When it comes to booking accommodation it is generally advisable to do it as early as you can especially if you are aiming for a country like the UK. This is because the demand for accommodation is quite high due to the large number of students planning to study in the universities of the UK.
The prices of rental accommodation soar quickly due to less supply as compared to the demand. So, if you are an international student planning to study in the UK and are not sure about the best time to book accommodation then this blog will help you greatly. Keep reading further to know more!
Table of contents
Best Time to Book an Accommodation in UK
Certain months are more favorable than others due to factors like university admission timelines, lease turnovers, and market demand. Knowing what is the best time to book an accommodation in UK depends largely on when and where you plan to move.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings nice weather and colorful scenery to the UK. It’s a great time to visit because it’s not too crowded, and prices are often lower.
- Fewer Crowds: Spring has fewer tourists than summer, so finding a place is easier.
- Events to Know: Easter holidays might make some areas busier.
- Booking Tip: Book 3-4 months early for cities like London or Oxford.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the busiest time in the UK, with warm weather and lots of tourists. You need to book early to get a good place to stay.
- High Demand: Popular spots like London and the Cotswolds fill up quickly.
- Higher Prices: Hotels and rentals cost more because so many people visit.
- Booking Tip: Book 6-8 months ahead, especially for events like the Edinburgh Festival.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is a calm time to visit, with cool weather and fewer tourists. You can often find good deals during this season.
- Cheaper Rates: Many places lower their prices after summer.
- More Options: You’ll have more choices, especially in areas like the Lake District.
- Booking Tip: Book 2-3 months early to get the best prices.
Winter (December to February)
Winter has festive events like Christmas markets, but it’s quieter outside the holidays. You can save money by booking smartly.
- Holiday Rush: December is busy with holiday events in places like London.
- Low Prices: January and February have some of the cheapest rates.
- Booking Tip: Book 4-6 months early for Christmas; 1-2 months is fine for January or February.
Why Timing Matters When Booking Accommodation in the UK?
The UK rental market, particularly in major cities, is highly competitive and seasonally sensitive. Booking at the wrong time can result in limited options, higher rents, and compromises on location or amenities. On the other hand, strategic timing ensures better deals and wider choices.
Key reasons why timing is crucial include:
- Delayed bookings may leave fewer options or lower-quality properties
- Peak seasons often lead to increased demand and inflated prices.
- Early bookings offer better availability and lower costs.
Also Read: Are you searching for one of the best accommodations abroad? Check our guide on how to find the Best Student Accommodation Abroad.
Best Time to Book an Accommodation According to Various Intakes
It is important to plan for booking accommodation as per the intake you are aiming for. The table below contains details related to the duration of intakes and the best time to book student housing in United Kingdom according to research:
| Intake | Duration | Best Time to Book Accommodation |
| September/Fall intake | September to December | May |
| January/Winter Intake | January to April | September |
| May/Spring Intake | May to August | January |
Also Read: Wondering about the student accommodation cost? Check out our blog – Cost of Student Accommodation!
How to Book Accommodation?
You need to be vigilant while booking accommodation and go through certain steps so that you can make the best decision. Mentioned below are the steps that you should follow to book an accommodation:
- Search and enquire – Search for the properties that are near your university and get the right inputs to identify accommodation options.
- Talk to an expert – Reach out to an experienced expert and get free recommendations that align with your liking.
- Make your choice – Make a final choice and pay a token amount to secure a place.
- Sign the lease agreement – Sign the lease and pay the non-refundable deposit to secure a place at the accommodation of your choice.
Also Read: Beware of Scammers! Our blog will help you to be cautious at the time of booking student accommodation – How to Identify Student Accommodation Scams?
Key Factors to Consider Before Booking
The best time to book is not just about months — it also depends on other critical factors such as location, property type, and length of stay. Consider the following before making a decision:
- City or Town: Major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh have tighter rental markets.
- Type of Accommodation: Private flats, shared houses, or studio apartments may vary in availability.
- Duration of Stay: Short-term leases are more flexible off-season, while long-term stays require early planning.
- Rental Budget: Prices are usually lower between October and February.
Tips for Finding the Best Accommodation
Timing is only one part of the equation. A strategic approach to searching and booking can also improve your chances of finding suitable housing at the right price. Here are the tips:
- Use trusted platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom for early searches.
- Set up alerts for specific areas and budget ranges.
- Always check tenancy agreements and included facilities.
- Avoid making payments without visiting or verifying the landlord or agency.
- Consider temporary accommodation if arriving during a high-demand month.
FAQs
The best time to book an accommodation in UK is between May and July, especially if you’re planning to move in September. This period offers a good balance between availability and pricing.
Some of the cities that offer cheap student accommodation in the UK are Sunderland, Dundee, Hull, Wolverhampton and Bradford.
Some of the safest areas to live in the UK are Surrey, The Orkney Islands, North Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Devan and Cornwall, etc.
Some of the factors to consider while selecting a student accommodation are – proximity to the university, safety, location, facilities, security deposit, terms and conditions in the contract, etc.
Mentioned below are some of the tips that you should follow to find a good accommodation:
– Select a good location
– Go through the reviews of the place you are considering
– Become familiar with the amenities offered
– Consider the price factor
– Think about the accommodation type which is suitable for you and is in your budget.
Fly Homes is the best website for student accommodation as it has a user-friendly interface. It provides comprehensive information and offers a lot of accommodation options from which students can choose according to their preferences.
August sees a spike in demand due to university admissions and relocation. While options may still be available, prices are usually higher and competition is intense, making it less ideal than earlier months.
September is typically the busiest month for the rental market in the UK. Availability is low, and prices are at their peak. Booking during this time often limits choices and increases costs.
October to February generally offers the lowest rental prices. Fewer people are moving during this period, which reduces demand and can lead to better deals and more negotiation power.
Yes, it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance, ideally before arriving in the UK. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you have a safe and confirmed place to stay upon arrival.
To summarise, what is the best time to book an accommodation in UK depends on your move-in date, city, and housing preferences. However, May to July is widely considered the most strategic period to begin your search, especially for autumn arrivals. Booking early not only offers peace of mind but also opens doors to better pricing and quality options. Avoid booking in September unless absolutely necessary, and explore off-season deals between October and March for more flexibility.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered information related to the best time to book accommodation for students planning to study in the UK. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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