We’ve been working with our UCAS advisory groups in the university and adviser sector and produced a guide for accommodation allocation in line with UCAS Business Rules.
Specifically, the guidance states universities or colleges must not ask applicants to reply to offers before the normal reply date, regardless of when the offer was made, unless the course starts before 1 September. Requesting early replies in return for benefits (e.g. priority access to accommodation) is not permitted.
This information has been shared with universities and colleges in their February bulletin.
Accommodation best practice guide (204.25 KB)
If you would like more guidance when supporting students searching for accommodation, please check out our latest training module – An introduction to accommodation search