Before You Book: Quick Guide to London Student Accommodation

Our Coventry University London accommodation team works to find affordable and competitive rates for our students in London’s highly competitive student housing market.

To help you settle into your new home, our Team collaborates with a number of PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) external providers in the city to offer quality accommodation options for you to choose from.

If you are joining us in Sep 2025 and considering living in accommodation provided by one of our trusted external providers, here are five important things to know before you apply.

1. External Providers Are Independent

Our London Accommodation Team works in collaboration with several PBSA student accommodation providers to support the needs of Coventry University London and CU London students. These providers manage their own buildings, contracts, and payments.

This means:

• You will sign a tenancy agreement directly with the provider, not with the University.

• Rent, deposits, instalments, and terms are agreed directly with the provider.

• All maintenance requests go through the provider’s team.

Tip: Always read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing. You can also book a free accommodation contract review with our Students’ Union through the link on this webpage.

• If you have any questions about facilities, contact the provider directly by email or phone.

2. Location and Facilities Vary

External providers offer a variety of room types, from en-suite rooms to studios, located near our campuses.

Consider:

• Travel time by walking or public transport.

• Room type and whether you prefer a private bathroom or are happy to share in a twin room.

• Facilities such as gyms, study rooms, social spaces, and laundry which some properties offer while others do not.

Tip: Use Google Maps, provider websites, or virtual tours to explore locations and facilities before making your choice.

3. Costs Can Differ

Rent prices vary depending on location, room size, and facilities included.

Payment schedules also differ. Some providers offer up to seven instalments with a UK-based guarantor. Others may only offer two or three instalments, depending on whether you are an international or local student.

Tip: Make sure you know exactly what is included in the price, such as utilities, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance. Take note of all instalment dates to avoid any late payment action from providers.

4. Application Process Is Separate

Once you express interest via our enquiry form, our London Accommodation Team shares your details with the provider. They will then contact you by email with a booking link to complete your application directly.

It is very important to check this email carefully; providers often set a strict deadline for when you need to accept your offer or complete your booking. If you miss this deadline, your room may be released to another applicant.

You will usually need to:

• Fill out an online application form.
• Provide ID and proof of student status.
• Pay a booking fee or deposit.
• Accept the tenancy agreement online within the provider’s stated timeframe.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on your email (including your junk/spam folder) so you do not miss important messages from providers.
• If you are unsure about any part of the application or the contract, contact the provider or ask our Students’ Union for a free contract review before accepting.
• Make a note of all payment and acceptance deadlines in your calendar to avoid losing your booking.

5. Support Is Still Available

Even though the university does not own these properties, our team is here to help. We can:

• Recommend trusted external providers.

• Answer questions or help you get a quick response from providers.

• Refer you to our University Health and Wellbeing Team for personal support.

• Connect you with our Students’ Union for independent legal advice and confidential support.

Tip: Keep both your provider’s contact details, and the University Accommodation Team’s email saved for future reference.

Our recommended external providers offer safe, reliable, and competitively priced options with special discounted rates for Coventry University London and CU London students. Choosing one of these trusted providers also protects you from potential rental scams.

Start early, do your research, and you will find the perfect home for your first year.

You can find more information on our Coventry University London and CU London (Dagenham and Greenwich) accommodation webpages.