For many students, coming to UCS will be the first time they have lived away from home and, while the thought of freedom is great, they will probably be feeling nervous, even if they don’t admit it out loud. All of a sudden there will be many new things to think about, not just their studies, but how to budget and look after their finances, how to operate an unfamiliar washing machine or cooker.
Don’t worry. It is only natural to be nervous about taking such a big step and the UCS Accommodation Office is here to help. This section contains lots of useful information to help UCS students decide what sort of accommodation they want, what they can afford and how they can apply for a room.
Most of our accommodation is based in Ipswich but if your course is based at one of our other Centres, please follow the relevant link or contact us using the details on the right hand side of the page.
When should I apply for accommodation?
Students are recommended to begin applying for accommodation once they have been made an offer of a place on their chosen course. The five stage plan below explains the process of applying for accommodation:
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Have a look through this section using the links on the left hand side to navigate to the information required. Discover the accommodation recommended at each campus by clicking on the locations.
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When you make your course application to UCS, you will be given access to the Applicant Portal where you will find the accommodation request form. Completing this form tells us that you are interested in accommodation and would like further information; you are not obliged to take accommodation by completing this form.
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On submitting the form, you will receive an acknowledgement email. The Accommodation Office will process your request form and more detailed information will be provided to you, including the landlord's contact details.
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You will then be able to contact the landlord directly, to ask any questions about their accommodation and to arrange a viewing at a suitable time. UCS strongly recommends you view the accommodation wherever possible.
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When you are 100% happy you have chosen the right accommodation for you, you can reserve or book a room with the landlord. You may be asked to pay a deposit or holding fee to secure your room. UCS advises you only sign a tenancy agreement if you understand and agree to all of the terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement.
If you have an unconditional offer and have nominated UCS as your firm choice, or are a returning student, you are able to complete steps 1-5. If your offer is conditional and you have chosen UCS as your firm choice you are advised to follow steps 1-4, but enquire with the landlord if the deposit is refundable if the conditions of the offer are not met before paying a deposit. If you have an unconditional or conditional offer with UCS as your insurance choice you are recommended to follow steps 1-4, but not to complete step 5 unless you decide to study at UCS.
Some accommodation providers market their accommodation earlier than others. The Accommodation Office recommends you take your time to look into accommodation, and make sure you are content with your choice before signing a tenancy agreement.