How to apply

Single accommodation

Due to the shortage of University and College-owned single accommodation in Oxford, demand currently exceeds supply.  We are very aware that securing suitable accommodation is especially difficult for graduate freshers overseas, unfamiliar with Oxford, and unable to attend viewings. For this reason, the Graduate Accommodation Office operates a tiered waiting list system that prioritises graduate freshers.

The singles waiting list is therefore organised into three tiers:

• Tier 1 - first priority: An overseas graduate fresher
• Tier 2 - second priority: A UK graduate fresher
• Tier 3 - third priority: Returning graduate students and students who have previously undertaken a degree in Oxford.

Returning students will only be allocated single accommodation if all freshers have been housed. If you fall into this category, we would, therefore, advise you to look into alternative accommodation sources, as we may not be able to confirm whether you have been allocated accommodation until later in the year.

Couples and family accommodation

The couples and family accommodation waiting list is not subject to the same tiered system, and applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis in waiting list order. Priority for 2 bedrooms and 3 bedroom accommodation is given to couples with children. For more information, please see our occupancy policy.

Applicants with disabilities

The University has a small number of accessible rooms and flats that have been specially adapted for students with a physical disability, and we will also make other adaptations where we can. Please make us aware of any specific requirements you may have when you fill out your application form. With supporting medical evidence, we may also be able to prioritise accommodation applications from students on the grounds of disability (physical or otherwise).

If we have a suitable accommodation allocation once we reach you on the waiting list, we will email you with the accommodation details.  

If you are happy with the accommodation, we will then email you a formal offer letter detailing the address, the monthly rent and the opening account balance required. We will also attach a sample Tenancy Agreement, the Tenant Handbook and property EPC and Gas Safety Certificate where applicable.

Please read your offer letter and any attached documents carefully. In order to accept your offer, you will need to pay the opening account within seven days. We are unable to hold the accommodation after this time.

You may be able to arrange a viewing of the property – please contact graduate.accommodation@admin.ox.ac.uk to enquire.

You will be required to enter into a Tenancy Agreement before you are able to occupy your accommodation.

To reserve your accommodation, you will need to make payment of the opening account, which is made up of a refundable deposit and a portion of rent in advance.

This payment is due within 7 working days of receiving your offer of accommodation. If you are receiving a scholarship or grant, please advise the Graduate Accommodation Office, as it may be possible to delay the due date until your scholarship funds are received.

Deposit

This is equal to a month’s rent, and will be returned within 4 weeks of the end of your tenancy (minus any charges for cleaning or damages).

We may use the deposit to cover:

• any damage to the property or its contents;
• cleaning;
• disposing of the tenant’s belongings if left in the property at the end of the tenancy;
• any outstanding payments due, including rent, council tax, utility bills, and any other service charges;
• any legal or professional fees incurred as a result of the tenant breaching the tenancy agreement.

For further details, please refer to your Tenancy Agreement.

Rent in advance

A portion of your rent will be due in advance, as follows:

• If your start date is before the 15th of the month, the rent up until the end of that month will due in advance.
• If your start date is on or after the 15th of the month, the rent up until the end of that month, and the following month’s rent, will be due in advance.

A full list of rents for each accommodation can be found on the rent information pages.

Once you have firmly reserved your accommodation by payment, we will send out a tenancy agreement for signature. This will come to you no sooner than three months in advance of your start date, and will be sent out via our electronic signature software, 'E-Sign'.

You must sign your tenancy agreement before collecting your keys on your tenancy start date. We will send you reminders to sign closer to the time.  

Applications for accommodation commencing in Michaelmas Term 2024 are now open.

Please apply to be added to the waiting list. The allocation process will begin in the middle of April 2024. 

From May onwards, we will aim to keep you regularly updated on your position on the waiting list.

Applications

Singles Application form

Single: Apply for accommodation suitable for one student

APPLICATION FORM

Joint Application form

Joint: Apply for accommodation suitable for a couple/family (where both adults are full-time graduate students of the University of Oxford)

APPLICATION FORM

Couples and Family Application form

Couple/Family: Apply for accommodation suitable for a couple/family (where only one adult occupant is a full-time graduate student of the University of Oxford)

APPLICATION FORM