Our application process
Step 1
If you are interested in applying to live in our accommodation, you will need to complete and return an accommodation expression of interest form. Once received by the Residential Team, you will be invited to attend an interview.
Accommodation interviews can take place on the same day as you course interview should you wish. If you later decide you are no longer interested or do not require accommodation you must let us know by contacting the Residential Team.
Step 2
In the Summer term, from the end of April, you will be contacted via email to inform you if you have been successful at interview. You will then be invited to pay a £175 deposit to secure a room. The deposit needs to be paid by the closing date specified in your confirmation email.
Should you require financial support towards accommodation fees, bursary information and application forms can be obtained from the Student Support Team on 01278 655126 or 01278 441233 or by emailing studentsupport@btc.ac.uk.
Step 3
During the Summer term, once your deposit has been paid, you will be emailed a residential contract and associated paperwork. The information supplied will contain everything you need to know in order to move into your room in September.
Places are allocated in order of priority, therefore students applying to study a land-based, Higher Education or specialist course, or living outside of a 30 mile radius of the University Centre will gain precedence.
Accommodation Fees
Accommodation fees for 2025/26 are currently being agreed and will be published soon.
Access Students
For students who will be 18+ years of age as of 1 September 2025 studying a Further Education course, accommodation is provided 7 days per week (not including half term and holidays*). Please note that all students have to clear and vacate their rooms during holidays and half terms unless stated otherwise.
Higher Education Students (Accommodation based in Cannington)
For students who will be 18+ years of age as of 1st September 2025 studying a Higher Education course, accommodation is for seven days per week including half terms (not including Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays).
Please note that all students have to clear and vacate their rooms during the Easter and Summer holidays.
Financial Assistance
University Centre Somerset holds funds to provide financial assistance to students who meet the criteria in the form of accommodation bursaries. These are means tested and are subject to change. Forms can be obtained from Student Support. For more information and advice please speak to Student Support on 01278 441233.
Please note, if you are unsure what level of study applies to you please call the Residential Team for clarification before completing the accommodation application form. Please contact the Residential Team on 01278 655149 or residentialenquiries@btc.ac.uk for more information.
Accommodation FAQs
Below are a list of some commonly asked questions related to our accommodation. If you have a question that is not listed below please contact us at canningtonresidential@btc.ac.uk or by calling 01278 655149.
You will need to bring your bedding with the exception of a mattress protector.
You are able to bring electrical appliances as identified in the residential contract. Any electrical appliances you bring will need to be PAT tested. The University Centre provides the services as part of your deposit at a cost of £15. This is non-refundable.
All rooms have desk lamps and most ensuite rooms have mini fridges, so that you can store any fresh produce.
Lodge common rooms are equipped with a microwave, toaster and kettle. Over 18 accommodation have cooking facilities available for use. University Centre Somerset does not provide any cooking utensils, cutlery pots, pans or dinner service.
All bedrooms and common room areas have Wi-fi access free of charge. Each common room is provided with a TV; Should you wish to have a TV in your own room you will be required to obtain a TV license.
All of our residential rooms are single occupancy and no room sharing is allowed.
The limited shared rooms that we do have on campus are allocated to our French students and non-residential farm-duties students.
Students pay for the academic term so are required to clear their rooms at the end of each term and half term period, unless advised otherwise. For HE students, their accommodation costs include the half term/reading weeks and they can remain in residence over the half term holidays (this does not include Christmas and Easter holidays).
There are washing machine facilities on-site for students. Students can obtain a Washstation card from the Residential Team for a deposit of £2.50. Students are then responsible for topping up the card online with Washstation directly.
Students should inform a member of the Residential Team if they are ill. This will mean that regular checks can be made throughout the day by the Residential Wellbeing Officers and tutors will be informed of your absence. Within the village of Cannington is a Medical Centre and it is advised that Residential students register with the surgery.
You are able to leave your car in the designated University Centre car parks; however you need to ensure that your car is registered with the Residential Team.
Cannington has good transport links with local buses running regularly to and from Bridgwater and the University Centre’s Bath Road site. Students need to purchase a bus pass or pay daily. Many of our students are able to drive and we often find that students car share.
Security is a priority for us; each lodge has individual fob access so only residents of that lodge can enter . The fob access is linked to a computer so we have a record of students’ comings and goings. Each student has a key to their room. All the lodges are covered by CCTV. Emergency phones are placed in all lodges which directly links to the Residential Team duty mobile and 999 in case of emergency.
Unfortunately we do not allow pets in accommodation.
Over 18 students are allowed guests to stay over on a Friday and Saturday night. Guests must be over 18 and under 30. Under 18 students are not permitted to have any guests stay over. If family or friends intend to visit you, there are lots of bed and breakfast houses and hotels in the local area where they are able to stay.
The University Centre provides contents insurance, which is included in your residential fee. The insurance only covers items within your own room and not communal areas.
Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee anyone a place in our accommodation. If we become oversubscribed, priority is give to students applying to study land-based or specialist courses and those who live outside a radius of 30 miles of the campus
All our accommodation is mixed gender but all rooms have individual locks, and all students under the age of 18 will live in en-suite rooms where privacy can be maintained.