Guarantee Scheme

We understand how important it is to find the right accommodation for your time at University, especially if you’re just beginning your studies.

That’s why we guarantee you an opportunity to book a room in our accommodation if you’re a new undergraduate, postgraduate, or full-year international exchange student.

Your place with us will be secured so long as:

  • You meet the terms of your offer
  • You accept University of Birmingham as your firm choice on UCAS
  • You’ve applied for accommodation by the Guarantee Scheme deadline (see more below)

All students can register for accommodation from 1 December 2025.

This year, we are delighted to offer a guaranteed place in University-owned accommodation for new UK postgraduate students who would like to join our vibrant, supportive campus community.

Guarantee Scheme deadlines

  • New UK undergraduate – apply by 30 June 2026
  • New international undergraduate – apply by 31 July 2026
  • New UK postgraduate – apply by 30 June 2026*
  • New international postgraduate – apply by 31 July 2026*

*As postgraduate, you'll have the chance to book your room from 2 February 2026. We therefore recommend applying as soon as you can.

Who isn’t guaranteed accommodation?

Returning undergraduates (2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students)

We only have a limited number of rooms available for returning students. Therefore, we cannot guarantee all students will be given the opportunity to book a room. The opportunity to book a room is prioritised for students with additional requirements that have been discussed with Student Living and the University's Student Disability Services.

Remaining rooms will be available to book on a random lottery basis from the end of January 2026. All students with an application will be emailed with further details from the beginning of January.

Insurance students

If University of Birmingham is your insurance choice, we unfortunately cannot guarantee you accommodation. However, we still encourage you to register for accommodation from 1 December 2025; we’ll try our best to find you a student home.

One Semester students

We also have a dedicated number of rooms available for international students staying with us for just one semester but we cannot guarantee a room in campus accommodation if you are Autumn or Spring semester exchange student.