How to apply for accommodation

1. Students who have previously applied via the SOAS Accommodation portal should log into the portal to access their account. Please use the login details (email) created the first time you used the portal (use the Forgot password feature if needed), do NOT create a new account.
2. Students who have never applied via the SOAS Accommodation portal should use their existing SOAS email address to create an account in the application portal.

After accessing/creating your accommodation account:

• Please visit our accommodation portfolio to select your housing options.
• You will need to use your SOAS ID when prompted for a code in the application.
• You will be required to select 3 options which you are prepared to accept if offered. Please do not select accommodation which is beyond your budget. Carefully consider whether you require catered, non-catered, ensuite, studio, or shared housing.
• SOAS will aim to offer housing from one of your three choices. However, there is a limited portfolio for continuing students and you are advised to apply before (date to be advised).
• Please note if you do not respond, reject, or miss the acceptance deadline for allocated accommodation, it may not be possible to make a further offer.

Accommodation code

• This will only be received once you have firmly accepted your place at SOAS.
• This will be sent out via email by the specific course Admissions teams, usually within 3 working days of you 'firming' the offer.
• However, if this is not received within 7 working days, please email applyaccommodation@soas.ac.uk.
• Postgraduate Research students will not receive an accommodation code but will need to upload a screenshot of their firm offer when prompted in the portal. This will be validated by the accommodation team.
• Scholarship students should state the scholarship they have been awarded in the notes section of the application. This is to ensure the application is processed correctly. Please note that an advance rent payment to secure the accommodation is usually required.

What you need to do

• Please visit our accommodation portfolio to select your housing options.
• Access the SOAS Accommodation portal to create an account. First year students should not use a SOAS email address based on their applicant number, as this email will not be activated until enrolled in September.
• You will be asked to enter your unique accommodation code to progress with the application.
• You will be required to select 3 options which you are prepared to accept if offered.
• Please do not select accommodation which is beyond your budget.
• Carefully consider whether you require catered, non-catered, ensuite, studio, or shared housing.
• SOAS will aim to offer housing from one of your three choices. If this is not possible, the accommodation office will contact you with alternative options.
• Please note if you do not respond, reject, or miss the acceptance deadline for allocated accommodation, it may not be possible to make a further offer.

For clarification, Study Abroad students are those enrolled on our dedicated Study Abroad Programme as part of their degree at their own overseas university.  

Accommodation code

• This will only be received once you have firmly accepted your place at SOAS.
• This will be sent out via email by the Study Abroad Team, usually within 3 working days of you 'firming' the offer.
• However, if this is not received within 7 working days, please email studyabroad@soas.ac.uk

What you need to do

• Please visit our accommodation portfolio to select your housing options.
• Access the SOAS Accommodation portal to create an account. First year students should not use a SOAS email address based on their applicant number, as this email will not be activated until enrolled in September.
• You will be asked to enter your unique accommodation code to progress with the application.
• Students should ensure they select the correct contract length required:
  • Study Abroad Full Year – you can apply to any SOAS halls. Please select 3 options which you are prepared to accept if offered. Please do not select accommodation which is beyond your budget. Carefully consider whether you require catered, non-catered, ensuite, studio, or shared housing. SOAS will aim to offer housing from one of your three choices. If this is not possible, the accommodation office will contact you with alternative options.
  • Semester 1 only, or Semester 2 only – single ensuite rooms at Dinwiddy House will be the only accommodation offered. You will need to select 'single ensuite room' as your first choice and then two other options from Dinwiddy House to continue the application, however options 2 and 3 will be disregarded.
• Please note if you do not respond, reject, or miss the acceptance deadline for allocated accommodation, it may not be possible to make a further offer.

Students taking a pre-sessional course before fully joining SOAS in September

1. Students taking a pre-sessional course at SOAS should contact the Accommodation Office prior submitting an application for further information on how to book.

Students taking a pre-sessional summer course only - students only attending SOAS for a short course in the summer and not continuing in September

1. Students taking a pre-sessional course and not continuing at SOAS should contact the Accommodation Office prior submitting an application for further information on how to book.
2. Do not apply via the SOAS Accommodation portal