When Should You Book Student Accommodation? The Complete Timeline

Timing matters more than you think.

Book too early and you might commit before knowing your final university choice. Book too late and you're scrambling for whatever's left.

Here's exactly when to do what.

The Quick Answer

For September 2026 start:

Now let's break this down properly.

Month-by-Month Timeline

October-November (Year Before)

Who should be looking: Returning students (2nd/3rd years)

This is when current students start forming groups and house hunting. If you're in first year and want to live with friends next year, start talking now.

What to do:

• Form your group (4-6 people is ideal for house shares)
• Start browsing Rightmove, SpareRoom, and local agents
• Research areas you want to live in

December-January

Who should be looking: International students, early planners

PBSA providers open bookings for next September. This is the best time for international students who need to secure accommodation from abroad.

What to do:

• Research PBSA options in your city
• Start booking viewings (virtual for international students)
• Compare prices - early bookers often get discounts

February-March

Who should be looking: Everyone

This is peak booking season. The best properties go now.

What to do:

• Book your accommodation
• Pay your deposit
• Sort guarantor if needed (allow 2-3 weeks for this)

April-May

Who should be looking: Postgrads, late deciders

Still decent options but the best value is gone. You're now choosing from what's left, not what's best.

What to do:

• Accept that you might pay slightly more
• Consider areas you initially ruled out
• Book something rather than waiting

June-July

Who should be looking: People with Clearing places, anyone left

Slim pickings. You're competing for remaining rooms.

What to do:

• Check for cancellations
• Be flexible on location and room type
• Consider short-term let + find permanent place once you arrive

August-September

Who should be looking: Emergency bookings only

This is last resort territory. Some rooms open up from cancellations but it's stressful.

What to do:

• Check uni emergency accommodation
• Contact PBSA providers about cancellations
• Consider temporary accommodation while you search

First Year vs Returning Student

The timing is different:

First Years

If you have a firm offer: You can book accommodation from January/February. Most PBSA providers accept bookings with just your offer letter.

If you're waiting for results: You have two options:

1. Book with a provider that offers refunds if you don't get your place (many do)
2. Wait until results day (August) and book fast

University halls: These have their own timeline - usually open after you firmly accept your offer. Check your university's specific deadlines.

Returning Students

You're competing with other students who know the market. Start early:

• October: Form groups, start looking
• November-December: View houses, make shortlist
• January-February: Sign contract, pay deposit

The best houses go before Christmas. Don't wait until the new year.

What Happens If You Book Late?

Real talk about leaving it late:

April-May (slightly late):

• Still good options but fewer choices
• May pay 5-10% more than early bookers
• Less negotiating power

June-July (late):

• Limited choice - you're taking what's left
• May have to compromise on location or room type
• Premium prices on remaining rooms

August-September (very late):

• Genuinely stressful
• May have to start term in temporary accommodation
• Universities usually have emergency provisions

My advice: Being a week early is always better than a day late.

Special Situations

Clearing Students

Got your place through Clearing in August? Don't panic.

1. Check university emergency accommodation immediately
2. Call PBSA providers - they often hold rooms for Clearing
3. Consider a short-term let while you find something permanent
4. Your university's accommodation office is your friend

Visa Delays (International Students)

Book your accommodation early even without your visa. Most providers will:

• Accept your CAS letter as proof of study
• Offer refunds if your visa is rejected
• Hold rooms for reasonable delays

Get it in writing about their cancellation policy.

Gap Year Students

If you're deferring:

• You can book accommodation for the deferred year
• Contact providers to confirm they accept deferred bookings
• Some universities let you apply for halls during your gap year

How to Book Once You're Ready

The actual booking process:

1. Choose your property - Use our search to compare options
2. Check availability - Contact provider or book online
3. Pay deposit - Usually 1 week's rent (refundable if deposit-protected)
4. Sign contract - Read it carefully, especially cancellation terms
5. Set up payment - Monthly standing order or semester payments

The whole process takes 1-2 weeks including paperwork.

Key Dates Summary

For September 2026 move-in:

Start your search now →

Timeline based on typical UK booking patterns. Some cities (London, Edinburgh, Bristol) book out faster than others.