UCL accommodation

[DoThePropeller]

My DD has firmed UCL and been logged into the accommodation portal since it opened but can still only see UrbanNest Canary Wharf and a catered hall option.

I can’t believe it’s all gone so quickly, especially as I know people still getting offers.

Anyone else in the same boat/any ideas? The phone line is v.busy and open for about 10 minutes every other hour so she has had no luck speaking to them yet.

Are these listed for returning students? This seems odd.

No, this is for 2026-2027 entry, it’s v.odd as all instructions imply you should be able to select a room type and budget and they allocate from there.

I think they released more?

Sounds like she may be looking in the wrong place. Urbanest is being advertised for returning students, not offer holders.

Has she logged into the accommodation portal? No hall places have "gone" at all because they aren't allocated until September. Before then all she can do is specify preferences.

I’ve just been reading about this because my DD is considering firming UCL (but hasn’t yet) and I was under the same impression as above- you submit preferences and are allocated rooms later.

However from reading online it does seem UCL are doing things differently this year and you select your requirements, get a list of available accomodation and then pick the exact halls you want when you go in to the portal.

There are a few posts on Reddit etc with people having same issue as OP - it sounds like the rooms are released in batches and you just have to be lucky to be online to find one you want.

It looks like you’ll just have to keep checking the portal, and hopefully a better option will come up.

Will let DD know to keep this in mind when deciding on her firm choice!

Which catered hall option is on offer? IME of London halls of residence, catered is infinitely preferable.

@DoThePropeller my DC has also firmed UCL and there’s no accommodation available to book yet in the price range we put in. Have you been able to book anything yet? Just wondering if anyone knows when they will start to release them?

@Hellenia My DD managed to book accommodation on Monday afternoon at 3pm. She looked multiple times a day for a week and then on Monday afternoon a load of options appeared on the portal in all price ranges. It's live availability and they're releasing them in spurts. Just keep looking, don't panic book something you don't want. The deadline for booking is in June so I'm sure they will release more soon.

Thanks so much @MysticCatLady 🤞