Applying for Accessible Accommodation
We’re committed to ensuring your accommodation supports your comfort and wellbeing. If you have a disability, medical condition, or specific health-related need, we offer a range of accessible rooms and can make adjustments to help you feel at home.
The information and dates below should be used as a guide only. Occasionally, we may need to change things due to unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, and we need to make a change, we'll let you know as soon as possible. Please make sure you monitor your emails and read any updates that we send.
We process all applications in line with our Allocations Policy. For specialist allocation information please refer to this policy.
How to apply?
How you apply depends on:
- your level of study (Undergraduate or Postgraduate)
- whether you need accommodation for the full academic year
- the type of room or adjustments you need
Once you hold a firm offer to study with us, you can register on our Accommodation Portal. You'll create your profile and answer the question:
"Do you have a disability or health condition that impacts your accommodation?"
Your answer helps us understand how to support you.
Full year undergraduates (Advanced Booking route)
If you need an accessible room (eg wheelchair accessible room or studio)
Select “Yes – I DO require an accessible room” when answering "do you have a disability or health condition that impacts your accommodation?" in the Accommodation Portal.
You will not be able to use Advanced Booking as the system is not able to identify a room suitable for your needs. Instead, the system will direct you to submit an application with your top three choices.
After submitting an application, complete the Disability and Health Information Form and upload supporting information.
Our team will review your information, and they may contact you to arrange a virtual meeting to discuss your requirements.
If you need a standard (non-accessible) studio, please follow the guidance above. Studios are not listed in Advanced Booking because we have a limited number and need to prioritise students with disabilities. You'll be able to explain your specific needs in the Disability and Health Information Form.
If you need a standard room with minor adjustments (eg fridge for medication)
Select “Yes – but I DO NOT need an accessible room” when answering "do you have a disability or health condition that impacts your accommodation?" in the Accommodation Portal.
You can continue using Advanced Booking.
After reserving a room, complete the Disability and Health Information Form, and upload supporting information. We’ll review your submission and confirm any adjustments.
If when you log into the portal, none of the available room options are suitable, please contact us before booking.
We may be able to help - but only where there is a clear need, not just a preference. Depending on your situation, we might:
- recommend an alternative room that’s still available
- suggest waiting for the next release of rooms
- review your supporting information and work with the University’s Wellbeing Team to reserve a suitable room on your behalf
While we’ll always do our best to help, our ability to make changes depends on your individual needs and room availability.
Postgraduates and part-year students (submit preferences route)
If you're a postgraduate student or applying for part-year accommodation, you'll be asked to submit three accommodation preferences regardless of whether you need an accessible room, or small adjustments. After submitting, complete the Disability and Health Information Form to help us understand your needs.
Submitting your Disability and Health information form
To help us match you with the right accommodation:
- fill in the Disability and Health Information Form as soon as possible after submitting your application or you can submit it earlier if you're ready
- upload any supporting information, this could be:
- a letter from a medical or support professional
- a copy of a prescription
- any other documentation that will help us understand your needs
The more detail you provide, the better we can support you
Requests without evidence may be delayed or declined.
I need a studio because of my disability, but I don’t need an accessible one. Why can’t I see studios on Advanced Booking?
We don’t list studios in the Advanced Booking system because we have a limited number available. To make sure they go to students who really need them, we give priority to those with a disability or health condition — even for standard (non-accessible) studios.
If you need a studio due to a disability, please follow the steps for applying for accessible accommodation. This will allow you to choose that option during your application.
Once you’ve applied, use your Disability and Health Information Form to explain that you need a standard studio.
If you're not sure what to do, just get in touch - we’re here to help.
Will I be allocated to my preferred accommodation?
We’ll try our best to offer you a room that meets your needs. We work closely with the University’s Wellbeing and Disability Teams to support your application.
We’ll prioritise finding you a room that suits your health or disability needs, even if it’s not your first choice. While we’ll consider your preferences, we can’t guarantee them.
What adjustments can you offer in accessible rooms?
Some of the features we may be able to offer include:
- rooms with wheelchair access
- adjustable beds and study desks
- braille kitchen equipment
- mini fridges for storing medication
- vibrating pillow alarms
Let us know what you need when you apply, and we'll work with you to find the right adjustments.
Can I bring an emotional support animal?
No, emotional support/therapy animals are not allowed in accommodation. This helps protect the health and wellbeing of other students.
However, we do allow assistance dogs. Please see our Assistance Dog Policy for more information.
What if my needs change after I move in?
If your health or disability changes whilst your living with us please email us or speak to your accommodation reception team.
We'll work with you to make sure your room still meets your needs, and organise any safety plans you might need such as Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).
Who can I contact for help?
For accommodation needs:
📧 accommodation.medical@ncl.ac.uk
For wider support with your health or disability:
👉 Contact the Disability Team through Student Health & Wellbeing