When can I move in / what is my move-in date?
The tenancy start date for the September intake is 19th September 2026. If you'd like to move in before this date, get in touch and we'll check availability for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything students and parents usually want to know about living with Premier Student Halls.
Need a quick answer?
We've pulled together the questions we get asked most often about bookings, move-ins, facilities, and student life.
Contact Us InsteadMoving In & Arrival
Can I move in outside office hours or at the weekend?
During the main move-in period we extend our hours, including the weekends of the 19th and 26th September, so there's plenty of time to settle in. Moving in outside these times is possible but incurs an out-of-hours fee, payable before arrival.
How and where do I collect my keys?
Keys are collected from the front desk. If you're moving in with friends, you can give us written permission to hand your keys to a friend on your behalf, which is a handy way to avoid an out-of-hours charge if you can't arrive during our extended hours.
What do I need to bring, and what's already provided in the room?
Your room comes furnished with a bed and mattress, desk, chair, wardrobe and storage. Kitchens include an oven/hob, fridge/freezer and microwave. Shared flats also have a toaster and kettle, while studios do not, and we provide cleaning equipment in shared flats too, such as a mop, vacuum cleaner and brush. You'll need to bring your own bedding and duvet, towels, kitchenware and utensils, and toiletries.
Payments, Guarantors & Bills
Do I need a UK guarantor?
A UK-based guarantor is required if you'd like to pay your rent in instalments. If you don't have one, you can either pay your rent in full for the year, or use Housinghand, a third-party guarantor service. Additional fees apply. You can sign up at https://hh.housinghand.co.uk/create-account?code=Premier-Student-Halls.
Can I pay monthly instead of in termly instalments?
Yes, you can choose to pay monthly, termly, or in full for the year. It's entirely up to you.
What exactly is included in 'all bills included'?
Your rent is all-inclusive and covers electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi. There are no separate utility bills to set up or split with flatmates.
Is there a cap or fair-use limit on energy or Wi-Fi?
There's no fixed cap on Wi-Fi, but we may limit or throttle the bandwidth of anyone whose usage affects others. In the shared flats, electricity and water use is monitored to make sure utilities aren't being overused.
How much is the deposit and when do I get it back?
You pay a £250 holding deposit to secure your room, which then becomes your deposit for the year. Once your tenancy ends, your deposit is returned within 14 days of you providing your payment details, minus any agreed deductions for damage or cleaning beyond fair wear and tear.
Do students have to pay council tax?
Full-time students are exempt from council tax. If the council asks for proof, request a council tax exemption certificate from your university and forward it to us or to the council.
Do I need a TV Licence?
If you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer in your room, you'll need your own TV Licence. It is a legal requirement and is not covered by your rent. Streaming on-demand services such as Netflix, without live TV, does not require one. We cover the TV Licence for the communal areas.
Cancelling, Leaving Early & Contract Changes
I've changed my mind after booking - can I cancel and get a refund?
If you book after 31st May in the academic year, you have 14 calendar days from paying your holding deposit to request a full refund. Outside that window, the deposit is non-refundable unless you meet one of our cancellation criteria.
What if I don't get the grades / don't get into my university?
If you don't meet the conditions of your university offer, we'll release you from the agreement once we receive written proof, such as a rejection or clearing letter, which we'll process within 72 hours. Get in touch as soon as you know and we'll talk you through it.
Can I leave early or end my tenancy before it finishes?
Tenancy agreements run for the full fixed term. If you need to leave early, you'll remain responsible for the rent until a suitable replacement tenant takes over your room, and a £50 cancellation fee applies. Get in touch and we'll explain how to find a replacement.
Can I swap to a different room or building?
Room swaps may be possible depending on availability. Speak to the on-site team and we'll let you know what's free and whether any price difference applies.
Living Here Day to Day
How fast is the Wi-Fi, and can I connect by cable or game online?
Our Wi-Fi runs at 100Mbps. Actual speed can vary by device; some devices don't let you select the faster 5GHz band, so you may notice a slower connection on those. Wired connections are available in most rooms; the exception is Block B at Cadnam Hall, which doesn't have a wired connection. If you ever have connection issues, let the on-site team know and we'll get them sorted.
How does the laundry work and does it cost anything?
Laundry at both sites runs through the Miele Appwash system, which you operate via the Miele app. A wash costs £3.50 and a dry costs £2.50.
Where do my parcels and post go?
Parcels are delivered to the parcel areas at both Cadnam Hall and Duncan Smith House. If you'd like a valuable delivery held securely in the office instead, just get in touch and we'll arrange it.
Is there parking, and how do I get a space?
Gated parking at Cadnam Hall costs £250. Parking at Duncan Smith House will also be £250, but it's currently free while we carry out works; once charging resumes it will be applied on a pro-rata basis. Contact the team to arrange a space.
Is there secure bike storage?
Yes, secure bike storage is provided at both Cadnam Hall and Duncan Smith House.
Can I have guests or someone stay overnight?
Guests are welcome to visit. Overnight stays are allowed for up to 2 nights, and you're responsible for your guests' behaviour while they're in the building. Please don't give your keys or fob to anyone else.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
Smoking and vaping aren't permitted anywhere inside the buildings, including bedrooms and communal areas.
Can I bring a pet?
We don't allow pets in any of our accommodation. The only exception is assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, which we accept as required by law. If you have an assistance dog, please let us know before booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Can I decorate my room or put posters up?
You're welcome to make your room feel like home, but please avoid anything that could damage the walls, such as nails, screws or strong tape. Any damage may be charged at the end of your tenancy.
Can I bring my own furniture?
Rooms come fully furnished, so there's no need to bring large furniture, and we ask that you don't remove or store our furniture elsewhere. Small personal items are absolutely fine.
Who cleans the communal areas, and do I clean my own room?
You're responsible for keeping your own room and en-suite clean. In shared flats, the communal areas are cleaned weekly. Studios, one-bed flats and duplexes are self-contained, so this weekly communal clean doesn't apply to them.
Are there quiet hours or noise rules?
Please be considerate of other residents, particularly between 11pm and 8am and during exam periods. Repeated noise complaints may breach your tenancy agreement.
How do I use the on-site gym?
Our on-site gym is available to students living at Cadnam Hall. Ask the team and we'll set up your access.
Support, Repairs & Safety
How do I report a maintenance problem or repair?
Report any maintenance issue to the on-site team. You can do this at reception, or by phone, WhatsApp or email. Urgent issues, such as no heating, water leaks or a broken lock, are prioritised, and we handle repairs in line with the ANUK/Unipol National Code response times.
What do I do if I'm locked out of my room?
Come to reception during opening hours and we'll let you back in. Outside reception hours, call 01926 511915 and a member of the team will assist. Please note there's a £55 charge for lost keys, and a £50 charge if a security call-out is required.
Who do I contact in an emergency outside office hours?
For an out-of-hours building emergency, call 01926 511915. For anything that poses an immediate threat to life or safety, always call 999 first, then let us know.
I'm having a problem with a flatmate - what should I do?
Speak to the on-site team in confidence and we'll help resolve it. For anything serious we can mediate or look at room options, and you're never expected to sort out a difficult situation alone.
How secure is the building?
Our accommodation is gated and secure, with CCTV, key-fob entry and on-site staff. Please keep doors closed behind you and never share access fobs or door codes.
Is the accommodation accessible, and are there adapted rooms?
We have step-free access and a number of accessible/adapted rooms. If you have specific access needs, please contact the team before booking so we can match you with the right room.
How do I make a complaint?
We're a National Code accredited provider and take concerns seriously. Please raise it with the on-site team first; if it isn't resolved, you can follow our formal complaints process at premierstudenthalls.com/complaints.
International Students
I'm an international student - can I book without a UK guarantor?
Yes. If you don't have a UK guarantor, you can either pay your rent in full for the year, or use Housinghand, a third-party guarantor service.
Can I arrive before the official move-in date if my flight lands early?
Let us know your arrival details in advance and we'll do our best to help. Arriving early may depend on availability and could involve extending your tenancy.
Is there support when I first arrive in Birmingham?
Our on-site team can point you to local essentials, including registering with a GP, nearby shops, transport, and opening a bank account. Just ask and we'll help you settle in.
Location & Getting Around
How far are you from the University of Birmingham and the QE Hospital?
Our Harborne accommodation is roughly a 15-25 minute walk to the University of Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with bus routes nearby. We've also recently introduced Lime bikes and scooters at our sites, which can cut that 15-minute walk to around 5 minutes.
What shops and amenities are nearby?
Harborne high street is close by, with supermarkets, cafes, pharmacies and restaurants. There's a Nisa Local just across the road from the accommodation, and a larger Sainsbury's about 10 minutes up the road. If you're staying at Duncan Smith House, the Argos superstore is a similar distance away.
Moving Out
What is the move-out process and what time do I need to leave by?
On your tenancy end date, please clear and clean your room and return all keys and fobs to reception by 10am. If you'd like us to inspect your room before you leave, just let us know.
Can I store my belongings over the summer between tenancies?
Summer storage is free, though space can be limited depending on demand. Your belongings will be moved into your new room once it's free and has been cleaned.
Can I have my post forwarded after I leave?
We're unable to forward post once you've moved out, so please set up Royal Mail redirection and update your address with your bank, university and any subscriptions before you go.
Talking to a Person
How do I speak to a real member of staff?
You can reach our team by WhatsApp on +44 7425 576799, by phone on 01926 511915, via WeChat, through our contact page at premierstudenthalls.com/contact-us, or in person at reception during opening hours.
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