Priority halls
We work with Student Wellbeing Services to make that students who have specific accommodation requirements are given priority in our halls.
Bath Spa University is a diverse community. In 2024, around a quarter of our student population shared that they had a disability. Our students come from all over the world, from a range of backgrounds, and we’re committed to helping everyone make the most of their time at BSU.
This means that we allocate specific rooms to people who need them and make reasonable adjustments to our halls. We can offer support to students in the first and returning years. Where possible, we prioritise students who are:
- Disabled
- Living with a sensory or physical impairment
- Living with a long-term medical condition
- Care-experienced, foyer leavers or estranged from their family
- Unable to attend University without living in halls of residence
- Living with a significant dietary condition, such as a severe allergy.
Examples of adjustments and equipment
What you need is unique to you. Here are some examples. If you can’t find what you need on these lists, please get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss.
Adjustments
- Near campus
- Accessible parking
- Ground floor room
- Room on the first floor or above
- Ensuite bathroom
- Space for specialist furniture
- Carer’s living space (charged at normal rent for contract period)
- Facilities for an assistance animal (please see our support animal policy).
Equipment
- Lift access
- Automatic doors
- Adapted bathroom/toilet
- Adapted kitchen
- Hoist (either fixed or mobile)
- Fire alarm vibrating pillow
- Flashing fire alarm
- Wheelchair/scooter storage and charging
- Fridge in room (for example, for medication).
How to apply for priority halls
If you have specific requirements for your room because of a disability, you'll need to apply through the online accommodation application system. Please complete the section of the form called Priority Halls if you feel you're eligible.
To support your application, you’ll need to send evidence from your GP / medical practitioner to studentwellbeing@bathspa.ac.uk. This evidence should give specific information and reasons about the accommodation you require. Please contact the Student Wellbeing team if you have any questions about this process.
If you’re entering your second or third year of study, please contact us to discuss the housing options we may be able to provide: accommodation@bathspa.ac.uk.
Academic Access Plan (AAP)
Please complete the Academic Access Plan Questionnaire if you’re living with any of the following:
- Disability
- Neurodivergence
- Mental health condition
- Medical condition
- Sensory or mobility impairment.
Your responses will start a conversation with a University Accessibility Advisor about your requirements.
Personal care
Please note: the University does not provide funding for personal care support, as this is the responsibility of your Local Authority.
If you have or think you may need personal care support, please ask your social worker or key worker for a reassessment as soon as possible.
Your requirements may be different in a university living environment – for example, you may find you’ll need assistance with daily personal care, cooking, shopping, cleaning and laundry.
In our experience, successful moves to university for students requiring personal care support can take time and require effective liaison with external support teams.
Where possible, please contact Student Wellbeing Services and Accommodation at least 9 months before your arrival.
We have rooms with adjoining carer’s rooms however these aren't always available.
Care experienced, foyer and estranged students
If you’re estranged from your family, care experienced or a foyer leaver, the University can help you to find suitable accommodation for the duration of your course, including vacations if you need them.
Learn more or email: studentwellbeing@bathspa.ac.uk to get in touch with wellbeing advisor and discuss your requirements.
Continuing students
If you’re a current student and you wish to apply or reapply for a priority place in halls, please email us: accommodation@bathspa.ac.uk. In your email, please let us know your reason for applying.
If you’d benefit from additional support to transition to a different accommodation location, please contact Student Wellbeing Services via My Wellbeing.
If you haven’t identified as disabled on UCAS or with the University, your application to continue living in halls will need reviewing. Please contact Student Wellbeing Services via My Wellbeing as soon as possible.
Please ensure you have contacted us prior to the 30 June deadline and you’re familiar with the categories of priority student groups listed below.
Priority student groups
| Description | Accommodation available | |
|---|---|---|
| Student Priority 1 | Students whose disability means they cannot live in the private sector e.g. a student who requires a live-in carer, where specific physical adaptations have been made to a room. | Any student accommodation*. |
| Student Priority 2 | Students who are care leavers, have lived in a foyer or are estranged from their family (more information here) | Any student accommodation. |
| Student Priority 3a | Students whose disability or circumstances mean they would benefit from living in student accommodation e.g. students who identify as neurodivergent and/or autistic.** | Bankside House, Charlton Court, Waterside Court, and Twerton Mill. |
| Student Priority 3b | Where the impact of a student’s disability means they would not be able to engage with their studies if they did not live on their study campus.** | Any student accommodation |
| Student Priority 4 | Students who would simply prefer to live in student accommodation e.g. commute from home is long, no-one to live with. | Continuing students will not be eligible to live in student accommodation via the Priority Halls process. Students should check availability through Direct Lets. |
*When specific accessibility adaptations have been made to a room, continuing students will be allocated the same room. Adjoining carers rooms are located in Gardens accommodation only.
**Supporting medical evidence will be requested and reviewed by the Student Wellbeing Service.
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What’s our accommodation like?
The University works with AccessAble to produce accessibility guides for our halls of residence. You can also take a virtual tour of BSU, including our accommodation.
How close are our halls to campus?
Most of our teaching takes place at either Newton Park or Locksbrook Campus. To see where you’ll be mostly based, check the key facts panel on web page for the course you’re interested in. You can also explore our interactive map.
Parking on campus
You’re only permitted to park on campus if your term-time residence is outside of the restricted postcode areas, you’re a Blue Badge holder, or you’re eligible for a Student Permit due to exceptional circumstances. See our student parking information for more information.
Parking permits can be arranged for carers and care agencies supporting students with disabilities on campus.
Financial subsidy for accommodation
If you live in our halls of residence and pay additional accommodation costs as a direct result of a disability (for example, you need a studio flat with a self-contained bathroom and kitchen rather than a standard ensuite room), you may be eligible for a subsidy.
Please contact Student Wellbeing Services for information on how to apply.