Your accommodation needs

How to request a University room that is suitable for your accommodation needs.

On this page:

About accommodation needs

Some students need accommodation that has specific facilities or adaptations. This could be due to disability, health, religion or another reason.

Your accommodation needs could include:

  • a studio, adapted or accessible room due to disability 
  • an en suite room due to disability, health or religion 
  • catered accommodation due to disability, health or religion 
  • self-catered accommodation due to disability, health or religion 
  • a fridge in your room, for the storage of medicine or special food 
  • no carpets due to allergies 
  • a gender-neutral bathroom due to gender identity 
  • a larger bed due to your height. 

Most residences do not have staff working in them.

Adapted or accessible rooms

If you use a wheelchair, we could offer an accessible room with:

  • power-assisted doors
  • wheelchair accessible lifts 
  • low-level kitchen work surfaces 
  • accessible storage 
  • wet rooms equipped with shower chairs, handrails and emergency pull cords.

If you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, we could offer a room with a fire alarm that uses: 

  • flashing lights 
  • vibrating pillows. 

If you are blind or have a visual impairment, we could offer a studio room with: 

  • a talking microwave
  • adapted hob 
  • bump corners.

If you have an assistance dog, we could offer you a suitable room.

Tell us your accommodation needs

If you have accommodation needs, you need to tell us when you apply for accommodation. We will prioritise your accommodation needs above your other preferences.

If your needs change after you apply for accommodation, contact student-accommodation@bristol.ac.uk.

We try to make sure everyone has suitable accommodation, but due to limited availability this is not always possible.

Any information you share with us is treated sensitively in accordance with our Confidentiality Statement. 

Emergency evacuation support

If you need support or specific arrangements during the emergency evacuation of a University building, you can request a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

Rent reduction for disabled students

You can request a rent reduction for 2025/26 if: 

  • you need specific accommodation because of your disability.

We cannot offer a reduction if: 

  • you are in couple or family accommodation 
  • your room costs less than £206.50 a week. 

The rent amount is £206.50 a week for all eligible students. 

Request a rent reduction 

You can request a rent reduction when you apply for accommodation. If you have already applied for a room, contact student-accommodation@bristol.ac.uk. 

You must:

  • explain how your disability affects your accommodation needs
  • provide one or more supporting documents that confirm your disability diagnosis. These documents must be from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor.

You must do this before the end of your tenancy.

After you submit your request 

Your reduction will be included with your accommodation offer if: 

  • you are eligible 
  • your supporting documents are submitted by 30 June. 

If you submit your request after this date, rent reductions can be backdated.