The £74m deal with developer Regents Godiva paves the way for a contractor to be selected on the 770-bed scheme, which will be used by students from Coventry University.
Galliford Try is understood to be among firms in talks with the developer.
The student accommodation development at Godiva Place between Lower Ford Street and the ring road will see several blocks built ranging from four to nine storeys tall replacing buildings currently occupied by manufacturing firm Norman Hay PLC.