Parents’ guide to student accommodation​

We're one of the largest providers of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK, with 85 buildings across 29 towns and cities. Explore our different properties here.

iQ offers a range of spaces to suit different preferences and budgets. Residents can choose from en suite rooms in shared apartments, private studios or, at some buildings, townhouses and apartments.

Every room comes fully furnished with a mattress, bed, study area and storage. Kitchen facilities vary by room type but usually include an oven, hob, microwave and fridge‑freezer.

If you want to explore a specific building, we recommend checking its page on our website or getting in touch with the local team. They’re always happy to answer questions or arrange a viewing.

Booking a room at iQ is simple. The student you’re supporting can start the process online by selecting ‘book now’. This takes them to our secure portal, where they’ll register, fill out a short form and pay a booking fee to secure their room.

This booking fee is non‑refundable unless their situation falls under one of the exceptions in our booking terms.

Once they’ve chosen their room, they’ll be asked to complete their Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement online. A copy is emailed to them straight away.

As their guarantor, you’ll receive an email asking you to confirm your details and upload proof of ID. When that’s done, the booking is complete, and the booking fee is added to their rent account.

If booking online isn’t their thing, they can also book in person at the iQ building. Payment can be made by debit or credit card, and the booking fee still applies.

A guarantor agrees to support a resident’s tenancy by covering any breaches of the agreement, including unpaid rent. Guarantors must be 21 or over and are usually a parent, guardian, family member or family friend. They can be based in the UK or overseas, but must not be full‑time students or living in an iQ building.

The process is completed online. Guarantors are asked to sign a digital agreement and upload two forms of ID: one photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and one proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or council tax bill).

If you or your resident need help during the process, our team is here to support you.

Yes - our buildings are built for safety and peace of mind. 

Every building has CCTV and secure entry systems, and most have team members onsite 24 hours a day. Access to buildings and social spaces is controlled to ensure only authorised people can enter.

For everyone’s safety, we ask residents not to let in anyone they don’t recognise.

Residents choose their room through our online booking system, where they can see details like location and, where available, the gender of others already booked into shared apartments.

We also offer a small number of female‑only apartments, prioritised for those who request them for religious reasons.

If someone isn’t sure which room is right for them, we always recommend a viewing, either in person or virtually, to help them feel confident in their choice.

Once they’ve settled in, we encourage giving things a little time before considering a room change. If they still feel the space isn’t right after a while, we’ll try to help them move, depending on availability. A £50 room‑change fee will apply.

Some rooms at certain buildings are allocated directly by university partners. If someone books through their university, the best contact for allocation details is the university accommodation team.

Your student’s room comes with the essentials, but they’ll still need a few bits to help them feel settled. This usually includes sheets, a duvet, pillows, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, hangers and some basic kitchen items.

If they’d prefer to travel light, they can order ready‑made bedding, kitchen and bathroom packs from UniKitOut, our approved partner. Everything is delivered straight to their iQ building so it’s ready for moving‑in day.

We’ve also put together a simple checklist to help you and your student plan what to bring or buy once they’re here.

We don't 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 prior to arrival, with important and useful information about all aspects of living with iQ.​