Many of the common questions regarding applications for accommodation can be found below. If you have a question that is not answered in this section, please do not hesitate to
contact us. Further information can be found on the step by step
PDF guidance notes.
Q: I have made Plymouth University my firm choice. When should I apply for accommodation?
A: You may apply online when you hold an academic offer at Plymouth which is showing on the UCAS system as either unconditional firm or conditional firm. Please wait 48 hours after accepting with UCAS, as it takes this amount of time to show on the university system as firm status.
Q: I have made Plymouth University my insurance choice. Should I apply for accommodation?
A: You should not apply for accommodation unless your status changes from insurance to firm. The accommodation application system only stores details for firm choice students.
Q: What details do I need to log on to apply?
A: The first time you access the accommodation application system you will need to know your name, date of birth and Plymouth University “Student Ref. No.” This number is usually put on all letters from your faculty. It is an eight digit number and starts with 1 or if you are a PCMD student 9.
Q: I keep getting an error message when I try to register?
A: You will need to ensure that this institute is your first choice, i.e. that you have selected FIRM on UCAS. The accommodation application system can take up to 48 hours for this information to be processed, so if the FIRM decision has just been made you will need to wait at least a day before registering for the accommodation application service.
Q: Am I guaranteed a room in university-allocated accommodation?
A: Less than 60% of new incoming students live in university-allocated accommodation all other first years and returning students live in private sector accommodation. We are not able to guarantee a room in hall.
Q: Who gets into university-allocated accommodation?
A: We give priority to overseas students, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry students and those who have been referred from Disability Assist after an information meeting which identifies special housing needs for reasons of medical conditions or disability.
Q: I want to choose a particular hall?
A: As we are very oversubscribed for university-managed halls and university-allocated cluster flats, we are not able to offer preferential choices. The application form asks for an indication of type of room such as ensuite, standard with shared facilities, studio etc. The allocation of room and property is dependent on what is available at the time of processing. Further information detailing room types in each property within allocated accommodation can be found on the allocated accommodation page.
Q: Can I stay in university-allocated accommodation for more than one year?
A: All returning students live in private sector properties.
Q: I want to be in the same hall as my friend from my home town. How can I arrange this?
A: Unfortunately this cannot be arranged in hall. If you wish to live close to a friend, the best way to arrange this is to use our database of approved accommodation; come to our Find a Home Event and look at properties together from our database or contact one of the managing agents.
Q: When are applications processed?
A: We commence processing in July each year and this continues until mid August after A level results. Your application will be stored on the system waiting to be processed.
Q: When will I find out about my application?
A: If you are Unconditional Firm (not waiting for exam results) you should hear from us sometime in July.
If you are Conditional Firm (waiting for exam results) we will process your application after your results have been notified to your faculty and you will hear from us within 10 days of results.
Q: How long will I have to accept my room offer?
A: You will have five calendar days from the day you receive an offer to accept and pay the £250 non-refundable reservation fee (this turns into your damage deposit on day of arrival).
Q: What will happen if I reject my room offer?
A: If you decide to reject your room offer you will not be allocated another room. You will automatically be given access to our database of approved accommodation to find suitable accommodation.