We have been working closely together with UCL Accommodation to strengthen access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing for students. As we look ahead to the next academic cycle, we’re pleased to share two important updates.
The return of the undergraduate accommodation offer guarantee
From academic year 2026-27, the undergraduate accommodation offer guarantee will be reinstated for eligible first-year students.
Last year, the guarantee was paused due to a shortage of available bedspaces across the portfolio. Since then, significant progress has been made to increase capacity, including the opening of urbanest Canary Wharf and a new referral arrangement at Venti House in Stratford. Together, these additions mean UCL is once again able to offer certainty to incoming undergraduates at a crucial point in their transition to university life.
This decision reflects close collaboration between UCL Accommodation and the Students’ Union UCL, and a shared commitment to supporting first-year students with a clear, reliable housing offer during what can otherwise be a stressful period.
Hana Mougharbel, Welfare & Community Officer, Students’ Union UCL said:
‘We welcome the announcement of an undergraduate accommodation guarantee for new students. Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live in London can be really difficult, especially for new undergraduates, and the guarantee will help students get their studies at UCL off the best start.
We’ve been working with UCL to get the guarantee of an offer reinstated, and we’ll continue to make the case for affordable housing for all students. The expansion of more affordable rooms in Canary Wharf is a great development. We’re keen to work with UCL to see the guarantee extended in future years to new postgraduate taught students as well.’
More affordable rooms and new accommodation for returners
Alongside the return of the guarantee, UCL will also be delivering a significant increase in affordable accommodation for students.
From this September, 572 London Plan Affordable rooms will become available, priced at around £200 per week. This represents a meaningful expansion at the more affordable end of the market and is aimed at supporting students who are most impacted by the cost of living in London.
In parallel, the new urbanest Canary Wharf accommodation will offer options for new and returning students, providing high-quality, well-connected housing and helping to relieve wider pressure across the accommodation system.
Together, these developments reflect a continued focus on affordability, choice and long-term improvement of the student accommodation experience.
Joe Lay, Director of Accommodation said:
‘Providing students with greater choice and affordability in our accommodation offer is a key priority for UCL. The return of the undergraduate accommodation offer guarantee reflects the progress we’ve made in increasing capacity, while the introduction of our first London Plan Affordable rooms marks an important step in broadening access to lower-cost options in the capital. Together, these developments demonstrate a continued focus on strengthening UCL’s accommodation offer as we look ahead to the next academic cycle.’
Applications for accommodation for incoming first‑year undergraduate and postgraduate students will open in March 2026. Current students can already book a room at urbanest Canary Wharf through the UCL Accommodation Portal. For full details, visit the UCL Accommodation website.