Accommodation While on Placement

Students enrolled on the Primary PGCE programme at the University of Cumbria are encouraged to explore short-term university accommodation, particularly if their permanent residence is in the North West of England or Northern Ireland. These flexible accommodation options can support students during placement periods when travel may be required.

For students whose home address is in Northern Ireland, there is an opportunity, to complete the final placement within Northern Ireland. This option provides added convenience and supports students in managing travel and living arrangements during their final teaching experience. For details on the accommodation offered by the University, please visit the Accommodation page.

Students enrolled on Health and Social Care Professional programmes within the Institute of Health may be required to stay in temporary accommodation during placement periods. This is particularly relevant for students who do not drive and may face challenges accessing rural placement locations in areas such as Cumbria and Lancashire via public transport.

To support students with these circumstances, the NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Fund offers financial assistance. Eligible students may be able to claim back the cost of temporary accommodation through the Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) scheme.

As stated in NHS guidance:
“As part of the Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) arrangements, you may be able to claim the cost of taking temporary accommodation near to your practice placement site if it is not possible or practical for you to travel there from your normal term-time address on a daily basis.”

For full details and to check eligibility, please visit the NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Fund.

In some cases, the University of Cumbria may be able to cover the upfront cost of temporary accommodation for students who are eligible to reclaim this expense through the NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Fund.

This support is subject to specific criteria, and availability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only the following circumstances will be considered by the Placement Team when reviewing requests for upfront accommodation support:

• The journey to placement is more than 90 mins one way. (This time limit is based on a one-way journey from the campus where a student is based, their home address or term time address whichever is nearest to the placement).
• It is not possible or practical to travel by public transport from your registered address (home or term time). 

If you believe you may be eligible, please read further information on MyCumbria regarding the application process.

If the University covers the upfront cost of your temporary accommodation during placement, an invoice will be issued to you at the end of your stay. You will then be responsible for submitting a claim to the NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Fund to recover the cost and use the reimbursement to pay the invoice.

For guidance on how to make a claim, please visit the NHS Learning Support Fund website.

Please read the following carefully before making any accommodation bookings:

• NHS Learning Support Fund Claims
  The University is not liable if the NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Fund declines a claim. Students must confirm eligibility and approval of claims before making bookings or incurring any costs.
• Outstanding Payments
  Students with unpaid accommodation costs from previous bookings will be unable to access the accommodation booking service.
• Use of NHS Business Services Authority Learning Support Funds
  Funds received from the Learning Support Fund must be used to repay accommodation costs. Misuse of these funds may result in disciplinary action.
• Financial Regulations
  All purchases are subject to the university’s Student Financial Regulations. Non-compliance may affect graduation and award eligibility. Please allow sufficient time for Learning Support Fund reimbursements and respond promptly to any finance-related communications, especially near the end of your course.
• Responsibility During Stay
  Students are responsible for covering any damage or miscellaneous costs incurred during their stay. The university does not accept liability for any loss or damage resulting from use of temporary accommodation. Accommodation must be vacated on time and left in a clean and satisfactory condition.

If you have any questions, please contact: PLUStudents@cumbria.ac.uk

For details on national accommodation providers, accommodation search engines and area specific links and information please visit the relevant MyCumbria pages.