When Should I Start Looking for a Student House for the Next Academic Year?
August 28, 2024

One of the big questions we get asked is “when should I look for student accommodation?”.
There is no “right” time to start looking for student accommodation, however there are pivotal months of the year where it is the best period to secure your property. October, November and December in Swansea is the 'peak' of the letting season for the next academic year, our advice is to look during this period. By January, usually more than 50% of the properties available for the next Academic Year in Swansea have sold, therefore there is reduced choice to choose from.
- October: This may sound early - after all, most students only just started their course in September, but it’s a good idea to start putting the feelers out and discussing with potential flat/house mates what their plans are for the next academic year. Talking to other first or second year students can really help set the ball rolling and impact your decisions on what type of accommodation you are looking for. We start letting on October 1st eveey year! So if you’re looking to secure your house or flat early, October is the perfect time for you!
- January: After the hype of Christmas it’s nice to get your house sorted. By this time of the academic year, hopefully you have a good idea of the type of accommodation you’re looking for and who you want to live with. If you’re still trying to figure this out, January is the best month to try and finalise these points. At this stage there should still be plenty of housing options for you to choose from, and hopefully there’s enough students in the same boat as you, so finding people to live with (that you know and like) should still be relatively easy.
- March onwards: In Swansea by March and onwards can be viewed as “late” in terms of your search. Some providers may already be sold out of the majority of rooms, but will still have a few options for you to choose from up until May. The longer you leave it after May, the less options you’re likely to be left with.
There is no “right” time to start looking for student accommodation, however there are pivotal months of the year where it is the best period to secure your property. October, November and December in Swansea is the 'peak' of the letting season for the next academic year, our advice is to look during this period. By January, usually more than 50% of the properties available for the next Academic Year in Swansea have sold, therefore there is reduced choice to choose from.
- October: This may sound early - after all, most students only just started their course in September, but it’s a good idea to start putting the feelers out and discussing with potential flat/house mates what their plans are for the next academic year. Talking to other first or second year students can really help set the ball rolling and impact your decisions on what type of accommodation you are looking for. We start letting on October 1st eveey year! So if you’re looking to secure your house or flat early, October is the perfect time for you!
- January: After the hype of Christmas it’s nice to get your house sorted. By this time of the academic year, hopefully you have a good idea of the type of accommodation you’re looking for and who you want to live with. If you’re still trying to figure this out, January is the best month to try and finalise these points. At this stage there should still be plenty of housing options for you to choose from, and hopefully there’s enough students in the same boat as you, so finding people to live with (that you know and like) should still be relatively easy.
- March onwards: In Swansea by March and onwards can be viewed as “late” in terms of your search. Some providers may already be sold out of the majority of rooms, but will still have a few options for you to choose from up until May. The longer you leave it after May, the less options you’re likely to be left with.

By Oliver Wright
•
March 12, 2026
We've been looking for ways to make renting more accessible for students without a guarantor. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Housing Hand, a trusted guarantor service that helps tenants secure accommodation even if they don’t have a UK-based guarantor.

March 8, 2026
Getting around Swansea as a student can feel like a challenge at first, but honestly, it’s way easier than it seems. Whether you live in halls, a flat, or at home, there are plenty of options to get you from lectures to the city centre, the beach, or a night out with mates. Buses Buses are the lifeline for most students. First Cymru runs the majority of routes, and if you’re a student, it’s worth checking if you can get a discount on weekly or monthly passes. Routes like the 4, 5, and 6 go through all the main areas, from Uplands and Mount Pleasant to the city centre and Swansea University campus. Make sure you download the First Cymru app real-time updates are a lifesaver, especially when it’s raining (which, let’s be honest, is often). Trains If you’re planning a day trip or heading home for the weekend, Swansea train station is your friend. Direct services run to Cardiff, Bristol, and even London. For students, booking in advance usually saves a bundle. It’s a comfy option compared to a long bus ride, especially if you’ve got coursework to catch up on. Cycling and Walking Swansea is actually pretty cycle-friendly. If you live near the university, walking or cycling can be quicker than waiting for a bus. There are cycle racks all over campus and in the city centre. Plus, it’s free exercise and a nice way to clear your head between lectures. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Sometimes you just need a lift home after a late night. Local taxi firms like ABC Taxis and Uber operate in the city. They’re more expensive than buses, obviously, but perfect if you’re running late or heading somewhere buses don’t go. Tip for Students: Invest in a student bus pass if you’re relying on public transport a lot, as it’s cheaper than paying per ride, and you won’t have to stress about exact change.


