Parents' guide to accommodation

Going to University is a stressful time for a student's family as well as the student. We know that some parents assist with the accommodation process and wish to continue being involved.

This page explains how you can help with the transition to university.

Applying for accommodation

We encourage students to take the responsibility of applying for accommodation themselves however, we understand for many it is important that their parents are also involved.

How to help students apply for their accommodation:

  • Advise them to keep their contact details up to date on UCAS - it is important that their contact email is their personal one and not their school one (school emails often block our correspondence and will eventually be deactivated).
  • Encourage them to check their emails frequently so they do not miss any correspondence (or their deadline!).
  • Discuss their finance options before applying - it is important to look at contract lengths, weekly and yearly prices of our halls before applying to ensure they apply to suitable options for them.
  • Refer to our How to Apply webpage for further details, deadlines and allocation dates.
Bed with photos arranged on the wall

Before arrivals weekend

To help students prepare for their first year at university there are some things that you can do before they leave home:

  • Check out our Moving In page for the most up to date arrival information.
  • Encourage them to learn how to cook basic meals (all halls are self-catered!).
  • Show them how to use a washing machine (laundry facilities are available in all halls).
  • Discuss money management skills.
  • Discuss issues relating to personal safety to ensure they can keep themselves safe.
  • Make yourself aware of what they should and cannot bring with them. You can help them to pack appropriately using our packing list.
  • Make sure they know who to contact if they have any problems.

It is normal for students to feel a little unsettled for the first few days or weeks as they get used to their new environment and routine. Most students feel significantly better once they are a few weeks into the term. If they continue to have problems they can talk to hall staff or the university Student Support and Wellbeing Teams for help and support.

Parents dropping off student

How you can help

We understand that you want the best for your child while they are away at University. If you have concerns about their living conditions or experiences there are some things that you can do that would be helpful.

Student using a laptop with a member of staff

Contact

Accommodation Office

Office opening times:

  • Monday-Thursday: 9.30am to 4.00pm
  • Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm

Phone lines are open:

  • Monday-Thursday: 9.00am to 4.30pm
  • Friday: 9.00am to 4.00pm

Online Chat

Mon-Fri 9.30am - 12 noon and 1.30pm - 3.30pm*
*available days/hours may be subject to change

AB.1.01b Abercrombie Building
Headington Campus
Oxford
UK
OX3 0BP

+44 (0) 1865 521094

accomm@brookes.ac.uk

Brookes Lettings

Available by phone, email and in-person by appointment only.

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 534444 option 3 then option 2

lettings@brookes.ac.uk

Opening hours

  • Monday-Thursday: 9.30am to 4.00pm
  • Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm
  • Phone lines are open Monday-Thursday 9.00am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm