. Students requiring accommodation by a certain date should let us know on the accommodation request form and we will endeavour to contact them as required.
My circumstances or contact details have changed since I applied – how do I tell you?
If they completed an application form for Ipswich, they should email the Accommodation Office at accommodationucs.ac.uk| to advise us of any changes to their requirements or their contact details.
I no longer require accommodation at UCS – do I need to tell you?
Yes, students should inform us if they no longer require accommodation, we will not ask any awkward questions. As long as the student has not signed a tenancy agreement, a simple email or phone call is all that is needed to remove their name from our list. If they have already signed a tenancy agreement they will need to speak to their landlord direct. It is the landlord's decision alone on whether to release them from their contract and it may depend on the circumstances involved; students should not assume that they will be released, and there may be a charge.
I can’t find the information I am looking for – what should I do?
Students should contact the campus they will be studying at, information will be provided on who they should contact and how on each campus page. If all else fails, email accommodationucs.ac.uk| and their query will be forwarded to the relevant person.