The project, which is understood to be worth around £25m, will involve building over 500 rooms on the former Blackdale School site, next to the UEA Norwich campus.
A source told the Enquirer that the project will be delivered using cross-laminate timber, rising up to six stories in parts of the Blackdale development.
The scheme, which is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, will eventually see more than 850 student rooms delivered in two long blocks.
Construction of phase one will get underway in April, with a second phase being brought through when funding becomes available.
The university is expecting a 7% increase in student numbers over the next four years, which has provided the impetus for the plans being drawn up.
R G Carter’s regional director Saul Humphrey was not available for comment.