At the University of Suffolk you have the freedom to choose your accommodation. However, if you do need help in making an informed decision about where you wish to live we can provide you with details about accommodation that we recommend. We can also provide you with information about tenancy agreements and other factors to help you make the right choice for you.
Recommended and Accredited Accommodation
The University of Suffolk does not own or manage the accommodation recommended to its students. Instead, it is provided by private landlords and property managers that we have a close working relationship with. Currently, recommended and accredited accommodation is only available on and around the Ipswich campus.
The University of Suffolk Accreditation Scheme has been established specifically for our students, to ensure they have access to accommodation that meets our levels of quality and safety. All of the accommodation recommended by the University of Suffolk is surveyed by the local council to ensure that it meets our criteria. In this way we hope to remove some of the stress and anxiety of moving to a new town, and/or moving out of the family home for the first time.
While the University of Suffolk can highlight trusted properties and providers, it is the student’s responsibility to assess the suitability based on their individual requirements.
Athena Hall, the on-campus halls of residence, is the recommended accommodation for first year students or those studying at the University of Suffolk for the first time. It was built specifically for our students and the University of Suffolk was involved with the development and planning of the building to ensure it meets our criteria.
Being an on-campus halls of residence, Athena Hall does not require accreditation, but it does meet the requirements nevertheless. Athena Hall is perfectly positioned to get the most from student life, with a waterfront location and within walking distance of the University, Ipswich town and the train station.
Rooms in Athena Hall are furnished; utility bills and broadband costs are included in the rental price. Rent is typically quoted weekly to make it easy to compare the price of different properties, and a total contract price so you can see how much it will cost in full for the duration of the tenancy.
Here at the University of Suffolk, we understand that on-campus accommodation does not suit all students. As a result we have created the Accreditation Scheme to provide a wider range of options for students choosing where to live. The Accredited Accommodation Scheme was established specifically with our students in mind. Properties within the Accreditation Scheme are privately owned and managed and we only advertise properties that have been inspected by Ipswich Borough Council to ensure they meet our standards of quality and safety.
Accredited off-campus accommodation can be a useful alternative to on-campus living if you are working within a budget or looking for a property with specific characteristics, such as within a specific location or offering car parking. Members of our Accreditation Scheme will only be able to advertise to students via the University of Suffolk if their electrical wiring and gas inspection certificates are current; an incentive for the property to be kept safe and well maintained.
Accredited off-campus accommodation is furnished; utility bills and broadband costs are included in the rental price (unless otherwise stated). Rent is typically quoted weekly to make it easy to compare the price of different properties, and a total contract price so you can see how much it will cost in full for the duration of the tenancy. Off-campus properties are all within easy walking distance of the campus; the town centre and local amenities are nearby.
Select the properties from the boxes below for more information.
Properties recommended by the University of Suffolk are suggestions only; you are under no obligation to book the accommodation that we recommended. Some students may prefer to make their own arrangements in privately rented accommodation elsewhere. You are responsible for determining the suitability of the accommodation you choose based on your own individual requirements.
The tenancy agreement is between you and your chosen landlord; the University of Suffolk has no legal involvement with the tenancy agreement. Signing a tenancy agreement is a big responsibility; find the information you need to know in these pages. Whether you have rented before or this will be your first tenancy agreement, the information in these pages will take you through the basics.
Before you book a room or sign a tenancy we strongly recommend you do the following:
- Read the Accommodation Advice section of this website, and the Housing Advice on Suffolk Studentpad.
- Read the tenancy agreement, any relating terms and conditions, and booking conditions before you commit yourself to a room.
- Check if there is a cancellation policy or cooling off period before you book a room so you know in advance if there are any conditions under which you can cancel the tenancy before it starts just in case you need to.
- You cannot normally cancel a tenancy before the end date unless there is a break clause so make sure the tenancy is right for you before you sign it. Check the start and end dates, and make sure you can afford the rent.
- It is likely that you will be required to pay a deposit and sum of advanced rent before being able to move into the property; the exact amount can be confirmed by your landlord once you have chosen your room. This payment is likely to be required before you receive any student finance so we recommend you plan in advance by saving money in the months leading up to the start of your tenancy to be able to make this payment when it is required.
The University may be required to contact landlords to confirm a student is enrolled with us, or if they withdraw from their course. Please note, ceasing to be a student will not automatically release you from the tenancy agreement; a tenancy agreement is a legally binding document for the full duration of time specified within it.
The links below should provide you with the information you require. If you need any further information, please contact the Student Life Centre on 01473 338833, studentlife@uos.ac.uk, or visit us in person in the Waterfront Building, Ipswich.
