iQ Student Accommodation:
the complete guide
for 2026/27
One of the UK's leading PBSA providers, known for high-spec city-centre buildings, strong facilities and a genuine focus on student experience. Over 70 locations, 29 cities, 30,000+ beds. Everything you need to know: prices by city, room types, what's included, and how iQ compares.
What's included in your rent
Before comparing prices, understand exactly what you're paying for. iQ bundles the essentials into every weekly rent, and goes further than most providers by including contents insurance as standard. A few costs still sit outside the rent — here's exactly what's what.
- ⚡All billsGas, electricity and water always included. No utility accounts to open.
- 📶Superfast Wi-FiHigh-speed broadband included at all iQ properties. Speeds vary by site.
- 🔒24/7 securityCCTV and secure door entry at all sites. On-site staff present 24 hours a day.
- 🔧On-site maintenanceOn-site teams handle repairs. Log issues via the iQ residents app.
- 🏠Communal spaces & facilitiesLounges, study rooms, outdoor spaces, bike storage and social areas across all sites.
- 🛡️Contents insuranceIncluded at no extra cost with every iQ tenancy. One less thing to sort.
- 🏋️Gym accessAvailable at the majority of iQ properties. Check your specific site before booking.
- 🚗ParkingVery limited and charged separately. Most iQ sites are city-centre so a car is rarely needed.
- 👕LaundryPay-per-use via Circuit Laundry or Miele app. Budget £15–20/month on top of rent.
- 📦Additional storageLimited at most sites. Secure bike storage is free — additional room storage varies.
Worth noting: iQ includes contents insurance as standard, which most other PBSA providers don't. Laundry is still pay-per-use though — add £15–20/month to your weekly rent when comparing total costs. Our accommodation cost guide has the full picture.
City price guide 2026/27
iQ is concentrated in city-centre locations near Russell Group universities. Prices reflect the premium location and facilities. Filter by region then click through to your city guide.
| City | iQ properties | Weekly range | Relative price | Budget indicator |
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Room types: what you actually get
iQ uses a Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum tier system across ensuites, studios and apartments. Here's what the tiers actually mean in practice.
Use the tabs below to explore each room type. iQ prices vary significantly by city and tier. Always check live pricing on the iQ website for your specific property.
Bronze Ensuite
Gold Ensuite
Bronze Studio
Gold / Platinum Studio
Apartment
Is iQ the right choice for you?
Three quick questions. A personalised recommendation on whether iQ is the right choice for your situation.
Find your best fit
Select one answer per row and we'll give you a tailored steer.
When to book
iQ opens bookings in November for the following academic year. Premium city-centre buildings fill fast. Here's where 2026/27 availability stands right now.
The honest picture
iQ is one of the UK's most design-focused PBSA providers. Here's the full picture before you commit.
- Facilities are a genuine standout. Gyms at most sites, cinema rooms, sky lounges, art studios and outdoor courtyards. The building experience is a real step above basic PBSA.
- Contents insurance included. Covered at no extra cost with every iQ tenancy. Most other PBSA providers don't offer this.
- Floor plan room selection. Choose your exact room position within the building — by floor, block or proximity to the kitchen. Unique to iQ among major PBSA providers.
- Russell Group coverage. 90% of properties are in Russell Group university cities, making it relevant to a large proportion of UK students.
- iQ Clubs social programme. Regular events, clubs and wellbeing initiatives across all properties. More structured than most PBSA social offerings.
- One of the higher price points in PBSA. iQ's premium facilities come at a cost. It consistently sits above Unite and Student Roost at comparable room types. Know your budget before you start browsing.
- £400 booking fee required. Unlike Unite's deposit-free early booking, iQ charges a £400 booking fee once you sign your tenancy. This is non-refundable unless you cancel under specific qualifying circumstances.
- Stricter cancellation terms. If you simply change your mind after signing, you remain liable for rent unless a replacement tenant is found. Read the cancellation policy carefully before committing.
- Laundry is pay-per-use. Via Circuit Laundry or the Miele app. Budget £15–20/month. Not included in rent.
- Building size varies. Some iQ properties are very large. If you want a smaller, more community-feel building, check occupancy numbers for your specific site before booking.
Things to check before you sign
iQ has a few specific practical details worth knowing that differ from other PBSA providers — particularly around bookings, cancellations and what makes iQ distinctive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the iQ booking process and what fees are involved?+
When you find a room you like on the iQ website, selecting it holds it for 72 hours at no cost. To confirm, you pay a £400 booking fee and then have 7 days to sign your tenancy agreement. The booking is only confirmed once the tenancy is signed. The £400 fee is non-refundable unless you cancel under one of iQ's qualifying circumstances (grades, visa refusal, university place falling through).
Can I cancel if I don't get my grades or my plans change?+
If your university place falls through — due to grades, Clearing decisions, visa refusal, or deferral — iQ will cancel your tenancy and refund any rent paid. If you simply change your mind after signing, you remain liable for the full contract rent unless a replacement tenant is found. You are responsible for finding the replacement, though iQ staff will assist where possible. This is stricter than some other providers, so read the terms carefully before signing.
How does the floor plan room selection work?+
Once you've selected your room type and contract length, iQ lets you choose your exact room on an interactive floor plan. You can see how many rooms are already booked, filter by floor or building block, and choose based on position relative to kitchens, lifts or views. This feature is unique among major UK PBSA providers and is worth using carefully — floors and positions vary significantly in terms of noise, views and commute within the building.
Is iQ a good option for international students?+
Yes. iQ is well set up for international students. If your UK visa is refused before your tenancy start date, iQ will cancel the agreement and refund payments. Contracts can be arranged from abroad and the booking process is fully online. iQ also has experience supporting international arrivals and provides early arrival options at many sites. See our international students guide for more.
Can I live with my partner at iQ?+
Yes — iQ explicitly supports couple bookings at most sites. When booking, you can enter your partner's details so you share a room or apartment. If your partner is not a student, contact the site team directly rather than booking online, as they may still be able to accommodate this depending on the property.
What are iQ Clubs and do I have to join?+
iQ Clubs is iQ's resident social programme — clubs, events, giveaways and wellbeing activities run across all properties throughout the year. Participation is entirely optional. Events range from gaming nights and cooking classes to yoga and networking. The programme is one of iQ's genuine differentiators and tends to be more consistently delivered than equivalent programmes at other PBSA providers.
What happens if something in my room needs fixing?+
Log maintenance requests via the iQ residents app. On-site teams are available 24/7 and urgent issues are typically handled same-day or next-day. Non-urgent repairs are tracked through the app with estimated resolution times. iQ's in-house management model means you're not waiting on an external contractor.
What parents want to know about iQ Student Accommodation
If your son or daughter is considering iQ, here's a straightforward breakdown of what's included, how safety and welfare works, and what the financial commitments involve.
Common parent questions
Can I pay my child's rent directly to iQ?+
Yes. iQ accepts rent payments made by parents or guardians on behalf of the student. Payment schedules vary and iQ offers flexible instalment options. Note that a £400 non-refundable booking fee is required when signing. Discuss payment arrangements with iQ directly when your child books.
What happens if my child needs to leave mid-contract?+
iQ will consider early release requests where there is a welfare concern, medical need or qualifying change in university circumstances. If your child is struggling, the on-site welfare team will aim to work with the family and university. Be aware that iQ's standard cancellation terms are stricter than some providers — if the reason doesn't qualify, the student remains liable for rent unless a replacement tenant is found.
Can I contact the property directly if I'm worried about my child?+
iQ's on-site teams can be contacted by phone. Due to GDPR, iQ cannot share specific details about a student without their consent. In urgent welfare situations, iQ will work with the student and, where appropriate, the university and family together. Encouraging your child to inform iQ staff that they're happy for contact with you is the most straightforward way to ensure communication flows freely.
What is iQ's policy on conduct and guest stays?+
iQ has a community standards framework covering noise, guest conduct and communal area behaviour. Breaches are handled by on-site teams through a clear process. iQ explicitly supports couple bookings and is generally accommodating on guest stays, though overnight guest sign-in policies vary by property — check the house rules for the specific building.
Is the accommodation safe for first-year students living away from home for the first time?+
iQ is designed for students at all stages, including those moving away from home for the first time. The combination of 24/7 on-site staff, a built-in community through iQ Clubs, and welfare support makes it a well-structured environment. Many parents find the all-inclusive setup reassuring — bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance all covered means fewer unknowns.
How do I help my child choose the right iQ property?+
The most important step is researching the specific iQ building rather than booking on brand reputation alone. We recommend checking recent Google and Trustpilot reviews for the exact property, confirming which facilities are available at that building specifically, and comparing room types through our accommodation cost guide. Flagship iQ buildings consistently get the strongest feedback — it's worth knowing whether your child's property is one of them.
Browse live availability for 2026/27 across iQ's 70+ UK locations. Filter by city and room type.
Other PBSA providers worth looking at
See how iQ compares against other major providers before making your decision.