This article introduces typical accommodation options available and provides some tips for making the right choice for you.

Once you have an offer of a place at university you will need to think about where you would like to live. If you decide that you want to live away from home, your chosen university typically offers a variety of accommodation options suited to different budget, group sizes and lifestyle preferences.

As you spend a lot of time in your accommodation, it is important that you make the right choice for you. You may be sharing facilities such as kitchen and social spaces with your flatmates. Everybody has their own way of living, socialising and thresholds for cleanliness and noise levels.

During our research, autistic students have told us things they liked and didn’t like about their accommodation. These were related to the size of rooms, noise levels, distance to shops, availability of quiet spaces, the study choices and maturity of fellow tenants, and more.

For those starting at Leeds Beckett University, there is lots more information and virtual tours on our accommodation website. You can also attend tours of our accommodation at all Open Days and Applicant Days. Accommodation is allocated on a first come, first served basis and so it is beneficial to apply as early as possible and make the Accommodation Team aware of any specific requirements you have.

If you are unable to attend an Open Day, it may be possible to arrange a visit on an alternative day however if the room is currently occupied by another student, this may be difficult to arrange.

You should be mindful that some of the accommodation is very popular and is fully booked within days of release. We would therefore recommend that you contact our Accommodation Office as soon as possible. You will be eligible to apply for accommodation if Leeds Beckett is your first choice or you have an unconditional offer.

Students who have declared a disability to the University are eligible to remain in University accommodation for the duration of their studies. Whilst every attempt is made to enable students to remain in the same room each year, this cannot be guaranteed and you would need to apply for your accommodation each year.

Leeds Beckett University Residential Officers are based at Marsden House, Arena Village, Kirkstall Brewery, Carnegie Village, Sugarwell Court and Woodhouse Flats only. Residential Officers have daily office hours where students can drop in or book appointments, in addition to an on call provision that is in place every evening and weekend of the tenancy period. The Residential Officers are your main point of contact if you experience any problems during your time in our residences.

Think about:

• Whether you want to live in a lively place in the city centre, or if you would prefer a quieter location outside of the city?
• Do you want accommodation that offers its own social calendar?
• Do you need an en-suite room?
• Do you want to be close to the University?
• Think about how you will get to University? Will you walk, cycle, travel by public transport?
• How many people you would be comfortable sharing with?