Introduction

This document outlines the allocation policy and process for accommodation for session 2026/27, September intake.

Accommodation comprises University-owned and managed buildings, as well as purpose-built student accommodation managed by third party providers.  Applications for accommodation are processed by the University and, in some cases, students may be referred to another accommodation provider.

Those commencing their first year of full-time study in September 2026 who meet the eligibility criteria and the application deadlines, will be considered for an offer of accommodation. This could be either University owned accommodation or accommodation provided by a third party and may not be the applicant’s first preference of accommodation type. Offers are made subject to the terms of offer outlined in this document.

Overarching Principles

The University of Strathclyde is committed to providing an outstanding student experience, in line with the University’s Values. Accommodation places are predominantly reserved for those who are new to the University. It is acknowledged that places in University accommodation are limited and therefore, not all students will receive an offer of accommodation.

The University actively supports widening access to higher education and aims to attract the best students regardless of their background. Where possible, accommodation will be provided to those who may be significantly disadvantaged by not living in University accommodation. The University reserves the right to offer accommodation to those not covered by this policy.

University accommodation is suitable for single occupants only and will not be offered to families or couples. Students who are arriving in the UK with dependents should ensure that they have suitable accommodation booked in advance of their arrival.

1. Eligibility Criteria

1.1.            Eligibility to Apply for Accommodation

To be eligible to apply for accommodation applicants should be entering a full-time programme of study at the University of Strathclyde, for at least two semesters and either:

• Be entering their first year of study and have received a conditional/unconditional offer. This includes those with firm and insurance offers.
• Be a continuing student who is in one of the categories listed in section 3 and would be significantly disadvantaged by not living in University accommodation, due to health, disability or other circumstances.
• Be a continuing student who is currently living within Strathclyde residences.

Those studying remote or distance learning programmes will not be eligible to apply for accommodation.

1.2.            Application Deadlines

Applications for accommodation for students beginning their studies in September must be submitted online by the following dates to be considered for an offer of accommodation:

 

New Undergraduate students (September 2026 entry)	Applications open	Deadline for submitting application	Deadline for conditions to be met
Unconditional and Conditional offer holders	16 March 2026	26 June 2026	13 August 2026
Students applying through Clearing	16 March 2026	20 August 2026	20 August 2026

 

New Postgraduate students (September 2026 entry)	Applications open	Deadline for submitting application	Deadline for conditions to be met
All PGR and PGT students	16 March 2026	20 August 2026	20 August 2026
New Postgraduate students who apply for accommodation and meet the conditions of their offer of study by 26 June 2026 will be guaranteed an offer of accommodation

 

Eligible continuing students	Applications open	Deadline for submitting application
All eligible continuing students	2 March 2026	26 June 2026

Applications received after the deadline date will be automatically held on file and may not be consulted until 1 September 2026. Accommodation places are limited and an offer of accommodation is unlikely to be made to late applicants. Applicants should seek their own accommodation and extend their search across the city of Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

1.3.            Eligibility for Accommodation Offer

To be eligible for an offer of accommodation applicants should meet all of the following criteria:

• Have submitted their application before the deadline
• Have received and accepted an unconditional offer to study at the University of Strathclyde, or a conditional offer with all conditions met by the deadline

 

2. Conditions of Offer

 

Offers of accommodation will be subject to the following conditions:

1. One offer of accommodation will be made to each applicant. When an offer expires or is declined the applicant will not hear from Accommodation Services with a further offer.
2. Offers will be time limited and must be accepted online before the deadline stated on the offer. If an offer is not accepted by the deadline it will expire.
3. If an offer expires or is declined, applicants should source alternative accommodation, such as private housing or purpose-built student accommodation operated by other providers. While guidance information will be provided, applicants must make their own alternative arrangements.
4. All communication including offers of accommodation shall be made by email. An offer can be made at any time. Applicants are responsible for checking their email regularly and logging into the accommodation portal for details of an accommodation offer. The University accepts no responsibly if an offer expires due to emails being unopened or missed by the applicant.
5. Those who no longer require University Accommodation, can choose to decline the offer. This will result in the application being withdrawn and no further offer of accommodation shall be made.
6. Preferred accommodation types cannot always be offered and are subject to availability at the point of allocation. Alternative accommodation may be offered and could be located either on campus or with a third-party provider.
7. If an applicant does not receive an offer of their preferred room type, a second offer of accommodation will not be made.
8. Applications and acceptance of offers of accommodation should be completed by the applicant only. An offer of accommodation requires the applicant to enter into a legally binding occupancy agreement which should be read and fully understood before being accepted.
9. In the event that demand for accommodation exceeds supply, students who have applied before the deadline may not be offered accommodation and should source alternative accommodation, such as private housing or purpose-built student accommodation operated by other providers. While guidance information will be provided, applicants must make their own alternative arrangements.
10. Accommodation Services reserve the right not to offer accommodation to an applicant.

 

3. Allocation Priority

 

The University will consider applications from students with particular needs and requirements or whose circumstances mean that they would be significantly disadvantaged by not receiving an offer of accommodation.

Applications from students who are in any of the following categories, may be considered for an offer of accommodation. Applicants should clearly state the category they are applying under on their application for their circumstances to be considered and may be asked to provide evidence. All remaining eligibility criteria and application deadlines must be met.

All remaining eligible applications will be processed in date order of the application being made.

 

Category	Definition	Adjustment to Eligibility Criteria
Care experienced and estranged students domiciled in the UK	Care experienced: Any student who has previous or current experience of the care system.  See our Care Experience Policy for more information.  Please note, this does not include those who have been a carer for a relative or have caring responsibilities.   Estranged: The applicant has no contact with their immediate family and is/will be studying without their financial and emotional support and/or approval.	Applications from new and continuing students will be prioritised for an offer of accommodation.
Under 18 at the beginning of the academic year	The applicant is under 18 at the beginning of the academic year.	Applications from new students who will be under 18 at the beginning of the academic year shall be prioritised for an offer of on campus accommodation.
Medical requirements	Have a medical condition or disability that requires specific accommodation adjustments that can be met by the University (please note we will consult with the Disability and Wellbeing Service in assessing applications and may request medical evidence). The applicant may be contacted in advance of arrival to discuss their needs and to develop a personal emergency evacuation plan.	Applications from new and continuing students will be prioritised for an offer of accommodation.

 

 

Further guidance:

https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/accommodation/ https://www.strathunion.com/support/housing/findinghousing/ https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/wideningaccess/