When to start looking for student accommodation

How amazing would it be to be located in the top student area, where bars, restaurants, cafes and your university are within walking distance. This basically cuts down your stress of making it in time for lectures with minimal to no travel time. A space that feels like your own, amenities that make you never want to leave, and connections that make you look forward to living every day to the fullest. But to land a student accommodation that comes with all of that and more, you need to be on time to book it. A little late and you might have to settle for less.

This blog explains when to start looking for student housing, the pros and cons of doing so, and how you can go about it in the right way.

When Should You Start Looking for Student Accommodation?

• Ideal time to start

The ideal time to start looking for student accommodation is 6-8 months before the intake. If you’re considering the September intake, then January-March is the right time to start looking. This is when the majority of the student accommodations and private halls open their bookings, and you’ll have a ton of options to consider.

• How early is too early?

Anything before the start of the university year, as PBSAs or halls will not be available. This can be considered premature and should only be done if you’re 110% sure of your university and the area you want to live in. However, the accommodations may not be fixed on the prices, rooms available or the exact building.

• When is it too late?

One month before moving is risky. July onwards, you’re in the ‘last minute’ territory. All of the best rooms are gone, and you may have to settle with what’s available. Also, hello extra pricing.

Ideal Booking Timeline for Students

• 9-12 months before:

This is when you start looking into the cities and neighbourhoods you’d like to stay in. Get clear on your budget; include everything, right from rent, bills, deposits and travel costs. Understand what each city offers; understand travel routes, supermarkets available, safety level and more. Usually every city offers PBSA’s and private halls; you can dig a little deeper into that as well. 

• 6-9 months before:

You’ve applied and got an offer! Congratulations. You should now shortlist 5-10 properties you’re likely to choose. Compare rent prices across areas, read all about the contracts and cancellation policies for your student accommodation and what’s included.

• 4-6 months before:

As soon as everything is confirmed (offer letter, CAS and the visa process is underway), start booking your stay. If you’re opting for a PBSA, then March-May is the right time to book; if you’re choosing private halls, then January-March is suggested. Prepare all the documents needed for booking,  such as your ID, proof of funds, offer letter and guarantor details. And keep an eye out for the uni accommodation deadlines and submit everything well before the deadline.

• 2-4 months before:

Finalise and book your student accommodation. Read the tenancy agreement, such as checking break clauses, deposit protection, house rules and check-in/check-out procedures. Set up your payment plans, set up a UK bank account and confirm your move-in time. Confirm your travel booking, airport pickup (if offered) and make sure your checklist is done and ready to go.

When Should You Start Looking Based on Your Situation?

• First-year student

If first-year students are wondering when to start looking for student accommodation, then 6-9 months before the intake is the right time to do so. Confirm your selection 4-6 months before the intake. Private halls have a strict uni accommodation deadline, so make sure to be informed and act accordingly.

• Returning student

You can start even earlier. Many returning students rebook or begin looking for their stay by 9-12 months before the intake for the following year. You know better, so use your knowledge and look at pincodes and book accordingly. If you’re moving into private shared housing, November to March will be your best bet.

• International student

You may want to start searching 9-12 months before the intake, then book it 4-6 months before the intake. Consider all your important documents, such as your visa, CAS and offer letters, secured. Look for all-inclusive and well-managed options to cut down on costs and ease into shifting.

• Students changing universities

Begin your search as soon as your new offer letter is ready. Ideally 4-6 months before your term starts. Revisit your budget and location and plan your finances accordingly. 

• Students looking for private housing

The private housing scene opens up in October- January, with peak viewing and signing taking place in January-March. Be ready with your group, budget and guarantor so you can move fast when the right property appears.

Wanna know when students start looking for accommodation? Read this Reddit thread and find out what the ideal time is. 

When should first years be thinking about getting accom for second year? – r/UniUK

What Happens If You Start Looking Late?

• Fewer choices

The most obvious would be that you’re running late to secure your ideal student accommodation. Students who are early and right on time when it comes to booking secure the best deals and best accommodations. The ones that get too late have to pick from the leftovers and have to manage with what they get.

• Higher demand

Now, even if you go get an accommodation, it’s not just you who might be looking at it – the accommodation then knows it is in high demand and then may increase the rent prices. The ones who can afford it take it, while leaving you looking for alternatives.

• Fewer choices of rooms/locations

You may miss out on en-suite rooms, studios or specific blocks and will have to compromise on the available space, floor level or long distance to campus. 

• Alternative accommodation options

Late searchers sometimes might have to consider temporary stays or homestays. In some cases, students take a short-term rental for a term while they continue searching for a longer contract.

How to Secure Accommodation Quickly

• Prepare documents in advance

If you have your documents ready, you won’t have to struggle to book the accommodation last minute. Keep your passport/ID, university offer letter, proof of funds, references and, if needed, guarantor details. With these on standby, you can quickly book your stay when you find the right one.

• Set a budget and preferred locations

Decide on your rent budget and how much you can pay. Create a list of 2-3 preferred areas that have excellent transport links. This helps you filter out and focus on the right areas only.

• Set property alerts

Use platforms like UniAcco to set alerts for new listings in your target cities and price range. Alerts ensure you’re among the first to see fresh inventory, which is crucial in peak season.

• Apply as soon as you find a suitable room

Do not wait to contemplate once you find the room that ticks all your boxes. These might go as quickly as in a few hours. So book a virtual or in-person viewing and be ready to reserve it quickly.

• Use trusted accommodation platforms

When you book through a trusted site, you know where your money is going, and that it’s safe. These are all verified listings, and websites such as UniAcco offer amazing deals and prices, with descriptions helping you understand just what you can expect from the accommodation and the area around it.

The question of when to start looking for student housing will have different answers for students at different stages in their life. While mainly the 9-12 month window before your intake is suggested for starting your research, students should constantly be updated on how their application unfolds. The way to secure the best accommodation is to be on time and be quick on booking, and remember everyone only wants the best for them, so act fast to have the best student accommodation in your hands.

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