Parents’ guide to student accommodation​

The easiest way to book accommodation with iQ is online. 

• Step 1: Click the ‘book now’ button, which takes you to a secure portal where students must register, complete a booking form and pay a booking fee. Please note that this booking fee is non-refundable, even if the student does not proceed with the tenancy. The only exception is if a conditional offer of a university place is withdrawn after non-qualifying exam results (confirmation from the university will be required).​

• Step 2: Complete the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement online. A copy will be emailed to the student. ​

• Step 3: The Guarantor must receive and acknowledge the Guarantor's email and provide proof of ID. After this, the booking process is complete. ​

The booking fee will be treated as a payment towards your first rental payment and credited to your rent account once the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement is completed.​
Bookings can also be made by phone or in person at the relevant site, with payment by debit or credit card. A booking fee is still required to secure the booking.

Using the online booking system, students can see the gender split of any students who have already booked into the other rooms of a shared flat. We have a small number of female-only flats, but will give preference to students who require these on religious grounds (see more details of our Equality and Diversity Policy).​

We offer dual occupancy for certain studios and apartments, which can be selected via the booking platform, where students can organise to live with their friends. However, this is subject to availability and both residents must be registered students. ​

We discourage room moves in the first few weeks, as it often takes time to settle in. If, after a reasonable period of time, a student is still not happy and wants to move rooms, we will try to accommodate their request, subject to availability. There is an administration charge of £50 for room moves.​

If your child has specific accommodation requirements, please contact us.​

All tenants paying in instalments must provide details of a guarantor. ​

​What is a guarantor? A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you don’t, such as a parent or close relative.​

​If you're acting as a guarantor, you'll be responsible for putting right any breaches of tenancy, including non-payment of rent if the tenant fails in their responsibilities.​

​To confirm your acceptance to act as guarantor, you must sign a Guarantor's Agreement. You will also be required to provide us with two forms of identification (one of which must contain a photo, and one which must contain proof of address). You must provide one document from each of the following groups:​

• Valid passport, photo driving licence or national ID card (with photo)​

• Utility bill (dated within the last 3 months), mortgage statement (dated within the last 12 months) or council tax bill (dated within the last 12 months)​

Where possible, the bill name and address should be written in English.

The Tenancy Agreement is an important legal document which, once signed, places obligations on iQ, as the landlord, on the guarantor and on the student as the tenant. iQ issues Assured Shorthold Tenancies and you can view our Tenancy Agreement on our Important Documents page. Students should read the document carefully – we are happy to answer any questions you or they may have about it. As with all Tenancy Agreements, the terms are binding and only in exceptional circumstances will iQ permit Tenancy Agreements to be cancelled. We recommend that, if possible, students visit the accommodation before signing the Tenancy Agreement. Most of our sites have open days, or show flats or rooms available to view. Please contact us for details. 

Students will need to bring the following items: ​

• Bedding ​

• Towels ​

• Crockery and utensils ​

• PC or laptop and stationery ​

• Clothing and toiletries ​

• Important personal documents such as a passport, medical certificates, National Insurance number, etc. ​

​We recommend that students who will be in a shared flat do not bring too much kitchen equipment, otherwise they will end up with multiples of the same items. Kettles, toasters and mini fridges are not allowed in bedrooms, as these items pose a fire risk and will activate the heat detectors.​

Read our Uni Essentials Checklist for a full breakdown of what students need to bring when moving in at iQ. 

All iQ sites have rooms suitable for students with disabilities, including rooms that are fully wheelchair accessible. For more details, please contact the relevant site.​

Sadly, we do not allow pets at iQ. However, we make an exception for residents who require the assistance of a trained and registered service or assistance animal. ​

Requests for emotional support animals prescribed by a licensed mental health professional are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

All new residents will receive a resident handbook on arrival, with important and useful information about all aspects of living with iQ.​