CRM Students:
the complete guide
for 2026/27
The UK's largest independent student accommodation provider. 100+ schemes, 29 cities, 27,000+ beds. CRM stands apart by staying independent, keeping community at the centre, and covering university towns that bigger providers skip entirely. Here's everything you need to know.
What's included in your rent
Before comparing prices, understand exactly what you're paying for. CRM includes all the essentials in every weekly rent with no surprise bills. One of CRM's genuine advantages is its range — from shared bathroom rooms at the budget end all the way to spacious studios, so you only pay for what you actually need.
- ⚡All billsGas, electricity and water always included. No accounts to set up.
- 📶Wi-Fi and broadbandHigh-speed internet included at all CRM properties as standard.
- 🔒24/7 security24-hour CCTV (internal and external), secure key-fob entry and on-site security teams.
- 🔧On-site maintenanceResponsive on-site teams handle repairs. Communal areas also cleaned in-house.
- 🏠Communal spacesShared kitchens, lounges, study spaces and social areas. Varies by property — larger sites often include cinema rooms and games areas.
- 🏋️Gym accessAvailable at some properties only. Check before booking if this matters to you.
- 🚗ParkingLimited and charged separately where available. More feasible in CRM's smaller university town properties than city centres.
- 👕LaundryPay-per-use machines on site at most properties. Budget £15–20/month on top of your weekly rent.
- 📦Additional storageSecure bike storage available at most sites. Additional room storage varies by property.
Worth knowing: CRM is one of the few major PBSA providers with a genuine budget option — standard rooms with shared bathrooms start from around £95/week in some cities, making it one of the most affordable all-bills-included choices available. See our accommodation cost guide for a full comparison.
City price guide 2026/27
CRM covers more UK cities than most PBSA providers, including smaller university towns others don't reach. Filter by region — prices reflect CRM's broad value range, from budget shared rooms to premium studios.
| City | CRM properties | Weekly range | Relative price | Budget indicator |
|---|
Room types: what you actually get
CRM offers three main room types across its portfolio — standard, ensuite and studio — with studios available in various sizes including couple-friendly options. Here's what each means in practice.
Use the tabs below to explore each room type. Prices shown are indicative for 2026/27 — always check live pricing on the CRM website for your specific property.
Standard room
Ensuite
Studio
Large Studio
Is CRM the right choice for you?
Three quick questions. A personalised steer on whether CRM is the right fit for your situation.
Find your best fit
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When to book
CRM properties in popular university towns fill quickly. Here's where 2026/27 availability stands right now.
The honest picture
CRM's independence and broad city coverage make it a genuinely different proposition to the bigger names. Here's the honest picture.
- Genuinely independent. CRM is not backed by institutional investors. That means decisions are made closer to the ground, with a community focus that larger corporately-owned providers can struggle to match.
- Widest city coverage in PBSA. 29 cities including many smaller university towns — Falmouth, Stirling, Winchester, Aldershot, Hatfield, Penryn — where CRM is often the only quality PBSA option available.
- Genuine budget option. Standard rooms from £92/week with shared bathrooms. One of very few PBSA providers that still offers a meaningful all-inclusive option below £100/week.
- Student Minds partnership. CRM formally partners with the UK's student mental health charity. Welfare and pastoral support is built into their operating model, not bolted on.
- Couple-friendly studios. CRM explicitly accommodates couples in their studio rooms, including larger options with double or king-size beds. Well-suited for postgrads and mature students.
- Facilities vary significantly between buildings. CRM's portfolio ranges from boutique properties to large modern developments. Not every site has a gym or cinema room — check the amenities listed for your specific building carefully.
- Some cities have only one CRM property. In smaller university towns, CRM may be the main option — which means less choice of building and less fallback if something doesn't work out. Research that specific property thoroughly.
- Gym access is not standard. Unlike iQ where gyms are at most sites, CRM gym access varies. Some London properties include leisure centre membership; others have no gym at all. Worth checking upfront if this matters to you.
- Laundry is pay-per-use. On-site machines at most properties. Budget £15–20/month on top of your weekly rent.
- Shared bathroom rooms need a realistic mindset. CRM's standard rooms are great value but shared bathrooms with up to 6 people isn't for everyone. If this is your reason to book, go in knowing what to expect day-to-day.
Things to check before you sign
Practical details specific to CRM that are worth understanding before you book or sign.
Frequently asked questions
Does CRM require a UK guarantor?+
CRM accepts bookings from both domestic and international students. Guarantor requirements vary by property and contract type. International students should contact the relevant CRM site team directly to confirm what documentation and financial arrangements are needed for their specific booking.
Can I cancel if my plans change or I don't get my grades?+
If your university place falls through — due to grades, Clearing decisions or other qualifying circumstances — CRM will consider releasing you from your contract with supporting evidence. Cancellation terms vary by property so always read the specific terms for your booking. Contact the site team as early as possible if your circumstances change.
Can I live with my partner at CRM?+
Yes. CRM explicitly accommodates couples in their studio rooms. Their larger studios often feature double or king-size beds specifically for this purpose. CRM is one of the more openly couple-friendly PBSA providers in the UK — contact the site team when booking to confirm arrangements for your specific property.
Is CRM a good option for international students?+
Yes. CRM accepts international students and has experience supporting students arriving from overseas. Their all-bills-included model removes a lot of the friction around utility accounts and direct debits that international students often find difficult. Contact the site team directly about visa documentation requirements and early arrival options for your specific property. See our international students guide for more.
How does CRM pricing compare to university halls?+
In many cities — particularly smaller university towns — CRM is priced comparably to or below university halls, while offering more room type options. CRM's standard rooms (shared bathroom) are among the most affordable all-bills-included PBSA options available. For ensuites and studios, CRM typically sits at or below iQ and Unite for equivalent room types. Our accommodation cost guide has a full breakdown.
What is CRM's relationship with Student Minds?+
CRM formally partners with Student Minds, the UK's student mental health charity. This goes beyond a badge on their website — it means on-site teams are trained to understand mental health issues and are connected to professional support networks. CRM also works with Student Minds to raise awareness of the pressures students face during their studies. This is a genuine differentiator in the PBSA market.
What happens if something in my room needs fixing?+
CRM has on-site maintenance teams at all properties. Urgent issues are typically addressed promptly. Communal areas in standard (non-ensuite) room clusters are also cleaned in-house, including shared bathrooms which are cleaned twice weekly. Report maintenance issues to the on-site team directly or through CRM's resident contact process.
What parents want to know about CRM Students
If your son or daughter is considering CRM Students, here's a plain-English breakdown of what's included, what the welfare model looks like and what CRM's independent status means in practice.
Common parent questions
Can I pay my child's rent directly to CRM?+
Yes. CRM accepts payments from parents or guardians on behalf of the student. Payment options vary by property — contact the relevant CRM site team to discuss instalment arrangements. Unlike some PBSA providers, there is no large non-refundable booking fee to navigate.
What happens if my child needs to leave mid-contract?+
CRM will consider early release requests where there is a welfare concern, medical need or qualifying change in university circumstances. Given CRM's formal Student Minds partnership and welfare-focused approach, pastoral concerns are taken seriously. Contact the site team as early as possible — earlier contact means more options.
Can I contact the property directly if I'm worried about my child?+
CRM's on-site teams can be contacted by phone. Due to GDPR, CRM cannot share details about a student without their consent. In welfare situations, CRM works with the student and, where appropriate, the university and family. Encouraging your child to let the team know they're comfortable with parental contact is the simplest way to ensure communication flows.
What is CRM's policy on conduct and guest stays?+
CRM has a community standards framework covering noise, conduct and communal area behaviour. CRM explicitly accommodates couples in studio rooms and is generally guest-friendly. Specific 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 CRM 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 live availability for 2026/27 across Unite's 170+ UK properties. Filter by city, room type and budget.
Other PBSA providers worth looking at
See how Unite stacks up against other major providers before making your decision.