Applying for Postgraduate Accommodation
Find out how to apply as a postgraduate student.
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.
What is an application?
Postgraduate students will apply for accommodation by choosing their top three accommodation choices. Each application will be assigned a randomly generated number, which is used to determine the order of allocation.
We then look at your accommodation choices and try to match these with vacant rooms. If there are no vacancies in your chosen accommodation, we will offer you an alternative room using the 'alternative preferences' you’ve indicated in your application.
This application route is also used to apply for couple or family accommodation. However, applicants for couple or family accommodation can only choose accommodation at Bowsden Court and will be asked to provide information about their household make-up as part of the application.
How to submit an application
The Accommodation Portal will open on 10 June 2025. To apply, you must have made Newcastle your firm choice - please note this can take up to 48 hours to update in the portal, so plan accordingly.
Postgraduate taught students are guaranteed accommodation through our Accommodation Guarantee, providing they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- apply by the accommodation application deadline of 30 June 2025
- have an academic status of 'Unconditional Firm' by 30 June 2025
- are studying a taught programme
- are coming alone (not with a partner or children)
- are studying and have applied for accommodation for the full academic year
The Accommodation Portal will remain open from its launch date until noon on 28 July. We encourage all applicants to apply before guarantee deadline.
To submit an application, follow the steps below:
Step 1 – register and log in
To register, you’ll need your UCAS or university reference number. Make sure you use an email address that you check regularly. Avoid using a school or agent's email address as you may miss important emails.
To login, use the nine-digit number you received after registering. Click "Create Application" to start.
Step 2 - start your application
We'll ask for some information ‘About You’ such as your address and details of a trusted person. Next, you'll choose how you're applying: as a single applicant, a couple, or a family. You'll also inform us of any health needs that we need to consider, and whether you prefer single or mixed gender accommodation.
Step 3 – choose your accommodation
You'll then see the accommodation available to choose. If you are applying after the guarantee date, you may notice that some accommodation is 'sold out'. You can use the filters and comparison tools to help you decide which accommodation is best for you.
Pick your top accommodation choices and add them to your basket. The page will display how many selections you need to make.
Step 4 - provide some additional info
We'll then ask you for some additional information. You'll tell us how we should process your application if there is no availability in your chosen accommodation. You do this by ranking the accommodation attributes that are most important to you. Depending on your application type, we may also ask you for your arrival and departure dates.
What happens next?
For postgraduate students, we will begin processing guaranteed applications from July 2025. We'll continue processing applications until our accommodation reaches full capacity. Your application will be given a random number which determines the order of allocation. We'll try to match you to accommodation that you have chosen but this is not always possible.
If you are not guaranteed accommodation (for example, because you are a PGR student or your place was confirmed after the guarantee deadline), you can see how we'll process you in the 'non-guaranteed' section of our Accommodation Guarantee.
What's the difference between advanced booking and submitting an application?
Advanced booking is exclusively available to full-year, single undergraduate applicants. It allows eligible students to reserve a room immediately, depending on availability.
Submitting an application, on the other hand, is for postgraduate students, part-year students, couples, and families. This route involves selecting your preferred accommodation options, after which we assign a room based on availability and preferences.
How do I apply for couple or family accommodation?
Couples and families can apply for accommodation using the submit an application route via the Accommodation Portal, which opens on 10 June 2025. The portal will close at noon on 28 July 2025 and will reopen again mid-August.
You can apply as soon as Newcastle is your firm choice, but please note that your application won’t be processed until your status is Unconditional Firm.
We recommend submitting your application as early as possible, as applications are processed in the order they are received starting from July onwards.
If you’re applying as a couple where both adults are Newcastle students, only one of you needs to submit the application. Please note that couple accommodation is available only to spouses or cohabiting partners—not to friends or siblings.
While accommodation is not guaranteed under our Accommodation Guarantee for these groups, we will do our best to offer suitable options based on availability and preferences.
I have a disability and need a room to meet my requirements. How should I make you aware?
If you have a disability or health need that affects your accommodation, please indicate this in your accommodation application. You should also complete the Disability and Health Information Form as soon as possible.
This helps our experienced team review your needs and work with you to find the most suitable room. For detailed guidance, please visit our Applying for Accessible Accommodation page.
Can I request single-gender accommodation for religious or cultural reasons?
Yes, you can indicate this preference when you submit your application. You’ll also have the opportunity to add this as a special request. We will do our best to accommodate your needs depending on availability; however, please note that this cannot always be guaranteed.
Can I apply for accommodation as a Postgraduate Research (PGR) student?
Yes, PGR students can apply for accommodation via the Accommodation Portal once it opens on 10 June 2025.
Please note that accommodation is not guaranteed for PGR students, but we encourage you to apply. Applications are assigned a random allocation number and are processed in that order once your status is ‘Unconditional Firm’.
We begin by processing applications from postgraduate students who are guaranteed accommodation in July. After these are completed, we move on to applications from non-guaranteed students, including PGR applicants.
Offers will be communicated as allocations are made.