🕐 The 2026–27 Timeline: When Do Students Actually Book Their Accommodation in Lincoln?

Missed the best houses for 2025–26? Let’s not do that again.

If you’re studying at the University of Lincoln or Bishop Grosseteste, here’s the hard truth: the best student houses for 2025–26 were snapped up before Christmas.

Every year, the same pattern plays out. Some students get ahead and lock in amazing homes in October. The rest? They’re left panic-booking whatever’s left by the summer.

That’s why now — yes, even before the new academic year starts — is the time to start thinking about 2026–27 accommodation.

📊 What the data tells us about Lincoln’s student letting cycle

At Student Housing, we’ve tracked five years of booking trends, and the story’s clear:

• 68% of students book between 1st October and 10th December.

• Another 11% book in January — mostly those catching up or reshuffling house groups.

• The rest wait until July to September, when choice is limited and the market is competitive.

By the time Easter rolls around, most of the best properties — especially ensuite rooms, big social houses, and prime West End locations — are already gone.

🔓 Priority access opens October 2025 for 2026–27 lets

Here’s how our cycle works:

• 1st to 21st October 2025: Existing tenants get exclusive early access to renew their homes for 2026–27.

• 21st October 2025: All properties go live to the public on our website.

• October to December: Peak booking period — this is when the majority of students secure their place.

• January 2026 onwards: You’re already late.

If you want your pick of the best houses — or just to avoid moving entirely — you need to act in October.

🎯 Why booking early really matters

Booking early isn’t just about getting organised. It’s the only way to secure:

• Houses in the West End or near campus

• Modern kitchens, ensuites, and top-rated properties

• Accommodation for full house groups

• All-inclusive rents (no faffing with bills or splitting costs)

Leave it late, and you could be choosing between small rooms, long walks, or housemates you found on a dodgy Facebook group.

⚠️ Don’t repeat this year’s mistakes

We see it every year. Students who waited until after January ended up with:

• Limited choice

• Higher prices

• Way more stress than they needed

And every year, they say the same thing: “Next time, I’m sorting this in October.”

✅ Get ahead now for 2026–27

Even if you’re only just moving into your 2025–26 house, now’s the time to start planning for next year. Here’s how to stay ahead of the crowd:

• ✅ Start thinking about who you want to live with

• ✅ Follow us on Instagram for updates and property drops

• ✅ Join our email list to get priority alerts

• ✅ If you’re staying with us — don’t miss your renewal window in October

🏡 Final word

The 2026–27 student lettings cycle kicks off in October 2025 — and if you want the best of what Lincoln has to offer, that’s when you need to move.

Smart students plan early. The best houses go early. And the stress-free ones? They renew before anyone else even starts looking.

👉 Join our early access list or speak to our team to get ahead of the rush.