Accommodation Allocations Procedure

This page details how our purpose-built, on-campus accommodation is allocated.

1. Introduction

1.1. Queen Margaret University has a total of 800 single occupancy ensuite rooms located
on campus in purpose built student accommodation. Due to high demand, the University
does not guarantee students an offer of accommodation; therefore the purpose of this
page is to provide a clear set of principles to ensure a fair and transparent process
for allocating rooms, to the limit of the supply.

1.2. Places in campus accommodation are normally only available for full-time students
requiring accommodation for a full academic year, though a limited number of places
are reserved for students studying for one semester. Priority for places is given to care
leavers and students with disabilities, regardless of programme or year of study. First
year undergraduate students will then be prioritised as set out in section 2.3 below.

1.3. Accommodation is normally provided from September to May/June on a 38-week fixed
term lease. Students registered on programmes which start earlier or continue outside
of these dates will be given priority for a place during the summer. However, there is no
guarantee of accommodation over the summer period and a separate application may
need to be submitted.

1.4. The University operates a fair allocation procedure that does not discriminate on
grounds of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, age, gender or disability. The
University accommodation is managed with the values of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Students applying to stay on campus should expect to live with people from a diverse
range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

2. Allocation Process

2.1 Priority Places

2.1.1 Accommodation Services aim to provide a supportive living and study environment
and campus accommodation may be particularly suitable for students with
additional requirements due to disability, health conditions, status as care leavers or
other needs. These students, regardless of programme or year of study, will be
given priority for a place in campus accommodation.

2.1.2 Students should discuss their requirements with Accommodation Services at an
early stage before completing the online application. Where appropriate a
preliminary visit to view the accommodation can be arranged.

2.1.3 Applications must be supported by appropriate evidence such as a medical
certificate or doctor’s letter dated no earlier than one month prior to their online
application.

2.1.4 Students who indicate on their online application that they have additional
requirements and who accept a place in campus accommodation may be required
to meet with the Residence Life Coordinator or other appropriate member of QMU
staff so that a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan can be completed within two
weeks of their arrival.

2.2 New Undergraduate Students

2.2.1 First year and direct entry undergraduate students entering Queen Margaret
University for the first time and requiring accommodation will be prioritised for a
place on campus subject to the following conditions being met:

An application for accommodation is submitted no later than 10 June in the
year of entry to Queen Margaret University;
They have received and firmly accepted an unconditional/conditional offer of a
place on a full-time programme of study no later than 10 June in the year of
entry to Queen Margaret University.

Subject to availability, students who meet the above criteria, holding a conditional
offer, will receive an offer of accommodation once they have fulfilled the academic
conditions of their offer to study at Queen Margaret University.

2.2.2 In the event of the number of places being oversubscribed, international
undergraduate students (including those from the EU) will be prioritised first
followed by UK undergraduate students with home addresses outside the EH
postcode area. Undergraduate students with home addresses inside the EH
postcode area will then be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

2.2.3 Undergraduate students holding an insurance offer from Queen Margaret
University are not eligible to apply. Students may apply for accommodation if Queen
Margaret University is confirmed as their new firm choice.

2.2.4 Students making a late application for campus accommodation, including students
taking up places through clearing, will be placed on a waiting list. Students may be
advised to seek alternative accommodation and provided with advice regarding the
availability of private accommodation.

2.3 New Postgraduate Students

2.3.1 First year postgraduate students on full-time taught postgraduate programmes are
eligible to apply for accommodation.

2.3.2 All such students who apply for accommodation will be prioritised before the start of
the session subject to the following conditions:

An application for accommodation is submitted no later than 10 June in the
year of entry to Queen Margaret University;
They have received and firmly accepted an unconditional/conditional offer of a
place on a programme of study by 10 June in the year of entry to Queen
Margaret University.

2.3.3 Accommodation is normally provided from September to June, dependent on the
length of the year of study. Those students whose programme continues for a
calendar year (12 months) will be given priority for a place during the summer but a
change of room and/or separate application may be necessary. Accommodation
cannot be provided beyond September, even if a programme of study extends
beyond this date.

2.3.4 Wherever possible, postgraduate students will be allocated to dedicated
accommodation that is reserved for postgraduate and mature students, however,
this cannot be guaranteed. The University reserves the right to allocate
postgraduate/mature students to any available room if circumstances warrant such
an action; however, every endeavour will be made to maintain separation between
postgraduate and undergraduate students.

2.3.5 Students making a late application for campus accommodation will be placed on a
waiting list. Students may be advised to seek alternative accommodation and
provided with advice regarding the availability of private accommodation.

2.4 Continuing Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students

2.4.1 A limited number of rooms in campus are made available to eligible continuing
students. Applications can be made from April in the preceding academic year and
accommodation will be offered on a first come first served basis. To be eligible to
apply for accommodation as a continuing student an applicant must:

Not have any outstanding accommodation debt with the University;
Not have been engaged in any serious or persistent misconduct in
accordance with the Halls of Residence/Student Code of Conduct. This is
including, but not limited to, breaches of the Terms & Conditions of Lease;
Have met the course requirements for the applicable year of study and be a
full-time student for the academic year.

2.4.2 The University reserves the right to reject an application from any individual who
has been found to have contravened the Halls of Residence Code of Conduct,
caused damage to University property or distress to other residents during a period
of residency.

April 2022