How to Apply for Accommodation

Read our guidance on how to apply for university accommodation.

Two students walking through Chester

If you’ve already selected the University of Chester as your Firm or Insurance choice, you can apply online from  18th March 2024.

To start the application process, head to our accommodation portal.

Please do not panic if you have not received the information by the end of March. Please remember, here at Chester we don’t allocate the accommodation on a ‘first come first served basis’, so as long as you submit your application before the June deadline your application will be considered fairly.

Whilst you wait for your application information to come through the post, you may wish to spend some time thinking about what is important to you in terms of accommodation and researching the various options available.

How to Apply in four steps

To start the application process, head to our accommodation portal. To register, you will need your Student ID number, surname and date of birth. Your Student ID number is a seven digit number which normally starts with your first year of study. It can be found in the email you should receive, and is different to your UCAS ID. You will then be prompted to create a password. Once registered, you can start making your application by logging into the accommodation application portal using your Student ID and newly created password.

When applying, you will be asked to select your preferred accommodation type, such as quiet accommodation, single sex accommodation or alcohol free accommodation. After this, you'll have to select your room preferences: for accommodation in Chester, rank your preferred room type from one to eight. It is also a good idea to have a budget in mind and prioritise accordingly when making your selection.

You’ll see a screen with all the information you’ve submitted, and don’t worry if there are any details you need to change, as you can edit your information at this stage before submitting. If you’re happy with everything you just need to tick the box to indicate you have understood the conditions and then confirm your application.

Once your application is received, we will contact you to confirm the accommodation you have been allocated, and provide you with the full terms and conditions of the accommodation offer you are made. Applicants will be asked to pay a deposit of £250 to secure the room – this will later be returned as a deduction from your final term’s rent. Payments, terms and processes will be slightly different to those referred to partner accommodation, you will be contacted by ourselves and partners in the event of any referral.

Key Dates

Here are the key dates you need to know when applying for University-owned and partnership accommodation:

  • 18th March 2024: Applications OPEN.
  • June 2024: Priority Allocation Deadline (deadlines may vary for different cohorts).

If we receive your application after the advised deadline for priority applications, we will endeavor to process your application, but applications received before the deadline will take priority.

Clearing Students

Students entering through clearing will still be able to apply for accommodation in University or Partnership accommodation. Further information on how to apply will be sent to you directly upon completion of your course self-referral through UCAS Hub.

What Happens Next?

To secure this room, you will need to:

  • agree to the contractual terms and conditions online within three working days
  • make arrangements to pay the deposit of £250

If you miss your application deadline or you have selected us as your Insurance choice, your application will not be given the same priority. Under these circumstances, we will be unable to confirm your room until those applications that have met the conditions of the application process have been administered. Likewise, applicants applying for accommodation through Clearing will only be allocated a room if available at this point.

Allocation Policy

Our aim at the University of Chester is to help all first-year undergraduates find suitable accommodation either in University residences, our partnership accommodation, or in the private sector.

Priority for University and partnership accommodation is given to all Firm choice applicants who live furthest afield, as well as applicants with specific needs.

We expect this to be the same this year.

  • University of Chester as first choice of study.
  • Geographical location of the students’ home base; places are allocated to those who live the furthest from the University.
  • Special needs or circumstances e.g. special medical conditions and care leavers.
  • Late Application – Students who apply late, gain entry through an insurance choice or via Clearing are less likely to be offered their preferred choices of University accommodation.