Can you book for 40 weeks if that fits your course dates?
Sometimes, but it depends entirely on the property you're looking at.
Here's a clear breakdown of what these numbers mean and how to find a duration that actually matches your needs.
The three common contract lengths in student housing
Most student accommodation providers work with a few standard contract bands:
|
Contract Type |
Typical Length |
Best For |
|
Short-term / semester |
20–25 weeks |
Exchange students, one-term stays |
|
Academic year |
38–44 weeks |
Students who go home or travel over the summer |
|
Full year |
51–52 weeks |
Students who want continuous accommodation, including holidays |
A 40-week contract usually falls into that "academic year" band. It's meant to cover term time closely, without paying for the summer weeks you might spend elsewhere.
Is 40 weeks actually available?
Not every property offers every length. Some buildings only offer 44 or 51 weeks. Others are more flexible and will list 40, 42, or 44-week options.
If a property only offers 44 or 51 weeks, this is usually the operator’s fixed policy and cannot be changed after booking. So, check the contract length before you book.
- Look at the room type filters on the property page — contract length is often listed per room type, not just per property.
- If you don't see a 40-week option listed, reach out to a booking advisor before paying your deposit. Some properties can accommodate shorter stays on request, especially outside peak booking season.
- Avoid assuming you can shorten a signed 44- or 51-week contract later — once it's confirmed, changing the duration usually isn't possible without early termination terms (and sometimes a fee).
Why do longer contracts often cost less per week?
This can be confusing for students. A 51-week contract may cost less per week than a 40-week contract in the same property. This is because the fixed costs are spread over more weeks. So, a shorter contract is not always cheaper. Always compare the total cost.
What if your course only runs for part of the year?
If your term dates genuinely don't need a full 51 weeks, it's worth comparing:
- The total cost of a 40- or 44-week contract at one property
- Against a 51-week contract at another property with a lower weekly rate
Sometimes the "shorter" option isn't actually the cheaper one once you do the maths.
Key Takeaways
-
Contract lengths typically range from around 20 weeks (short-term) to 51–52 weeks (full year).
- A 40-week option exists at some properties but isn't universal — check the specific listing.
- Contract lengths are usually fixed once you've booked and signed the agreement, so confirm the duration before paying.
- Longer contracts often have a lower weekly rate, so compare total cost, not just weeks.
- If your ideal duration isn't listed, ask a booking advisor before you commit elsewhere.