When should I book my student accommodation?

Let’s cut to the chase. The best time to book your student accommodation is as early as possible. It might sound like a big commitment to make, especially if you don’t know your chosen city very well. However, the sooner you decide where you want to live, the more likely you’re able to secure the best possible accommodation to fit your needs and budget. In terms of timings, we recommend booking within 6-12 months before you plan to move in. This is especially important if you’re planning to study in a popular university city or if you’re looking for specific types of accommodation, such as shared or single-room apartments.

Booking student accommodation early has its advantages. Being ahead of the game will give you a wider range of options to choose from plus it will save you from feeling disappointed if you miss out on the accommodation you had hoped for. It also gives you more time to plan and prepare for your move. As easy as it might sound, packing and the move itself do take time! 

If you miss the initial booking window, don’t panic. You can still find student accommodation closer to your move-in date. Just remember you may need to be more flexible with your preferences or consider off-campus housing options. Our best tip? Keep in touch with your university’s accommodation services, which may be able to offer advice and support in finding suitable housing.

Students should secure accommodation before arriving for the first term or during the first or second year for the following year – usually around January or March. Consider the type of room that best suits your needs. Is it within your budget? Does it tick all your boxes? Be aware that housing in popular cities will fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. 

1. Consider your budget  

Ask yourself what can you afford? And what kind of accommodation do you need? 

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can determine your budget and try to find a place that fits within your means. It’s also worth knowing what’s included in your accommodation i.e. water, electricity and Wi-Fi.

2. Think about location 

Start by researching different areas and consider whether you want to live close to your university, on campus or off campus. Project Student offers some of the best, most central student accommodation that are close to university campuses and lots of other facilities. 

Ultimately, you need to consider where you need to be most of the time. It might be in lectures, close to your friends or maybe you have a part-time job? If you don’t live close to where you need to be most of the time, you might end up with long walks or expensive commutes.

Research what other students in the same area are paying for their accommodation 

Booking student accommodation can be a difficult decision so it’s a good idea to ask around for advice. Speak to friends and family who’ve been to university and had similar experiences. They might have some useful suggestions to make your decision easier. It’s also worth reading reviews online to get a feel of what other people have experienced during their stay in student accommodation. 

Why not go and see the accommodation options for yourself? Go to university open days so you can see exactly what the different student accommodation options look like and where they’re located. 

Start looking and booking early 

The earlier you start looking for and booking student accommodation, the more likely you are to guarantee the best housing option to fit your needs and preferences. 

Decide if you want to live with friends or alone, and what type of living environment ticks – if not all then – as many boxes as possible for you and your flatmates. 

Whether you’re just starting your university life or you’re in your final year, it’s best to start your search at least six months before you plan to move in. Once you find your student accommodation, book it so you have peace of mind that you’ve secured a place to live.

Don’t forget to factor in bills 

Check and double-check what costs are included in your chosen student accommodation. We recommend finding accommodation with bills included so you can factor these into your budget. 

Project Student’s dedicated student accommodation options all come with bills included, to help make budgeting a lot easier. 

If you have any more questions about when to book your accommodation Project Student is available to answer any questions you may have. Simply contact us via email or give us a call on +44 (0)333 050 0099.