Book too late and you're choosing from whatever is left, usually the most expensive rooms or the ones furthest from campus. Book too early and you may commit before your offer or visa is certain. Here's how to get the timing right.
The short answer
- High-demand cities (London, Dublin, Amsterdam, New York): book 4–6 months before your course starts.
- Most other student cities: 2–3 months is usually enough.
- Starting in January or February: begin looking in September or October, as soon as you have your offer.
For a September start in London, that means looking from February or March, and reserving by May for the widest choice.
Why the best rooms go first
Student residences open bookings for the next academic year many months ahead, and popular buildings fill steadily from then on. The rooms that go first are always the same: the best-value rooms in each building, the ones closest to popular universities, and en-suites, which offer most of a studio's privacy for less money. By the summer, what's left tends to be premium studios or rooms on contract lengths that may not suit your course.
Your booking timeline
- As soon as you have an offer (conditional is fine): shortlist cities and areas, and work out your weekly budget.
- 4–6 months before your start date: compare properties, check cancellation terms, and reserve. Many properties let you reserve before your visa is approved.
- After your visa is approved: sign the contract and pay the deposit or first instalment, if you haven't already.
- 6–8 weeks before you fly: confirm your move-in date and check-in hours with the property, and book your airport pickup.
- 2 weeks before you fly: save your booking confirmation, the property's address and their contact number offline.
Should you wait for your visa?
You don't have to. Many student residences offer flexible cancellation if your visa is refused or you don't get your university place, which means you can reserve early without losing your money if plans fall through. The terms differ by property, so read them before you book. Our guide to what happens if your visa is refused explains what to look for.
What to have ready
- Your university offer letter (conditional or unconditional)
- Your passport
- Your course start and end dates, to pick the right contract length
- A weekly budget, including whether you need bills included
- A guarantor, or money to pay some rent upfront if you don't have one in that country
Booking late?
If your course starts in a few weeks, don't panic. Rooms free up all year as plans change. Be flexible on area and room type, look at properties a little further from campus with good transport links, and move quickly when something fits: late rooms rarely stay available for long.
Let us do the searching
Send us your university, move-in month and budget, and a GoDorm housing expert will shortlist verified rooms that are still available. Start your booking enquiry, or browse student accommodation by city.