Frequently asked questions: priority accommodation booking
Learn more about the process, the rationale behind it, and what you can expect throughout the process.
Who is included in the pilot?
Who is included in the pilot?
For September 2026 entry, a small number of offer holders are eligible for our early booking accommodation pilot scheme. If you’ve been contacted about priority booking via email, you’re likely to be eligible. You will still need to meet the terms of your academic offer to take up your place at Birmingham in September, and this scheme will give you access to book your accommodation ahead of Results Day in August.
How do I access priority accommodation booking?
How do I access priority accommodation booking?
Choose the University of Birmingham as your firm choice on UCAS before the deadline on Wednesday 6 May. Our Student Living team will then be in touch with clear next steps to book your accommodation early. You will be offered a priority booking window in July to secure your room. Once you have met the conditions of your offer in August, the Student Living team contact you to make your Advanced Rent Payment for the room you have chosen.
Does priority booking guarantee my first-choice room?
Does priority booking guarantee my first-choice room?
Our priority booking scheme will enable you to secure your room directly ahead of Results Day in August. Whilst we cannot guarantee you will get your first-choice room, this will give you the most likely opportunity to do so. You will still need to meet the terms of your academic offer to take up your place at Birmingham in September.
Will I be able to book en-suite or Student Living Plus (catered) accommodation?
Will I be able to book en-suite or Student Living Plus (catered) accommodation?
All of our standard room types, locations and options will be available to book in the priority booking window.
What happens if I don’t get my grades to meet the terms of my academic offer?
What happens if I don’t get my grades to meet the terms of my academic offer?
We hope that you will meet the terms of your academic offer, but if for any reason you don’t, then your room will be cancelled, and you won’t be charged. You do not need to pay your Advanced Rent Payment until you get your results in August; this scheme is just to secure your preferred room.
What if I miss the UCAS deadline?
What if I miss the UCAS deadline?
You can still apply for accommodation through our standard process, but you won’t be able to access this early booking pilot scheme. We have excellent accommodation options at the University of Birmingham and anticipate having a full range of options available for all students looking to join us in September 2026.
Why is this only available to some students?
Why is this only available to some students?
This is currently a pilot scheme for 2026 entry for a select group of offer-holders. If successful, we may look to expand this out in future years, but testing out with a smaller group as a proof of concept enables us to see if it works before rolling out further.
Will this be available for September 2027 entry?
Will this be available for September 2027 entry?
We’ll review the pilot after September 2026 and then make a decision whether to broader the scheme in future.