Keeping fit is something we all need to prioritise and while heading off to uni may not be a time when your health is your number one priority, a good fitness regime can...
Beginning the search for your new home away from home can be very exciting, giving you a newfound sense of freedom, with a brand-new set of people. There’s plenty to consider prior to signing the paperwork, and the first thing to consider when thinking about student accommodation is when to start looking.
Keep reading to find out when to start looking for student accommodation and ensure you don’t miss out on some of the best options on the market.
When first year students should start looking for student accommodation
As prospective first year university students, it can be difficult knowing the right time to start looking at halls of residence. At such a young age, the first big step into the ‘real world’ can feel daunting, and no doubt, it can be easy to push the thought of moving away from home out of your mind until the very last minute. But choosing the right student accommodation plays a key role on your overall university experience, meaning that it is often best to look earlier than later. But how early should you really be looking?
Search early
As student accommodation tends to be on a first-come-first-served basis, it’s important that you have a good idea of where you would like to live ahead of time so that you can get your application in as quickly as you can. It’s wise to begin the hunt ahead of a-level results, even whilst there may be a degree of uncertainty, so that you have first dibs when it comes to choosing your halls.
How to choose your university halls
With so many accommodation options available, how do you decide on the most suitable student accommodation for you? We recommend listing your options ranked in order of importance, asking yourself questions such as:
- How safe is it?
- What on-site facilities are there?
- Are the student halls in walking distance of the university and nightlife?
- Are there good transport links nearby?
Take a look at 6 more important considerations when choosing your uni halls of residence.
Look into your student loan
A student loan can vary significantly depending on your household income, so before confirming your accommodation, it is good practice to investigate how much student loan you will receive, as this may influence your budget. You can work out roughly how much student finance you will be allocated by using a student finance calculator to estimate student loans and any additional funding you may be entitled to.
What about returning students?
As a 2nd or 3rd year student, it is likely you may also be looking for a place to live for the next academic year and knowing the right time to start the search can be equally as difficult. Here’s some considerations when thinking about returning student accommodation.
Look early
Once again, we recommend looking early in order to get ahead of the game and secure your perfect accommodation before it’s too late. Unlike in first year, there are more options to consider as a returning student, so not only should you give yourself time to assess the best solution for you, but also ensure you aren’t left with somewhere you aren’t happy. Therefore, aim to look as early as possible in the new academic year. There’s no need to wait for results!
Find the right people
As a returning student, there are several considerations to make prior to choosing your accommodation, including who you want to live with. The people you live with can really impact your time at university, so choose wisely. It is sensible to wait until you find the right people to live with before you start looking, as this can impact budgets, location and the number of bedrooms you need.
So early in the year, house hunting can be daunting, particularly when you haven’t yet built up a strong friendship group. Fortunately, you aren’t just limited to private housing. With plenty of alternative accommodation solutions available, you may prefer to live somewhere with more of a community feel, where you can meet new people day to day and create strong friendships, such as private halls.
Explore the do's and don’ts when choosing second year accommodation, and ensure you find the most suitable space to call home.
The best months to look for returning student accommodation
Every month spent not looking for accommodation could have a significant impact on where you end up. Ensure you find a space where you feel safe, in close proximity to uni and nightlife and with the people you want to live with, by considering the best months to start looking.
October
Prioritise looking for your 2nd or 3rd year accommodation as early as October to get early access to the best student properties on the market. Whilst it may seem very early as you’re only just beginning the academic year, it is a good idea to begin talking to your peers and getting an idea of who you want to live with, as this alone can be time consuming!
November
November is a great time to book accommodation as by this point you are likely to have gotten to know your peers, the type of accommodation you want, and you can take advantage of early booking benefits. There are multiple financial advantages of booking early, including discounted rates (prices tend to go up over the year) and group booking deals.
January
Whilst we’d advise booking your student housing pre-Christmas, January can also be a good time to look. As you return from the holidays, house hunting can not only be enjoyable and a good way to fill your time before exam season, but you’ve also had time to think seriously for a few weeks and come back with a fresh headspace. At this time of the year, there should still be plenty of good properties on the market, but it’s wise to start looking as soon as you can now that you’re in the new year.
Find student accommodation in Bournemouth
Have you considered private halls in Bournemouth? Lulworth Student Company provides accommodation of the highest quality, at a great price. In an excellent location just a short walk away from the city centre, beach and campus, Lulworth has everything you need to maximise your university experience. Whether you’re on the hunt for a studio apartment or student flat, book your room now and don’t miss out on all Lulworth has to offer.
