Student Roost:
the complete guide
for 2026/27
A well-run, value-focused PBSA provider covering all four UK nations — including Belfast, a city most providers don't reach. Around 60 properties, 21 cities, 23,000 beds. Important: Student Roost requires a guarantor for all bookings. Here's everything else you need to know.
What's included in your rent
Before comparing prices, understand exactly what you're paying for. Student Roost includes all essential bills with no utility caps — a genuine distinction worth noting. Contents insurance is also included as standard. Here's the full breakdown of what's in and what's extra.
- ⚡All bills — no utility capsGas, electricity and water included with no energy limits or caps. One of the few providers to explicitly guarantee this.
- 📶High-speed Wi-FiIncluded at all Student Roost properties. No speed caps or data limits.
- 🔒24/7 securitySecure access control, CCTV and on-site support teams 24 hours a day at every property.
- 🔧On-site maintenanceOn-site support teams handle repairs. Urgent issues dealt with promptly.
- 🏠Communal spacesShared kitchens, study areas, communal lounges and bike storage across all properties.
- 🛡️Contents insuranceIncluded as standard with every Student Roost tenancy. No need to arrange separately.
- 🏋️Gym accessAvailable at select properties. Some also have cinemas, games rooms or rooftop terraces. Check your specific building.
- 🚗ParkingVery limited and charged separately. Most Roost properties are close to campus so a car is rarely needed.
- 👕LaundryOn-site laundry facilities at most properties. Pay-per-use — budget £15–20/month. Some Newcastle properties include washing machines in flat kitchens.
- 📦Additional storageBike storage available at most properties. Additional room storage varies by site.
Key difference from many PBSA providers: Student Roost explicitly states there are no utility caps on bills. At providers where caps exist, you can face additional charges if you exceed them. With Roost, your weekly rent is genuinely all-in. See our accommodation cost guide for a full comparison.
City price guide 2026/27
Student Roost is one of the few PBSA providers with properties in all four UK nations. Filter by region to find cities near your university — and note that Belfast is the only major PBSA presence in Northern Ireland.
| City | Roost properties | Weekly range | Relative price | Budget indicator |
|---|
Room types: what you actually get
Student Roost uses Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers across ensuites and studios. Here's what each tier means in practice and how to choose.
Use the tabs below to explore each room type. Prices vary significantly by city and tier. Always check live pricing on the Student Roost website for your specific property.
Bronze Ensuite
Silver / Gold Ensuite
Bronze Studio
Gold / Platinum Studio
Is Student Roost the right choice for you?
Three quick questions. A personalised steer on whether Student Roost is the right fit for you.
Find your best fit
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When to book
Student Roost fills quickly in popular cities. Here's where 2026/27 availability stands — and one important process note: your guarantor must submit their details within 14 days of booking, so have that arranged before you start.
The honest picture
Student Roost is a well-resourced, community-focused provider with some genuinely distinctive features. Here's the complete picture before you book.
- No utility caps. Bills are genuinely unlimited — no energy limit surprises at the end of a cold winter. This is explicitly guaranteed and not the case at every PBSA provider.
- All four UK nations. Roost has properties in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — including Belfast, which almost no other major PBSA provider covers.
- StudentLife wellbeing platform. Student Roost was the first PBSA provider to launch a dedicated digital wellbeing platform for residents. Pastoral support is a genuine operational priority, not an afterthought.
- Roost Life social programme. Events, activities and community-building at all properties throughout the year. Consistently well-received by residents.
- Contents insurance and no deposit (England/Wales/NI). Contents cover included in rent. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there's an Advance Rent Payment instead of a traditional deposit — it's deducted from your final instalment.
- A guarantor is required for all bookings. This is Roost's most significant practical difference from Unite. Your guarantor must be over 18, in full-time employment and not a student. International guarantors are accepted. They must submit their details within 14 days of booking.
- Facilities vary significantly by property. Some Roost buildings have gyms, cinemas and rooftop terraces. Others have none of these. Always check the specific building's amenity list before making facilities a reason to book.
- Laundry is pay-per-use. On-site at most properties. Budget £15–20/month. A handful of properties (notably some Newcastle buildings) include washing machines in flat kitchens — worth checking.
- Smaller portfolio than Unite or iQ. 21 cities vs Unite's 27 and CRM's 29. If your university city isn't covered, Roost won't be an option. Check the location list first.
- Scotland has different payment arrangements. In Scotland, you pay a refundable deposit rather than an Advance Rent Payment. If you're studying in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen, check the specific terms for Scottish properties.
Things to check before you sign
Practical details specific to Student Roost that differ from other PBSA providers — particularly around the guarantor process and payment arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Does Student Roost require a guarantor?+
Yes — a guarantor is required for all Student Roost bookings. Your guarantor must be over 18, in full-time employment and not a student. International guarantors are accepted, so a parent or family member based overseas can act as guarantor. Once you book, your guarantor must submit their details and sign the guarantee agreement within 14 days. The booking won't complete without this step.
What is an Advance Rent Payment and is it a deposit?+
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Student Roost uses an Advance Rent Payment (ARP) rather than a traditional deposit. This is an upfront payment that gets deducted from your final rent instalment — it's not an additional charge you lose at the end, it's just rent paid ahead of time. In Scotland, you pay a standard refundable tenancy deposit instead.
Can I cancel if I don't get my grades or my plans change?+
There is a cooling-off period after booking during which you can cancel without penalty. If your university place falls through due to grades, Clearing decisions or other qualifying circumstances, Student Roost will typically release you from the contract with supporting evidence. Always read the specific cancellation terms for your property before signing, as they can vary.
Can I choose who I live with?+
If living with specific people matters to you, coordinate early — book at the same time and ask the property team about shared flat requests when booking. Roost will try to accommodate this subject to availability. If you don't have flatmates in mind, flat allocations are made by the team based on preferences you provide during the booking process.
Is Student Roost good for international students?+
Yes, with one important caveat: all bookings require a guarantor. International guarantors are accepted, which means a parent or family member overseas can fulfil this role. Beyond the guarantor, Roost is set up well for international students — contracts can be arranged from abroad, staff teams support international arrivals, and the all-bills model removes the complexity of setting up utility accounts. See our international students guide for more.
What is the StudentLife platform?+
StudentLife is Student Roost's resident wellbeing platform, developed in partnership with Kinetic software. Student Roost was the first PBSA provider in the UK to launch a platform of this kind. It provides residents with digital access to wellbeing resources, community events and support — bringing together Roost Life social programming and pastoral support in one place. It's available to all Roost residents at no extra cost.
How does Roost pricing compare to university halls?+
Student Roost is generally priced competitively against university halls, particularly for ensuites. The no-utility-caps guarantee makes the weekly rent figure genuinely comparable — there are no hidden energy charges. In cities like Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle where Roost has a strong presence, pricing is often at or below equivalent university-managed accommodation. Use our accommodation cost guide to compare.
What parents want to know about Student Roost
If your son or daughter is considering Student Roost, here's what you most need to know — including the guarantor process, which involves you directly.
Common parent questions
Can I pay my child's rent directly to Student Roost?+
Yes. Parents and guardians can pay rent on behalf of the student. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is an Advance Rent Payment (deducted from the final instalment — not a separate deposit). In Scotland, a refundable deposit applies. Speak to the Roost property team about payment arrangements.
What happens if my child needs to leave mid-contract?+
Student Roost will consider early release requests for welfare concerns, medical needs or qualifying changes in university circumstances. The StudentLife platform and on-site welfare teams are in place to support students going through difficulties. Contact the property team early — options are greater when issues are raised promptly. Always review the specific cancellation terms before signing.
Can I contact the property directly if I'm worried about my child?+
Student Roost's on-site teams can be contacted by phone. Due to GDPR, they cannot share details about your child without consent. In welfare situations, Roost will work with the student, university and family where appropriate. Encouraging your child to tell the team they're happy for you to be contacted is the simplest way to ensure communication flows when it matters.
What is Student Roost's policy on conduct and guest stays?+
Student Roost has a community standards framework covering noise, conduct and communal area behaviour. Breaches are handled by on-site teams through a clear process. Guest and overnight stay policies vary by property — check the house rules for your child's specific building.
Is the accommodation safe for first-year students living away from home for the first time?+
Unite is specifically designed for students at all stages, including those living away from home for the first time. The combination of 24/7 on-site staff, a built-in community of other students in the same situation, and welfare support makes it one of the more structured environments a young person can move into. Many parents find the all-in-one setup reassuring compared to arranging a private rental independently.
How do I help my child choose the right Student Roost property?+
The most important step is researching the specific building rather than booking on brand name alone. Quality varies across Unite's 170+ properties. We recommend looking at recent student reviews on Google and Trustpilot for the exact building address, checking the commute time to campus, and comparing room types and pricing through our accommodation cost guide. Ensuite rooms in newer properties consistently get the strongest feedback.
Browse Student Roost's properties across 21 UK cities for 2026/27. All four UK nations covered.
Other PBSA providers worth looking at
See how Student Roost compares against other major providers before making your decision.