fbpx
iQ Student Accommodation 2026/2785 UK sites, 28 towns and cities, bills and contents insurance included.
iQ Student Accommodation Parker House entrance in Dundee
PBSA Provider Guide

iQ Student Accommodation, reviewed properly for 2026/27

One of the UK's largest student accommodation providers, with 85 sites across 28 UK towns and cities. Bills and contents insurance are included. Here is how room types, facilities, contracts and booking rules compare before you choose a building.

Updated July 2026  ·  2026/27 availability  ·  85 sites across 28 UK towns and cities
85UK sites
28Towns and cities
34,000+Students supported
24/7Help available
AllBills included
YesContents insurance
Gold Studio bedroom at iQ Collingwood in Newcastle
Our verdict

High-spec city-centre living with contents insurance included as standard

  • Best for students who value modern communal spaces, well-located buildings and contents insurance included in the weekly rent.
  • Selected studios allow free dual occupancy. Both residents must be full-time students for the full booking, and eligible rooms are marked on the booking floorplan.
  • Check the exact building. Facilities vary significantly. Some sites include gyms, cinema rooms, gaming spaces or roof terraces, while others offer a simpler set of communal areas.
Compare weekly costs across every major provider in our accommodation cost guide.
Rooms and prices

iQ Student Accommodation room types and prices 2026/27

iQ uses room categories and tiers that can vary by building, including options such as Bronze, Silver and Gold. Live weekly prices depend on the city, property, room size, floor, view and contract length. Some regional rooms can be below £100 per week, while London and premium studios can cost considerably more. Bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance are included.

iQ Student Accommodation Ensuite room Most common Live pricing varies

Ensuite

  • Bathroom: private
  • Kitchen: shared cluster
  • Tiers: Bronze to Gold
Private bathroom with a shared kitchen. Compare the room size, number of flatmates and location rather than relying on the tier name alone.
See availability →
iQ Student Accommodation Premium Ensuite room Higher-tier pricing

Premium Ensuite

  • Bathroom: private
  • Kitchen: shared, smaller cluster
  • Spec: higher floor or larger
Higher tiers may mean more space, a different floor, a better view or a newer fit-out. Check the exact specification shown for the room.
See availability →
iQ Student Accommodation Studio room Flagship pick Varies by city

Studio

  • Bathroom: private
  • Kitchen: private kitchenette
  • Tiers: Bronze to Gold
Fully self-contained with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Prices vary widely by city, building and studio tier.
See availability →
iQ Student Accommodation Apartment room Selected sites

Apartment

  • Bathroom: private
  • Kitchen: private, full size
  • Layout: 1 to 2 bedrooms
Separate living layouts are available at selected buildings. Check occupancy rules carefully if booking as a couple.
See availability →
Where iQ Student Accommodation is

Which cities does iQ Student Accommodation cover?

iQ's current locations page lists 85 sites across 28 UK towns and cities. The 16 featured locations below are examples from the wider portfolio; tap a city for Unifresher's broader local accommodation guide, including non-iQ options.

Availability changes through the booking cycle. Verify with iQ Student Accommodation before booking. Browse all city guides →
Shared kitchen and communal space in iQ Student Accommodation accommodation
Costs

What is included in iQ Student Accommodation rent?

iQ rent includes utility bills, superfast Wi-Fi and contents insurance. Buildings also provide secure access, laundry facilities and communal spaces, but amenities such as gyms, cinema rooms, games areas and roof terraces vary by property.

Included
  • All bills. Gas, electricity and water included, no accounts to open.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi across all sites, included as standard.
  • Contents insurance. Included at no extra cost with every iQ tenancy. Register with the insurer and check the cover limits for high-value items.
  • 24/7 help and secure access. Someone is available around the clock if you need help. Most buildings have CCTV and on-site security, with arrangements varying by site.
  • Events and iQ Clubs. On-site activities and digital resident clubs help students connect through shared interests.
  • Free bike storage at most sites; register your bike with the team on arrival.
Extra cost or varies by property
  • Laundry. Pay-per-use machines. Budget £15 to £20/month on top of rent.
  • Parking. Limited at selected properties, often reserved quickly, and charges may apply.
  • Gyms, cinemas and specialist spaces. Available at selected properties rather than only one building type. Check the amenity list for the exact site.
  • Bedding and kitchen kit. Bring your own or buy a pack before arrival.
Budget tip: the spec gap between a flagship iQ and a standard site is real. Check the amenities listed for your exact building before paying a premium. Our accommodation cost guide breaks everything down.
Booking for 2026/27 is openChoose from available rooms online, then complete the booking fee, agreement and guarantor steps that apply to your payment plan. Popular buildings and room types can fill early.
Check availability
More from iQ

Summer stays, semester contracts and resident benefits

The standard academic-year contract is not the only option. Availability varies by building, so check the current filters and terms before planning a shorter stay.

Summer

Summer accommodation

Participating iQ properties offer summer bookings for students who are studying, working, travelling or extending an existing stay. Minimum stays and booking dates vary, and full payment is normally required when booking.

Explore summer options →
Flexible

Semester stays

Selected buildings offer shorter contracts for January starts, exchange students and courses that do not follow a full academic year. Bills and Wi-Fi remain included.

Search semester stays →
Resident benefit

iQ Exclusives

Residents can access offers on food, mobile plans, experiences, storage and other student essentials through iQ's resident benefits programme and app.

See current exclusives →
Wellbeing

iQ Feel Good

iQ provides wellbeing guidance through site teams and partners including Student Minds and Shout, alongside local events and Feel Good Ambassadors.

Explore wellbeing support →
Questions

iQ Student Accommodation: frequently asked questions

Everything students and parents ask before booking with iQ Student Accommodation, from costs and guarantors to guests, pets and cancellations.

Costs and payments

How much does iQ Student Accommodation cost per week?+

iQ publishes live weekly prices for each building and room. Costs vary substantially by city, property, room type, tier and contract length; some regional options can be below £100 per week, while London and premium studios can be much higher. Bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance are included.

Is contents insurance included at iQ?+

Yes. Basic contents cover is included with every iQ rent as standard. Check the policy limits and consider topping up for high-value items like laptops and bikes.

What is included in iQ rent?+

All bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, contents insurance, 24/7 staffed security and access to communal spaces and iQ Clubs events. Laundry is pay-per-use at around £15 to £20 per month.

What is the cheapest iQ city?+

Live prices change through the booking cycle, but regional locations such as Huddersfield, Sheffield and Dundee usually sit below London and other premium markets. Compare the current weekly price for the exact building, room tier and contract length.

Can I pay iQ rent in instalments?+

Yes. Most residents pay in four instalments across the academic year. Residents in Scotland may be able to choose monthly payments, depending on the contract. Paying in instalments requires an eligible guarantor; paying in one instalment does not.

Do I need a guarantor to book with iQ?+

You do not need a guarantor if you pay rent in one instalment. If you pay in instalments, the guarantor must be at least 21, not a full-time student and not living in an iQ property. They can be based in the UK or overseas.

Do students pay council tax at iQ Student Accommodation?+

No. Full-time students are exempt from council tax. You may need to provide a council tax exemption certificate from your university, and the site team can help if the council contacts you in error.

Booking and cancellations

How do I secure a room at iQ?+

Choose an available room online, pay the booking fee and sign the tenancy agreement digitally. If you are paying in instalments, you will also need to provide guarantor details. Availability can change until the required booking steps are completed.

What happens if my visa is refused?+

iQ's cancellation terms include a route for students whose UK visa is refused before the tenancy begins. You must provide official evidence within the deadline in the applicable booking terms, commonly within 72 hours of receiving the decision. Refund treatment can vary by agreement and location, so check the terms attached to your booking.

When should I book iQ for 2026/27?+

Early. Flagship buildings, studios and anything in London or Edinburgh go first. The 72-hour room hold means you can secure a pick while you finish comparing.

Can I stay at iQ over summer?+

Yes. Summer accommodation is available at participating iQ buildings. Minimum stays, dates and payment requirements vary by location, and summer bookings normally require full payment at booking. Existing residents may also be able to extend their tenancy.

Can I book an iQ semester stay?+

Yes, selected iQ buildings offer semester and other short-term contracts. The weekly price includes the same core benefits such as bills and Wi-Fi, but availability and contract lengths vary by building.

What happens if I don't get my grades or go through Clearing?+

iQ's booking terms allow cancellation in defined circumstances if you do not meet the conditions for your first-choice university, or in some agreements if you exceed your expected grades and choose another university. Evidence is normally required within 72 hours of results being published. Check the booking terms for your location.

Rooms and living

What do iQ's Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers mean?+

They are spec tiers within the same room type, based on size, floor, view and fit-out. A Gold ensuite is larger or better positioned than a Bronze in the same building. Compare tiers side by side before assuming the cheapest is the worst value.

Can I choose my exact room at iQ?+

Usually, yes. iQ's interactive floorplans let direct-booking customers select an available room by factors such as floor, view or position. At some partnership buildings, rooms are allocated by the university instead.

Can couples live together at iQ?+

Selected studios offer free dual occupancy for two full-time students. Both residents must have full-time student status for the full booking and both must sign the tenancy agreement. Eligible rooms are marked during online booking.

What comes in an iQ room?+

Rooms come furnished; exact inclusions are listed on the room details page for your site. You supply your own bedding, towels, toiletries, basic kitchen equipment and hangers. iQ publishes a checklist of what to bring or buy on arrival.

Can guests stay overnight at iQ Student Accommodation?+

Yes. Guests can normally stay in your room for up to three nights within a seven-day period. Tell flatmates in advance, do not share your key and remember that guests under 16 cannot stay overnight.

Are pets allowed at iQ?+

Pets are not generally allowed. Exceptions are made for trained and registered service or assistance dogs, and iQ may consider requests for emotional support animals prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. Contact the building team before booking.

Support and comparisons

What is iQ Clubs?+

iQ's resident social programme: clubs, events, giveaways and wellbeing activities running across all properties through the year. Participation is optional.

Is there parking at iQ properties?+

Some properties offer limited parking, including disabled bays. Spaces can be reserved quickly and charges may apply, so contact the building team early. Most iQ buildings are well connected by public transport and most have free secure bike storage.

How does iQ compare to Unite Students?+

Both are large purpose-built student accommodation providers with all-inclusive bills. The better choice depends on the exact building, room, commute, amenities, contract and price in your city, so compare properties rather than relying on the provider name alone.

Can I pay my child's rent directly to iQ?+

Yes. Parents and guardians can pay rent on a student's behalf, with instalment plans arranged at booking. Discuss payment schedules with the site team when your child books.

How safe is iQ accommodation for a first year?+

iQ buildings use secure entry systems, and most have CCTV and on-site security. Someone is available 24 hours a day if residents need help, while exact reception and security arrangements vary by building.

Can I contact the property if I'm worried about my child?+

Site teams can be contacted by phone. Due to GDPR, iQ cannot share specific details about a student without their consent, but in urgent welfare situations teams will work with the student and, where appropriate, the university and family.

What happens if my child needs to leave mid-contract?+

iQ tenancies are fixed-term agreements. After the tenancy has started, a resident will normally remain liable for rent unless an eligible replacement student takes over the contract and iQ approves the transfer. The process, permitted period and fees are set out in the applicable tenancy agreement.

Is my child's property insured at iQ?+

Yes, basic contents insurance is included with every iQ rent as standard. Review the policy limits and consider topping up cover for laptops, phones and bikes.

Does iQ accept students under 18?+

iQ accepts residents aged 17 or over in England and Wales, and 16 or over in Scotland, for the academic year of the booking. iQ does not take parental responsibility for residents under 18, so students need to be comfortable living independently.

How do I help my child choose the right iQ building?+

Check whether the building is a flagship or standard-spec site, as amenities differ. Read recent reviews for the exact building, check the commute to campus, and compare the room tiers on offer using our accommodation cost guide.

iQ Student Accommodation student accommodation building

Ready to find your iQ Student Accommodation room?

Browse live 2026/27 availability. Filter by city, room type and budget.

CODE:

BHCJKS6mSGH

Updated Weekly

View Our Latest Deals