FAQs
Everything you need to know
Capitol Students
Yes. From 15 October 2026, Capitol Students became part of the Student Castle brand. All former Capitol Students properties are now part of the Student Castle portfolio, with accommodation information and bookings available through www.studentcastle.co.uk.
Capitol Students and Student Castle have always shared the same ownership under Mapletree. From 15 October 2026, the two brands came together under one unified brand, Student Castle.
This is a change of name and brand, not a change to the accommodation or services provided. All former Capitol Students properties are now part of Student Castle, with the same onsite teams and commitment to providing a great student living experience.
Capitol Students and Student Castle were previously operated as separate student accommodation brands under the same ownership, Mapletree. From 15 October 2026, they have been brought together under the Student Castle brand.
Student Castle is now the brand through which the combined portfolio is marketed and managed.
All former Capitol Students properties can now be found on the Student Castle website at www.studentcastle.co.uk. Simply search by city or property name to find your accommodation, explore rooms, check availability and make a booking.
Yes. Properties previously marketed as Capitol Students are now available to book through Student Castle.
You can explore accommodation, check availability and make a booking directly through www.studentcastle.co.uk.
No. If you have an existing booking at a former Capitol Students property, your booking and agreed terms remain unchanged as a result of the rebrand.
Your accommodation, rent and existing contractual arrangements are unaffected by the change of brand.
No. The onsite teams you know will continue to look after you, and the services you receive will remain the same.
You'll begin to see Student Castle branding across our buildings, communications and online channels, but you can expect the same support and service.
Bringing our properties together under one brand creates a more consistent experience for students, whether they're researching accommodation, making a booking or living with us.
It also means students can explore a wider choice of accommodation across the UK through one website, supported by one Student Castle brand.
Student Castle and the former Capitol Students portfolio are part of Mapletree's student accommodation business.
Mapletree is a global real estate investment and management group with student accommodation investments in the UK and internationally.
The official website for accommodation previously marketed under Capitol Students is now www.studentcastle.co.uk.
You can find information about former Capitol Students properties, explore available rooms and contact the relevant property team through Student Castle.
You can continue to contact your onsite team for support with your accommodation.
For general enquiries, new bookings or information about your property, visit www.studentcastle.co.uk and select your location.
Booking & Contracts
We have CCTV in and around each property, an electronic key entry system for the main entrance, common areas, each flat and bedroom. There is also staff on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Report it through the resident portal or at reception and our on-site maintenance team will arrange a repair - most issues are fixed within a couple of days.
Speak to the on-site team - where availability allows, we can arrange a room move so you can find a better fit.
Yes - book together and let us know, and we’ll do our best to place you in the same flat or on the same floor.
Pets aren’t permitted in our properties, with the exception of registered assistance animals.
Before you book
Start with the city you want to live in, then explore our different Student Castles. Each one has its own character, location and way of living – so think about what matters most to you, from being close to campus, having a specific room type or amenities and how you picture your student life. If you’re not sure, our friendly team is here to help you find your best fit.
You can browse live availability on each property page and book online. If you’re unsure which Student Castle is right for you, our friendly team is here to help you explore your options.
Yes. Our No Placement No Pay policy means you won’t lose money if your plans change.
Yes, we do offer short stays to students in some Student Castles. These short stays could be throughout the year but are mostly during the summer period. Availability varies, so contact your chosen Student Castle to find out what’s possible.
You can book if there’s a room available. We keep our website up to date, so you’ll be able to see your options online.
All students living at a Student Castle in England are required to be over the age of 17 during the academic year booked; in Scotland students must be age 16 or over.
Students who will be under the age of 18 when they begin their stay with Student Castle should contact the team before booking to ensure suitability.
You may request to be in a single sex cluster. You can also request to be in a room close to or within the same flat as your friends, however this is subject to availability.
Whatever your requirements, we will do all we can to accommodate your request.
Some of our studios allow free dual occupancy, meaning you can share your room with another person - at no additional charge.
This is available in all double occupancy rooms, please speak to your Student Castle team for more information.
Absolutely. Our residents come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and stages of study. Whether you want to get involved in community events or simply enjoy a comfortable place to live while you focus on your studies, you'll find a welcoming and supportive environment at Student Castle.
Yes – we are a member of ANUK/Unipol National Code for Larger Developments. For further information please click here.
Booking
Booking is easy. Choose your city, find your Student Castle, select your room, complete your online application, and follow the steps to confirm your booking process. Our team is available if you need any assistance along the way.
We can only take bookings through our website. If you need any support when making a booking online, please contact your Student Castle directly.
Once you’ve chosen a room and paid your advance rent, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the booking process. There is a 10-day deadline to accept your room offer and sign your lettings agreement electronically. If you don’t complete your booking within this timeframe, it may result in your booking being cancelled and will forfeit your advance rent.
If your booking is made within 14 days of the agreement start date, we reserve the right to reduce the acceptance period to within 48 hours of the start date.
We ask for an advance rent payment when booking. The amount of this payment varies depending on the location of your Castle. Go to the location you’re interested in, and you’ll find all the details there.
Your Agreement is the contract that sets out your accommodation, rent and responsibilities when you live with Student Castle.
The legal name of the agreement depends on where you live:
England - Common Law Tenancy Agreement
Scotland - Licence Agreement
Wales - Occupation Contract
Whenever we refer to an Agreement, we mean the relevant agreement for your location.
Once you’ve accepted an offer, you’ll be sent a link to an electronic signature system. You need to use this to sign your Agreement electronically, after which you’ll need to upload your documentation. At this point we’ll confirm your booking and you can make your first rental payment.
If you have a guarantor, they’ll also need to sign and upload their ID/proof of address once you have signed.
We accept passports, driving licenses and national identification cards as valid proof of ID.
You will receive an electronic copy signed by Student Castle once your booking is completed.
If you want to pay your rent in instalments, you’ll normally need a guarantor. Your guarantor agrees to cover your rent if you’re unable to pay it. They cannot be another student or a government body.
If you don’t have a suitable guarantor, there may be other options available, including a third-party guarantor service or paying your rent in advance.
If you don’t have a guarantor, you may be able to use an independent guarantor service instead. You can register with Housing Hand who will act as an independent guarantor subject to meeting their terms and conditions. More information on this service can be found here, where Student Castle customers can receive an exclusive discounted rate.
Get in touch and tell us straight away. How much we can help will depend on the timing and the circumstances of your cancellation. Read our Cancellation Policy.
This depends on if your room is ready, so it’s best to contact your Student Castle directly. You would need to pay for any extra days beforehand.
In most cases you are committed to paying the full rent, as part of your Agreement.
If you decide you want to leave early, please tell the managers of your Student Castle as soon as you know. If we cannot release you from your Agreement, you can try and find a Replacement Tenant to take over the reminder of your tenancy; you are responsible for finding a replacement tenant if you need one.
If you find a replacement tenant, we’ll let you out of your Agreement from the day they move in and refund you any unused rent that you’ve paid in advance. We cannot refund your rent until you have found someone to take over your Agreement, their booking is confirmed and they have paid the first instalment of their rent.
A student may be allowed to leave early without financial penalty under certain conditions relating to medical release from university. If you think you may be eligible for this, please contact the team at your Student Castle.
Rent & Payments
Rent varies depending on the Student Castle, room type and contract length. To find out how much each room costs, go to the location you’re interested in, and you’ll find all the details there. If you already have a booking with us, you will find your payment amounts and dates on your Student Portal.
Yes – all utility bills (gas, electricity and water), high-speed WiFi and contents insurance for your belongings are included in your rent.
We provide complete personal contents insurance to protect you and your belongings through Howden for Students. For further information about what’s covered click here. Additional cover is available at an extra cost.
If you bring your own television or use one that is pre-installed in your room or living space, then you will have to buy your own TV licence. See www.tvlicensing.co.uk for further details.
If you cease to be a full-time student during the occupation of your room, then you will become liable for council tax.
Debit card or credit card payments are fine – make your choice when you complete your booking.
You will need to pay your rent at the instalments that are listed in your Agreement.
If you have selected to pay in one instalment with no guarantor, you will need to pay in advance on the date stated in your agreement.
If there is a problem with your loan, we will need a letter from the loan company showing the amount and dates of payments and four week’s advance rent before you move in. Please keep us posted so we can help you.
Come and talk to us – we want living with us to be as easy as possible and we understand that sometimes things don’t go to plan.
Your Room
So things don’t get too hectic, we ask our students to book different arrival timeslots prior to move in. Further details will be sent before your check in date.
Your room comes furnished and ready for student life, with storage and the essentials you need to settle in.
No, but you can purchase bedding and other items from our partner UniKitOut by clicking here. Save 10% at UniKitOut with the code ‘CASTLE10’.
For safety reasons we can’t allow any electrical equipment that doesn’t comply with all relevant British standards. We do not allow portable heaters in any of our rooms.
Our Studios and Apartments have access to a private kitchen area. Our shared flats all have a shared kitchen area.
That’s up to you. If you would like to bring your own pots, pans or other kitchen equipment we have lots of storage space.
You can purchase kitchen equipment and other items from our partner UniKitOut by clicking here. Save 10% at UniKitOut with the code ‘CASTLE10’.
Yes – each studio, apartment and shared flat has a kitchen with a fridge freezer.
We do not allow additional fridge freezers, however if you need one for medical reasons please speak to your Student Castle team.
You’ll need to purchase a TV licence if you watch or record live television or use BBC iPlayer in your room or common space, on a TV you bring or one that is preinstalled in your room, flat, studio or apartment. For more information on TV Licensing please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk
We don’t allow you to paint, change fixtures, fittings or curtains. Many of our rooms come with pin boards so you can easily make the space your own. If you attach items to your wall, this could leave marks, and you might be charged. Always check with your Student Castle team if you are unsure.
Your Student Castle
Some Student Castles do have a gym. You will need to sign a disclaimer before you can use it. Unfortunately, our insurance does not cover guests to use the gym.
Some Student Castles have dedicated study spaces, as well as quieter areas where you can get your head down. And, of course, your room is your own space when you need to focus. To find out more, go to the location you’re interested in, and you’ll find all the details there.
Please contact the relevant service provider for your Student Castle to speak to specially trained tech support.
Ask4 - 0845 123 8710
Glide - 0333 123 0115
Every Student Castle has an easy-to-use laundry room with washing and drying machines operated by Circuit Laundry.
Instructions on how to use the machines can be found in the laundry. The laundry rooms are open 24 hours, and you will need to provide your own detergent.
Some Student Castles have bike storage. You will need to provide your own locks. Please note that the content insurance provided by Student Castle does not include bike insurance.
Parking is available at some Student Castles. Speak to your Student Castle team to discuss your options.
All Student Castles have nearby public car parks, perfect for when friends or family visit.
No. E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted at any Student Castle because of the fire risk associated with their batteries.
Living with us
The Student Portal is your online information guide. You can use it to report maintenance issues, check when your rent is due and access useful information and documents like your handbook.
You can report maintenance issues online through the Student Portal. Our onsite maintenance team will respond to the issue as soon as possible.
You are in charge of cleaning your room, studios and apartments. In shared flats you should all clean the communal area.
Our Housekeepers will take care of the stairwells, entrances and any social spaces.
If you notice anything that doesn’t look right, or are having problems keeping shared spaces clean, please let us know.
Yes, you do. Student Castles have plenty of local supermarkets nearby.
You’re welcome to have guests visit during your stay.
We ask that visitors respect our community and are
considerate of the people around them. Guests may stay
for up to three consecutive nights, and you are responsible
for their behaviour while they’re here. For everyone’s safety,
please do not share your key or access fob.
Speak to your Student Castle team if you have any questions.
No. Smoking of any type isn’t permitted in student accommodation rooms or other indoor areas, under UK law. If you’re caught tampering with smoke/fire detectors you may be charged the cost of the call out for a fire engineer to check or repair the equipment.
Some Castles have designated smoking areas available which you are welcome to use, or you may smoke outside the building.
You can still live at Student Castle until the end of your Agreement; however, you will become liable for council tax during this time, and you must inform your Student Castle team. Please see our cancellation policy if you would like to leave your agreement.
In some Castles you can reserve a private space for study or other uses, please speak to your Student Castle team for further information.
International Students
Absolutely. We welcome students from around the world. Our teams love learning about different cultures and we believe every student, from every walk of life, should be celebrated.
Our teams are used to helping students settle into life in the UK, from booking your room to finding your feet when you arrive. We want to make sure your Student Castle stay is the best it can be.
Yes. We accept UK and international guarantors.
If you want to pay your rent in instalments, you’ll normally need a guarantor. Your guarantor agrees to cover your rent if you’re unable to pay it. They cannot be another student or a government body.
If you don’t have a suitable guarantor, there may be other options available, including a third-party guarantor service or paying your rent in advance.
If you don’t have a guarantor, you may be able to use an independent guarantor service instead. You can register with Housing Hand who will act as an independent guarantor subject to meeting their terms and conditions. More information on this service can be found here, where Student Castle customers can receive an exclusive discounted rate.
Our No Visa No Pay policy may allow you to cancel your booking and receive a refund if your UK visa application is unsuccessful. Please check the current policy before booking, as terms and deadlines apply.
Looking after you
Start with your Student Castle team.
We are here to help with the everyday things that make student life easier - whether that’s a question about your room, a maintenance issue or simply knowing who to ask.
Your Student Castle team are here to help. We’ll listen and help signpost you to appropriate local services if needed. Your university will also have dedicated wellbeing and support services available, including counselling, mental health support and advice throughout your studies.
As a Student Castle resident, you also have free access to the Wisdom Wellbeing App, providing 24/7 confidential support whenever you need it. Through the app, you can access counselling and live chat support, wellbeing tools, mood tracking, personalised resources and professional guidance to help you look after your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Ask your Student Castle team for more information.
If you’re already living with us, the best and quickest way to resolve your issue is to speak to a member of the Student Castle team at reception. We are likely to be able to resolve your issue there and then. If you are not living with us, or are a member of the public, please submit your complaint using our online complaints form.
We take all complaints seriously and will do our best to resolve the issues. Click here to view our complaints procedure.
Student Castle Property Management Services Ltd are members of the Property Redress Scheme. Our membership number is PRS045847. If you do not feel we have dealt with your complaint, you may be able to raise this with the PRS.
Equality & Diversity
At Student Castle, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Our communities are home to students from a wide range of cultures, nationalities, faiths, backgrounds, identities and life experiences, and we celebrate the diversity that makes each of our locations unique.
We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels safe to be themselves, supported in their wellbeing and able to participate fully in community life. We recognise that students have different experiences, needs and circumstances, and we work to remove barriers wherever possible so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We make every effort to ensure that Student Castles are accessible for all.
Rather than trying to plan generic “accessible” rooms in advance, we prefer to work with you to see how we can help. We have a certain amount of flexibility at each of our locations, which means we can offer a wide range of possible solutions.
If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us at students@studentcastle.co.uk or speak to your Student Castle team.
Sustainability
We know sustainability matters to many of our residents, which is why we're committed to reducing our environmental impact wherever we can. From thoughtful building design and efficient operations to recycling facilities across our residences, we aim to make it easier for students to live more sustainably.
All of our Student Castle residences provide recycling facilities, helping residents reduce waste and make more environmentally conscious choices every day. We also encourage sustainable habits through community initiatives and everyday actions that contribute to greener, more responsible student communities.
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we're always looking for ways to improve our environmental performance while helping our residents play their part in making a positive difference.
Yes. All Student Castle residences provide recycling facilities, helping you make more sustainable choices during your stay. Recycling arrangements vary by location to reflect local authority services, and our on-site teams can also advise on how to recycle or responsibly dispose of items that can't go into standard recycling bins.