Accommodation FAQs

What type of accommodation can I apply for?

If you will be attending a full-time course at the Cranfield campus you will be eligible to apply for on-campus accommodation.

You are eligible to apply for a single room if you will be attending your own.

You are eligible to apply for couples' accommodation if your partner/spouse will be living with you for the duration of your course.

You are eligible to apply for family accommodation if your partner/spouse and/or children will be living with you for the duration of your course.

You may also wish to consider finding private housing off campus in Cranfield or the surrounding areas.

How many rooms are there on campus?

We have a total of 1,634 single rooms on campus for full-time students.

How many studio apartments for couples are located on campus?

We have a total of 75 studio apartments for full-time students and their partner.

How many family houses are located on campus?

We have 97 family houses for full-time students on campus which comprise the following:

• Two-bedroom houses - 54
• Three-bedroom houses - 42
• Four-bedroom houses - 1

What is 'catered' accommodation?

Students in catered accommodation are provided with a monthly meal allowance which can be used in Campus Services catering outlets, to purchase meals. There are no cooking facilities in catered accommodation; however, you will be able to prepare light snacks in one of the shared pantries.

What is 'self-catered' accommodation?

Students in self-catered accommodation will share kitchen facilities, usually with between five to eight other students.

Are internet facilities available in the accommodation?

Yes, all student accommodation on campus has internet facilities via wi-fi.

How many people share the bathroom facilities in the standard accommodation?

You will usually share facilities with three to six students depending on the type of accommodation.

What is the difference between the 'premier en suite' rooms and the 'medium en suite' rooms in Lanchester Hall?

The premier en suite rooms are located in two separate blocks and feature larger communal kitchens.

How long is the tenancy period?

Most tenancies will run for a minimum period of 49 weeks. Those who have to undertake projects away from Cranfield as part of their course may apply to vacate early by completing a 'notice to quit' form. This will enable you to vacate after 30 weeks.

Do you have single gender areas in on-campus accommodation?

We will do our best to offer single gender accommodation when requested; however, we are unable to guarantee availability.

Are cleaning services provided?

Cleaning is carried out by University housekeeping staff or appointed contractors. In all accommodation cleaning is carried out in communal areas only, each week.

Cleaning in the family houses is the responsibility of the residents.

Am I insured for my possessions?

By partnering with Endsleigh, the student insurance provider, we’ve arranged free contents insurance for all students staying with us.

Visit confirm your cover to see:

• What is and what isn’t covered
• Policy excess – the amount you pay when you make a claim
• How to make claim
• How to personalise cover

Endsleigh have launched brand new, unique student insurance options, designed to cover the risks you may encounter while living in student accommodation.

Is car parking available?

You must register your vehicle if you live on campus. This can be done via the University's intranet once you have arrived on campus and registered for your course. Parking on campus is free of charge, with car parks conveniently located around the residential areas. 

Where can I store my bicycle?

Residents are able to secure bicycles in cycle racks located close to the residential areas. Bicycles must not be stored within University accommodation.

Will I be allowed visitors to stay with me in my room?

Visitors are permitted to stay in single student accommodation for any two consecutive nights in one week (Monday to Sunday).

Residents must register any guests with the University. Children are not permitted to stay overnight as visitors.

Can I bring my pet(s)?

Pets are not allowed in any University accommodation on campus.

What happens when the University closes over Christmas?

The administrative offices and Lanchester Hall reception close each year over the Christmas period for approximately 12 days; typically 24 December until 2 or 3 January. Duty Managers are available and based at Mitchell Hall reception.

The Security department can also deal with emergencies during this time.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

How do I apply for accommodation located at the Cranfield campus?

You will be able to make an application for accommodation once you have been formally offered a place on one of our full-time courses which is being held at the Cranfield campus.

To apply for on-campus accommodation you should log in to the EVE portal and make an application. We recommend that you make an application as soon as you are able to, as on-campus accommodation is very popular.

When can I apply for accommodation on campus?

You will be eligible to apply once you have received a formal offer for a place on a full-time course. However, you do not need to have accepted your course offer to be able to apply.

Can I view the accommodation before I make my application? 

We offer accommodation tours during University Open Days. As we are a postgraduate university our rooms are occupied throughout the year which means we are unlikely to have rooms to view at other times.

Can I live with my friend?

Due to the high number of applications at one time, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. If your friend will also be a full-time student at the University we recommend that you both make an application for single student accommodation at the same time and include your request on your application. It is helpful if you both include the name of your friend and their student reference number. Please note that we are not able to arrange bookings for groups of students who wish to live together.

Can I apply for single accommodation and family or couples’ accommodation?

You will not be able to apply for two different types of accommodation. You must decide which type of accommodation you would prefer at the time of making your application.

You will only be eligible for couples’ or family accommodation if your partner/family will be accompanying you throughout your tenancy period.

Can I apply for single accommodation and later apply for family or couples’ accommodation if my family/partner join me part-way through my course?

Due to the limited number of properties suitable for families and couples we cannot guarantee that this type of accommodation will be available if you are planning for your family or partner to join you part-way through your course, as demand is usually high. We would recommend that you also consider the possibility of securing privately-managed accommodation in the local area. 

Family/couples’ accommodation is not available for short-term stays, with the minimum tenancy period being six months.

I am a part-time student, can I apply for on-campus accommodation?

Yes, we have a hotel on-campus if you wish to book accommodation for a short period of time.

I am a full-time visiting student, can I apply for on-campus accommodation?

Yes, you can apply for accommodation online using our EVE portal once you have been formally been offered a place to study at the University.

When will I receive a response to my application?

We will aim to respond to your application within one month of submission.  

Should I let the accommodation office know if I have a medical condition or special access requirements?

If you have any medical condition or special access requirements which you feel are relevant to your accommodation needs, it is very important that you state these on your application. It is very unlikely that we will be able to consider additional requests after we have allocated your accommodation due to the high demand for on-campus accommodation.

If you would like your application to be considered on medical grounds, we will require a recent medical letter from your doctor (in English), to accompany your application. The letter should be relevant to your application and it should explain why your doctor feels you should live on campus.

If you have special access requirements you should contact the accommodation office at the time your application is made. Following your application, we may recommend that you visit the campus and view the accommodation with a member of the Accommodation team. Shortly after you arrive at the campus and start your course, we will discuss a Personal Emergency Evacuation Procedure (PEEP) with you, if this is required.

What should I do if I am not offered University accommodation?

If we are not able to make you an offer of accommodation, there is the alternative option of renting privately managed accommodation located off campus. There are various housing options in/near Cranfield and the surrounding areas, with good transport links to the campus. For more information about renting privately, please see our Off-Campus Accommodation page.

What if I need temporary accommodation?

You must ensure that you have arranged private accommodation before you arrive at the Cranfield campus, even if it is temporary accommodation. Please contact Mitchell Hall Hotel for information regarding pricing and availability of temporary on-campus accommodation.

What is the on-campus waiting list policy?

Once an application for accommodation is made, the application will be held by the accommodation office. We will then aim to notify you of availability as soon as possible.

If your application for accommodation is unsuccessful, the accommodation office will inform you by email and provide you with information relating to securing alternative accommodation in the local area.

Applications will remain on the waiting list for on-campus accommodation for seven days after your course registration date, pending any cancellations. If you have not secured permanent accommodation after this time, you will need to contact the accommodation office to discuss your application and requirements.

Where an applicant does not contact the accommodation office, it will be assumed that they have secured alternative accommodation, and the application will be cancelled.

Prioritisation and management of the waiting list

Applications being held on the waiting list are prioritised as follows:

1. Disabilities or specific medical consideration.**
2. Students new to the University
3. Current students

**Medical information must be sent with your application. Due to the high demand for accommodation, it is often not possible to change accommodation offers at a later date.

As the University admits new students throughout the academic year, applications on the waiting list are managed by the month the accommodation is required. For this reason the list is not numbered, as numbers can change, and do not give a useful indication of an applicant's chance of being offered accommodation in the future.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

How do I apply for on-campus accommodation if I am a current Cranfield University student?

If you have not previously applied for accommodation you will be able to log in to the EVE portal and make an application online. To help us process your application, please tell us the date that you would like the accommodation from, or the notice period your current landlord requires. Often, we will ask you to present in a copy of your agreement as confirmation.

If you have already applied for accommodation in the same academic year, please contact us by email.

When will I find out if there is accommodation available?

We will aim to provide you with an update on your application within one month of submission.

Is there a waiting list for on-campus accommodation?

We have a waiting list for all types of accommodation.

Unsuccessful applications from new students will remain on the waiting list for one week after the start of your course before being removed. If you have not found any permanent accommodation after that time, you will need to contact the accommodation office to discuss your requirements.

Applications do not remain on the waiting list for an indefinite period. If we have not had any correspondence from you for six weeks, your application will be removed from the waiting list.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

If I apply for family accommodation am I guaranteed to receive an offer?

We have limited family accommodation which means that we cannot guarantee that every application will result in an offer of a family house.

Can I apply for family accommodation if my family will only visit me?

Our family houses are very popular with students who will bring their family to live with them on campus; for this reason, we are not able to offer family houses in situations where family members are only visiting.

Can we apply for a family house if we are a couple without children?

You will not be able to apply for family housing on campus unless your children will be living with you on campus for the full duration of the tenancy period.

Can I apply for a family house so my parents can accompany me?

The family houses on campus are for full-time students of the University and their children. We do not allocate family houses to students who wish to bring other family members.

How are the family houses allocated?

We consider the ages and gender of your children when we allocate our family houses.

• Two bedroom house: suitable for students with a spouse/partner and one child, or two children under the age of five.
• Three bedroom house: suitable for students with a spouse/partner and two children over the age of five and of a different gender, or three children.
• Four bedroom house: suitable for students with a spouse/partner and three children all over the age of five and of a different gender, or four/five children.

Can I choose which size of house I would most prefer?

You are welcome to indicate any preference you may have on your application; however, we cannot allocate larger families in the smaller houses. We must also consider the level of demand for each type of house at the time the offer is made.

Can I view the accommodation before I make my application? 

As we are a postgraduate university our family houses are occupied throughout the year which means we are unlikely to have housing available to view prior to arrival.

If I am offered a family house can I rent it as unfurnished?

All of our family houses are furnished. We are not able to let our properties as unfurnished.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

What is a studio apartment?

An apartment is known as a ‘studio’ when the living area and sleeping areas are within the same room. In Fedden House, the kitchen, living and sleeping areas comprise one room; there is also a separate study area and a bathroom.

If I apply for couples’ accommodation am I guaranteed to receive an offer?

Our couples’ accommodation is very popular which means that we cannot guarantee that every application will result in an offer of a studio apartment in Fedden House.

Can I apply for couples’ accommodation if my partner will only visit me?

Our apartments for couples are very popular with students who will bring their partner to live with them throughout their tenancy. For this reason, we are not able to offer couples' accommodation to those whose partner will only visit.

Can I apply for a couples’ accommodation so another family member can accompany me?

The studio apartments on campus are for full-time students of the University and their partners. We are not able to allocate couples’ accommodation to those who wish to bring other family members, such as a parent or sibling.

Can I view the accommodation before I make my application? 

As we are a postgraduate university and our accommodation is occupied throughout the year, we are unlikely to have properties available to view prior to arrival.

Should I apply for couples’ accommodation if we are expecting a baby?

Children are not permitted to stay in Fedden House. If you or your partner is pregnant you must consider your accommodation arrangements carefully. We recommend that you contact us before you make your application for accommodation so we can advise you as to which accommodation type would be the most appropriate.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

How do I accept the offer of accommodation I have received?

We will give you full instructions explaining how to accept your offer of accommodation by email. This email will include information such as the type of accommodation we have offered you and the deadline by which you must accept or reject the offer.

You must pay the requested deposit by the deadline in your accommodation offer letter in order to accept on offer of accommodation. Your payment deadline will usually be 7 days from the date the offer is made.

Sponsored students are responsible for paying their accommodation deposit unless the sponsor is prepared to make the payment on your behalf, by the deadline stated in the accommodation offer letter. 

How much is the deposit payment?

The amount of the deposit we will request will depend on the type of accommodation we offer to you. Our deposits begin at £440 for the smaller rooms, to £1,000 for the larger single rooms.

Deposits for family houses are between £700 and £1,500, depending on the property.

I haven't secured my visa, can I pay my accommodation deposit later?

Due to the high demand for accommodation on campus, you cannot provisionally book accommodation pending the result of your visa application. Those who wish to live on campus for their studies must pay their deposit by the deadline stated in their offer letter.

If I cancel my accommodation booking before my arrival, will my deposit be refunded?

Accommodation deposits are refundable prior to arrival, provided you inform us 28 days before your course registration that you will not be attending.

I wish to reject the offer I have been made, can I reapply for another type of room?

Our policy is to make one offer of accommodation per application. If you chose to reject an offer of accommodation it is possible that we will not be able to make you a second offer due to the high demand for on-campus accommodation.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

When will I find out the address of my allocated accommodation?

If your course begins in September/October and you have accepted your accommodation offer, you will be sent an email with your room number, or address, approximately three weeks prior to arrival.

If your course starts at any other time, you should expect your address confirmation to be sent approximately one week prior to arrival.

Where do I collect my keys and obtain access to my accommodation?

You will be given full details on how and when to collect your keys shortly before your arrival.

What happens if my arrival is delayed? 

Please contact us and let us know that you will be arriving late. It is important that we know you will still be arriving at the University if you have booked on-campus accommodation.

For new students, tenancies will commence on your day of arrival, or your course start date, whichever is earlier. Do be aware that students who arrive late for their course will be responsible for the accommodation fees from their course start date, irrespective of their actual arrival date.

Can I ship my luggage to be stored by the University before I arrive?

Please do not ship your belongings to be delivered prior to your arrival as we do not have the facilities to store your luggage.

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions relating to student accommodation located at the Cranfield campus.

How do I pay my accommodation fees?

An invoice for your accommodation fees will be sent to you via email approximately one week after you arrive. This invoice will cover the entire expected duration of your tenancy period. If you are in accommodation before the start of your main tenancy you will receive a separate invoice for this period.

Payment terms

Our standard term for payment of accommodation fees is in advance. You will be allowed to make payment by instalments. The number of instalments depends on the number of nights that you are invoiced for, and some invoices have to be paid in full in one instalment.

Payment methods

Information on paying your accommodation fees can be found on our payment page.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with paying your fees, please contact the Student Finance Team.

I would like to pay my accommodation fees monthly, how are the instalments calculated?

We calculate instalments by taking your accommodation fees for the whole year and dividing this amount in to equal payments. How many payments you make will depend on the length of your tenancy. 

If your course runs from October to September, you should expect to pay 10 instalments; the first payment will be due in October and the final payment would be made in August. 

Are my accommodation fees likely to change at any time?

There is usually an increase in accommodation fees at the beginning of each new academic year, which begins on 1 October. This is particularly important if you are a research student who may live on campus for more than one academic year or if you begin your course outside of the usual academic cycle. 

If you will be undertaking a PhD and your sponsor will be paying your accommodation fees we strongly recommend that you make your sponsor aware that your accommodation fees are likely to change during your studies.

Will I need to pay extra for wi-fi, electricity, heating and water?

No. these services are covered by your accommodation fees.

Are there accessible and adapted rooms available on campus?

For students with mobility difficulties or wheelchair users, we offer rooms with good access across the Cranfield campus. These are located in:

• Baroness Young Hall
• Lanchester Hall
• Stringfellow Hall

If you have disabilities and/or complex personal care needs and require on-campus accommodation, we recommend you contact the Student Wellbeing and Disability Support team at your earliest opportunity so that your individual learning and living needs can be accurately assessed.

If you would like to request a specific type of accommodation due to a medical condition or need, please add notes to your accommodation application to let us know.

Alternatively, contact the Accommodation Office team or Student Wellbeing and Disability Support team.

What type of accommodation is available off-campus?

There are many different types of accommodation available off-campus, from rooms in shared houses to self-contained apartments and family houses.

Where are off-campus properties near to the Cranfield campus located?

Areas popular with students and staff based at the Cranfield campus include:

• Cranfield village
• Marston Mortaine
• Wootton
• North Crawley
• Upper and Lower Shelton
• Newport Pagnell
• Kempston
• Bedford
• Broughton
• Milton Keynes

For more information about living in private housing, please see our Off-Campus Accommodation page.