Disabled student accommodation

Reasonable adjustments can make accommodation accessible for you. The Equality Act 2010 says it is unlawful to refuse accommodation based on disability. Both universities and private landlords must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs.

University accommodation 

Universities have a legal obligation to:

• meet the needs of disabled students
• make reasonable adjustments to remove the barriers you face in education 

Universities should have a range of accessible accommodation options available.

You may still need adjustments. You have the right to ask for them. Speak to the university accommodation and disability support services to discuss your needs. You can do this before you accept an offer.

Reasonable adjustments in college and university

Private accommodation 

Private landlords are required to make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments will depend on your individual needs. If you qualify as disabled under the Equality Act 2010, you have the right to 'auxiliary aids'. These are temporary or portable adaptations.

For example:

• replacing taps or door handles
• the colour of a floor or wall
• temporary grab handles that do not need screws
• free-standing bath lift

Landlords do not have to make major structural changes to the physical features of a property. For example:

• remove or alter a physical feature, for example convert a bathroom into a wet room or widen a doorway
• change shared areas, such as hallways and entrances in a block of flats

We have more information on:

• talking to your landlord to get the adaptations you need
• what to do if your landlord refuses to make adaptations

Disability discrimination in rented housing

Adjustments to a property you live in 

If your needs change after you move into a property, you might need adaptations.

If you live in university accommodation, speak to the accommodation service.

If you live in private accommodation, you will need your landlord’s permission to make changes to your home's physical features. For example, adding a ramp or widening a door.

Landlords, disabled tenants and adaptations

Universities should have an accommodation service and a student disability support service. There may be a disabled student society.

It is helpful to speak to both about your housing needs. The student disability support service will have strong knowledge about your rights. For example, the Equality Act 2010 and your rights as a tenant. 

You can also speak to: 

• Disability Rights UK’s student helpline
• the students’ union
• local disabled people’s organisations
• Citizen’s Advice

They can support with:

• considering your accommodation options
• communicating your needs to the university
• making choices that are right for you
• making a complaint

You can also get help from an advocate.

You might have new or additional costs to pay for accommodation. There may be financial support available.

Benefits and grants

You may be eligible for benefits and grants to pay for some or all your accommodation costs.

You might find information about grants on the university website or from the accommodation service. 

Disability Rights UK (DRUK) has information on funding from charitable trusts.

If you are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance and Universal Credit, there are steps you may need to follow before starting university. This can be months in advance. 

DRUK has information on benefits for disabled students and when to start your applications. 

Funding for disabled students in higher education

How student finance affects your benefits

Budgeting for university as a disabled student

University accommodation 

The university may have a rent adjustment policy. They may charge you the same rate as a standard room or pay a portion of the cost of your room. They may have their rent adjustment policy on their website. You can ask the university or accommodation service for a copy of the policy.

Overnight carer’s room 

Speak to the university accommodation service if you will need a room for your carer. There may be an additional cost. You can contact the accommodation service for costs or ask when visiting.

DRUK has information on accommodation and funding for an overnight carer’s room.

Utility bills in private accommodation 

You may live with others in a house or flat share in private accommodation. Your bills may be included in the cost of your rent. If not, have a conversation with your future housemates about equipment or needs that may increase your electricity, gas and water costs. You may need to decide as a group how you will split your bills.

Visiting universities during open days can help you: 

• see the types of available housing
• ask questions
• speak to university services
• visit university buildings you may use
• discuss your needs
• meet disabled students

Not everyone can visit a university at an open day or before starting their course. You can ask the accommodation service for: 

• a private tour
• a virtual tour
• videos
• accessible documents
• telephone conversations 

Visiting with family or carers

You can take a family member, friend or carer with you to open days. They might be able to identify needs and gaps if they have experience of providing care for you.

Having someone with you to take notes can be helpful. This can allow you to focus on the tour, presentations and asking questions.

You can contact the accommodation service and student disability support service in advance. Ask to speak to them when you visit.

 You can prepare for your visit by thinking about your needs. You might want to consider: 

• transport links or distances to university buildings
• personalised fire safety and evacuation procedures that are safe and suitable for you 
• adaptations you will need to your accommodation
• if kitchens and bathrooms are accessible
• if you can access other services, for example laundry rooms, gyms or campus shops 

You may have a list of questions: 

• How much does a carer’s room cost? Is there financial support for one?
• What policies are there for staying in university accommodation after the first year?
• Will adaptations be ready before I arrive at university?
• What evidence do I need to provide so I get what I need?
• Are emotional support animals allowed in university accommodation?
• Can I get additional cleaning for my room?
• What mental health support is available?
• Is there personal assistant or mentoring support available?

The university accommodation service may have a list of accessible private accommodation. The students’ union can also give advice and share lists. These might not be accessible housing. 

You can also find private accommodation from: 

• websites and apps like Rightmove and Zoopla
• noticeboards at your university
• estate agencies

We have information on how to use an estate agency. 

You can ask the university accommodation service for support with applying for private accommodation. It can be helpful to speak to the student disability support service and students’ union as well. They may have more experience in adaptations and reasonable adjustments.

You can prepare for visiting flats and houses by thinking about what your needs are. For example: 

• the location of the bathroom
• transport links or the distance to campuses
• adjustments you will need 

If you will be living in a house or flat share, you might not be at every viewing. You could: 

• share your needs with your housemates to help them understand what is important for you to live independently
• speak to the letting agent or landlord
• ask a family member, friend or carer to visit the property if you are unavailable