iQ Student Accommodation Reviews 2026: The Honest Truth

iQ is one of the biggest student accommodation providers in the UK, with over 70 buildings across 27 cities.

But with a 2.7-star rating on Trustpilot, there are some real concerns.

Let me break down what you're actually getting.

The Quick Verdict

What iQ Gets Right

Let's start with the positives:

1. Location, Location, Location iQ buildings are almost always well-located. They prioritise city centre locations near universities.

2. Modern Facilities Most iQ buildings have:

• Good common areas
• Gyms (in many buildings)
• Study spaces
• Cinema rooms
• On-site laundry

3. Competitive Pricing iQ often undercuts premium providers like Scape or Vita Student. You're getting decent accommodation without luxury prices.

4. All Bills Included Standard across all iQ properties - WiFi, utilities, contents insurance included.

The Real Problems

Now for the issues that drag down their rating:

1. Maintenance Response Times

This is the biggest complaint. From reviews:

• "Reported a broken shower. Fixed 3 weeks later."
• "Heating broke in winter. Took 5 days to repair."
• "Mould issue reported in October, still waiting in February."

The pattern: Initial reports are acknowledged, but actual fixes take too long.

2. Customer Service

iQ's customer service is inconsistent:

• On-site staff: Usually good
• Central customer service: Frustrating hold times, passed between departments
• End-of-tenancy: Disputed deposit deductions are common

3. Building-Specific Issues

Some iQ buildings have recurring problems:

Not all buildings are equal. Research your specific building before booking.

4. Deposit Deductions

A recurring theme in reviews:

• Professional cleaning charges even when left clean
• Vague damage charges
• Slow deposit returns (beyond the legal 10 days)

My advice: Document everything at move-in with dated photos. Check out with staff present.

iQ vs Competitors

How does iQ compare?

The reality: iQ is mid-tier. Better than Student Roost, comparable to Unite Students, but below Host and Scape.

Best iQ Buildings (From Reviews)

Some iQ buildings consistently get good feedback:

✅ iQ Fenton House, Sheffield - Well-managed, good community ✅ iQ Leeds - Central, modern, responsive staff ✅ iQ Wave, Coventry - New build, good facilities ✅ iQ Wilmslow Park, Manchester - Popular, well-maintained

Should You Book iQ?

Book iQ if:

• Budget is a priority (they're competitive on price)
• You've researched your specific building and it has good reviews
• Location matters more than premium service
• You're prepared to be persistent with maintenance requests

Avoid iQ if:

• You want hassle-free living with quick maintenance
• Customer service responsiveness matters to you
• You're considering one of their problem buildings
• You can afford Host or Scape for £30-50/week more

How to Get the Best iQ Experience

If you do book with iQ:

1. Research your specific building - Not all iQ buildings are equal
2. Document everything at move-in - Photos with dates
3. Report issues in writing - Email creates a paper trail
4. Know your rights - Familiarise yourself with tenancy law
5. Push back on unfair deposit deductions - They often reduce charges when challenged

Compare iQ properties in your city →

Based on Trustpilot reviews, Reddit discussions, and our database of iQ properties. Individual experiences vary by building and year.