iQ Accommodation: What You Actually Get as a Student
May, 15 2025
If you're picking your student home, it’s easy to get lost in glossy photos and loaded websites. So, what does iQ accommodation actually give you? At its core, iQ is all about making life at uni smoother—especially if you don’t want to stress about bills, repairs, or getting locked out at 2 AM.
The basics: you get a room (duh), but it’s not just any old room. It comes fully furnished—there’s usually a comfy bed, a desk you’ll probably cover in snacks, shelves for your stuff, and a chair for marathon study (or gaming) sessions. Some iQ sites let you pick between studio flats if you want privacy, or shared flats if you want instant mates. Either way, the idea is to keep things simple—no need to chase landlords for basics like WiFi or hot water.
- What is iQ Accommodation?
- Room Types and What Comes With Them
- Shared Spaces and Facilities
- Bills, Contracts, and the Boring Stuff
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of iQ
What is iQ Accommodation?
iQ Accommodation is a provider focused on student living in the UK. When you're booking a place with iQ, you're not dealing with a private landlord or a university—you’re getting a spot in a professionally managed building built for students and run like a hotel. Most iQ locations are in big university cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool—the usual suspects, plus a bunch more. In fact, iQ operates over 70 properties across 29 towns and cities, serving more than 30,000 students every year.
Why does all this matter? For starters, iQ accommodation offers a bundle: your rent includes stuff you’d normally pay extra for, like internet, heating, and water. Having this all-in approach means no surprises when the bills roll in at the end of the month. Plus, you get extras like 24/7 security and on-site maintenance so you’re not left hanging if something breaks.
iQ also tries to be inclusive, so you can find options whether you want your own studio, an ensuite room shared with a group, or something a little more budget-friendly. Some buildings even have gyms, cinema rooms, study lounges, and dedicated game zones. It’s more than just a place to crash after class.
| Feature | What's Included at iQ |
|---|---|
| Locations | Over 70 buildings in 29 cities |
| Student Tenants | 30,000+ per year |
| Bill Management | All-inclusive (internet, water, gas, electricity) |
| Room Options | Studios, ensuite rooms, shared flats |
| Security | 24/7 on-site team, secure entry |
If your family lives far away (like me—Cassia’s already asking if she can study in Manchester one day), knowing there’s support staff and security on site brings peace of mind. For students who want independence but not isolation, iQ tries to strike that balance. Most buildings also put on events during the year, which range from pizza nights to exam workshops and summer parties. It’s the kind of setup where getting involved is easy but not forced.
Room Types and What Comes With Them
When you book your spot with iQ accommodation, you’ve actually got more choice than you might think. It’s not just about grabbing any free bed. There are studios for total privacy, en-suites for a balance of your own space and social life, or standard shared flats where you split a bathroom with your flatmates. The variety can save you money or land you extras, depending on what clicks for you.
Here’s what kinds of rooms you’ll find at most iQ properties:
- En-suite Room: Your own bathroom, but kitchen’s shared with your flatmates.
- Studio: All-in-one—private bathroom and mini-kitchen, with no sharing needed.
- Shared Flat: Bedroom in an apartment with shared kitchen and bathroom.
- Two Bed Apartment: Good for pairs. Usually two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom you only share with your flatmate.
A comfy mattress, big desk, chair, bookshelves, closet, and blackout blinds all come as standard in most rooms. Studios add their own little kitchen with a hob and fridge—ideal if you’re tired of fridge thieves.
"We aim to offer a home that fits the way our students want to live, whether that’s total privacy or a social hub," says iQ’s Head of Resident Experience. “And we keep it simple—everything’s ready when you move in.”
Got a lot of stuff? Storage is decent. Most rooms give you under-bed storage and a roomy wardrobe. Plus, all iQ rooms come with superfast WiFi included—even in the rent.
| Room Type | Private Bathroom | Private Kitchen Area | Included Furniture | WiFi Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| En-suite | Yes | No | Bed, desk, chair, closet | Yes |
| Studio | Yes | Yes | Bed, kitchen, storage | Yes |
| Shared Flat | No | No | Bed, desk, closet | Yes |
| Two Bed Apartment | Usually shared | Shared | Beds, storage, desk | Yes |
Bring your own duvet, though—they don’t usually hand out bedding. If you’re looking for all the details and fine print on what comes with every room, the iQ website lists what’s in each room by city, so you’re not left guessing. Just keep in mind, the cheapest rooms go first, so it pays to book ahead if you’re bothered about sharing a bathroom.
Shared Spaces and Facilities
Here’s where iQ accommodation sets itself apart. You’re not stuck in your room all day unless you want to be. Most buildings come packed with hangout spaces that are actually useful—think big common rooms with comfy sofas and massive TVs (great for movie nights), study rooms you’ll use when the library feels too far, and places to cook together if instant noodles start getting old.
The social spaces are usually the highlight. Loads of iQ sites have gyms on site, and you don’t pay anything extra for them. If you’re into fitness, that’s a huge saving compared to a standard gym membership. Game rooms are common too—table tennis, pool tables, sometimes even PlayStations or Xboxes left out for everyone to use.
Laundry is sorted—you’ll find washing machines and dryers in the building, which run on a pay-as-you-go system (so keep a stash of coins or your card ready). Some locations even offer secure bike storage and quiet outdoor areas, perfect for making calls home or just escaping for a bit. Fast and reliable WiFi is a given; it’s one of the big reasons folks pick iQ accommodation over a random private landlord.
- CCTV and 24/7 security staff—so you can relax knowing you and your stuff are safe.
- On-site maintenance. Something breaks? Put in a request online and it’s sorted, usually within a day.
- Parcel lockers or reception services so you’re not panicking about missing an Amazon delivery.
- Fob-entry systems—no more worrying about lost keys.
Wondering how it all stacks up? Check out this quick look at what you can usually expect at iQ compared to typical private renting:
| Facility | iQ Accommodation | Traditional Private Rental |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Included | Yes (fast, unlimited) | Usually extra |
| On-site Gym | Often included | Rarely |
| 24/7 Security | Standard | Not typical |
| Social/Common Spaces | Lots | Limited or none |
| Parcel Services | Yes | No |
These extras aren’t just nice-to-haves—when you add up the time, stress, and cash you save, they can make uni life a lot easier.
Bills, Contracts, and the Boring Stuff
No one moves into student halls dreaming of paperwork. The good news: iQ takes the hassle out of the practical stuff. When you pay for your room, you’re not just paying for four walls—your rent covers pretty much every essential bill. This includes electricity, water, heating, and most importantly, lightning-fast WiFi (a real lifesaver for late-night deadlines and Netflix binges).
Everything's bundled, so you don’t have to chase up flatmates for their share of the gas bill. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s paid for:
- All utilities (gas, electric, water)
- WiFi – usually 100Mb/s or more, depending on location
- Contents insurance (covering your stuff against theft or fire)
- 24/7 onsite security and maintenance help
Contracts are pretty standard. Most are ‘fixed-term,’ which means you’re signing up for a set number of weeks (usually 40 to 51, depending on your uni course). If you decide to leave early, you’ll usually have to pay for the rest of the contract—so it’s best to look at the dates before you sign.
If you’re into numbers, check this out—on average, a student living at an iQ building in the UK can expect the following rent and contract lengths:
| City | Weekly Rent (£) | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|
| London | £270-£399 | 40-51 weeks |
| Manchester | £160-£270 | 44-51 weeks |
| Glasgow | £140-£260 | 44-51 weeks |
The good thing? No surprise bills popping up—what you see is what you pay. That’s rare once you leave student accommodation, so enjoy it while it lasts. If you’re unsure, every iQ site has a reception desk where staff can explain your contract and help you understand your payments. There’s even a student portal for checking balances and logging any problems, so you’re not left in the dark.
Just double-check: your rent needs to be paid on time. If you’re worried about missing a payment, talk to the iQ team—sometimes they can help with a payment plan if you ask early enough.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of iQ
Getting your money’s worth in iQ accommodation is pretty easy if you know a few tricks from the start. First, sign up early. Booking early usually means more choice in room types, floors, and building perks. Some iQ sites fill up months before uni starts.
Don’t sleep on those social spaces—there’s more than just a sofa and TV. Loads of iQ buildings run events like pizza nights, quiz competitions, or job skill workshops (some even have yoga or gaming tournaments). Free food? Yes, sometimes. You don’t have to be an extrovert—try just showing up to a few. It’s hands-down the easiest way to meet folks outside your course. If you’re shy, bring a flatmate along the first time.
If you’ve got questions or anything’s broken, hit up reception or use the iQ app. That app also helps you keep track of payments, report maintenance issues, or get updates on deliveries. One of the best features? Reception will often sign for your parcels if you’re out—and some locations even have 24/7 parcel lockers. Forget stealthing around to catch the postman.
Money-wise, keep an eye out for special deals—some years, iQ gives cashback offers, free gym memberships, or discounts if you refer a mate. It pays to check emails from them (even if most of your inbox is spam).
Check out this handy table—these are common things included at iQ, compared to your average UK student rental:
| Feature | iQ Accommodation | Typical UK Student Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Bills included | Yes (heating, water, internet, electricity) | Sometimes, but often split among tenants |
| On-site maintenance | Yes | Not usually, or delays are common |
| 24/7 security | Most locations | Rarely |
| Social events | Regular, building-run | Usually none |
| Cleaning of common areas | Often included | No |
Finally—don’t ignore the local info. Most iQ receptions collect discount leaflets, city maps, and bus timetables. Ask if there are hidden food deals nearby. Sometimes, iQ partners with local shops or gyms for exclusive student rates. If you’re living abroad for the first time, that kind of info just makes life easier. Cassia, my daughter, says she found her favorite cheap sushi spot through a flyer at reception. So, you never know what you might find—just ask.