How to ace your application
Goodenough College is not just a hall of residence. Our application process is designed to create a diverse, supportive, and stimulating international community, bringing together talented postgraduate students who are studying a wide range of academic disciplines. Here’s an insider’s guide from our Admissions team on what to expect and how to prepare a successful application.
We are now accepting applications for 2026/26. Discover more and apply
What do I need to apply?
Before you register to start your application through the College’s Online Application Portal, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to complete your application.
What to prepare before starting:
Alongside your basic personal details (contact details, etc) you’ll be asked to upload:
- A recent photo which will be used for your College ID when you join (please smile!)
- A short up-to-date CV or resumé
- Your offer letter for the course you intend to study.
Information you’ll be asked for during the application process:
- Your intended arrival and departure dates (you can change these later with 28 days’ notice),
- The type of room or flat you want – you’ll be asked for two choices in order of preference. The Admissions team will try their best to give you your first choice
- Any medical or special needs you might have for your accommodation. You can include these in your application, or email the team in advance at admissions@goodenough.ac.uk
- Your partner and children’s details, if you have others coming with you
- What course you will be studying and an offer letter or proof of study if you are already enrolled
- Where you previously studied
- How you will fund your tuition, living and accommodation expenses
- If you will be applying for a scholarship. We have a number of scholarships on offer and guidance on how to apply for a scholarship
- A short statement about why you want to live at Goodenough and what contribution you can make to the community. (Check out some hints and tips as well as sample community contribution statements.)
What happens to my application?
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by our admissions panel. They will look at a number of factors when assessing your application. The most practical criteria is whether we have a suitable room or a flat for you on the dates that you’ve requested.
Beyond availability, our focus is on building a vibrant and diverse community every year, bringing together talented postgraduate students from all over the world, studying a wide range of disciplines.
What matters most is your interest in participating actively in our community. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, a concert-level musician, or or have a family member who lived here, but in your community contribution statement, you should demonstrate that you understand the value of actively participating in a community.
When will I hear back?
You will receive the outcome of your application approximately one month after the month in which you applied.
For exact timelines, please refer to the table below:
| Date you applied | Results week |
| 1-31 March | May (first week) |
| 1-30 April | June (first week) |
| 1-31 May | July (first week) |
| 1-23 June | July (last week) |
| 24 June – 15 July | August (third week) |
Why the effort is worth it
Living at Goodenough College opens the door to exceptional experiences and opportunities for personal, academic and professional enrichment.
Goodenough Members enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Excellent facilities in a historic, central London location
- A vibrant, diverse and stimulating community of postgraduates from around 80 countries,
- A wide range of horizons-expanding activities, experiences, and events
- Access to a strong professional network that supports you during and after your studies
- Lifelong membership of a global Goodenough Alumni community who stay connected and enjoy access to Alumni events long after leaving the College
How to apply
To apply to Goodenough College simply go to apply now section on our website, and follow the steps outlined there.