When Should My Child Book Student Housing? | Key Dates Every Parent Should Know

Key Dates Every Parent Should Know

For many parents, helping your child prepare for university means thinking about everything from budgeting to bedding — but one of the most important (and time-sensitive) parts of the journey is often misunderstood:

When should you book student accommodation?

At Student Housing, we speak to parents every year who are surprised to learn that student lettings don’t follow the same rhythm as standard rental markets. By the time Easter rolls around, many of the most popular houses have already been snapped up. So if you’re asking whether it’s too early to look in October or November — the answer is: this is exactly the right time to act.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the student lettings cycle, explain why early booking matters, and reassure you if you’re running behind. Whether your child is attending the University of Lincoln, Nottingham Trent, University of Nottingham, or University of Hull, this guide will give you the confidence to support them through the process.

🏁 When Does Student Housing Go Live?

Most student letting agents — including us — begin advertising properties for the next academic year in October. Yes, that early! This means that in October 2025, we begin listing student houses that will be available for move-in September 2026.

By November, viewings are in full swing. Students who want specific locations (like Lenton in Nottingham or the West End in Lincoln), houses for groups of 4+, or properties close to campus are already shortlisting and signing contracts. These early birds get the best options, avoid the mid-year panic, and secure a place they’re excited to call home.

🎯 Why Book Early?

Booking student accommodation early isn’t just about getting it done. It’s about choice, peace of mind, and better quality.

Here’s why it pays to be proactive:

• Best Locations Go First: The most sought-after student areas — like Lenton, Radford, West End, and Newland — tend to go before Christmas.

• Larger Houses Let Early: 4–6 bed houses are in high demand and usually go fastest. If your child has a friendship group, they’ll need to act early to secure something together.

• Avoids Stress Around Exams: By January, students are thinking about assignments and revision. Booking accommodation early means one less thing to worry about.

• More Time to Plan Finances: Knowing rent costs and terms in advance helps parents plan around budgeting, guarantor documents, and student finance.

📆 What Happens If We Wait?

While it’s never too late to find accommodation, the longer you wait, the more limited the options become. By March, many of the best-located houses and group-size properties are gone. By June–August, the focus shifts to solo rooms, studios, and last-minute moves — still good quality, but not necessarily your child’s first choice.

We also see a lot of students scrambling to find replacements if plans with friends fall through. The more time they have, the easier it is to adapt — and our team is here to help at every stage.

🗣️ Common Questions from Parents

“My child is only in first year – do they need to think about this now?”

Yes! First-year students moving into halls often start planning their second-year housing in Term 1. It may seem early, but that’s the rhythm of the market.

“What if my child changes course or university?”

We understand that plans can change. Many of our properties offer flexibility, and we can advise on options like tenancy takeovers or relets if needed.

“Will we need to act as guarantors?”

Most student tenancies do require a guarantor. We’ve made this process simple and transparent — you can read more and complete your form here:

👉 Deed of Guarantee – Student Housing

You can also visit our full Parents Guide for answers to other frequently asked questions.

🔍 How to Start House-Hunting Early

If your child is ready to begin looking, or even if they’re just getting their bearings, now is the perfect time to start:

1. Browse Available Properties

   Use our website to explore homes in:

   • Lincoln

   • Nottingham

   • Hull

2. Book Viewings Online

   Students can book in-person or virtual viewings straight from the listing page.

3. Ask Questions Early

   Whether it’s about rent schedules, bills included, or contract lengths — our team is always happy to explain everything in plain English.

4. Encourage Them to Act With Their Friends

   Group chats are a great place to get the ball rolling — we even offer tips for helping students organise their housemates and budgets.

✨ Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Book is Sooner Than You Think

If there’s one piece of advice we give parents every year, it’s this: don’t wait until Spring to start looking. October and November are when the best properties are available, and securing accommodation early gives your child the best chance of living somewhere they love — close to campus, with friends, and without added stress.

And if you’re running a little late? Don’t panic. Student Housing always has homes available throughout the year, and we’re experts at finding the right fit, even at the last minute.

Need Help?

Still unsure where to start? Visit our Parent FAQ or speak directly to our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way — because housing your child isn’t just a contract, it’s peace of mind.