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The Summer Shuffle: A Student’s Guide to UK Summer Accommodation

This article is also available in [Burmese]

The academic year is ending. You’re happy that exams and submissions are over, but then, an unexpected dark cloud appears over the heads of most students. It’s the question: “Where am I going to live this summer?”

While you can’t be certain how things will work out, planning can save you from unnecessary stress and high costs. This guide will share, from my own experience, the nature of student accommodation contracts, the options you have, and how to get through this period successfully.

Part 1: 38 Weeks vs. 52 Weeks - Understanding Your Contract

Student accommodation contracts primarily come in two types:

38-Week Contract (Academic Year): This covers only the academic year (mid-September to mid-June) and does not include the summer holidays.
52-Week Contract (Full Year): This covers the entire year, allowing you to stay through the summer.

The “Summer Gap” Problem

If you have a 38-week contract and your new accommodation for the next academic year only begins in mid-September, you will face a “gap” of about three months where you have nowhere to live. Even students on a 52-week contract can face a gap of a few weeks if their current contract ends in late August and the new one doesn’t start until mid-September.

To solve this “Summer Gap,” you have three main options.

Part 2: Your Three Main Options

Option A: The Contract Takeover

This is where you officially take over the remaining summer months of a 52-week contract from a student who is going back to their home country or moving out early.

Pros:
- You don’t need a guarantor and can continue paying in instalments.
- You can ask the previous tenant for details about the room.
- You pay the original price without any extra fees.
Cons:
- You have to find these opportunities yourself on university Facebook groups or notice boards.
- There’s a risk of scams if the transfer is not done officially through the university’s administration. Never transfer money directly to another student.

Option B: The University Summer Stay

This is the safest and most reliable option. The university itself offers a limited number of rooms in certain halls specifically for students who need to stay over the summer.

How to Apply: This is highly competitive. The booking link usually opens around the end of the second term. To ensure you get a spot, you should email the sales enquiry address of the hall you’re interested in well in advance to find out the exact date the link will go live, and then be ready to register the moment it opens.
Halls That Offered Summer Stays in My Experience: Cheney Student Village, Clive Booth Student Village (Old & New).

Option C: The Private Sector

Private accommodation providers like iQ, Unite Students, and Student Roost may also offer summer stay options.

Pros: The rooms are often newer, more modern, and have better facilities. You get to experience a new living environment.
Cons:
- They often require you to pay for the entire three-month period upfront.
- It can be not easy to secure a room without a UK guarantor.
- The application process is generally more complicated and takes longer than with university halls.

Part 3: The Big Move

Once you’ve secured your new accommodation, the next step is to move your belongings.

Declutter First: Throw away things you don’t need. Don’t carry unnecessary baggage with you.
DIY: If your new place is within walking distance, you can move your things yourself with the help of friends.
Taxi XL / Uber XL: If you have a bit more stuff, you can book a larger taxi to transport your luggage.
Man and a Van: This is the most efficient method. They will pack all your belongings into boxes and move them directly into your new room. Depending on the number of boxes, this can cost between £50 and £150.

Advanced Methods (For Second Years & Beyond)

This guide is primarily for new students moving for the first time. As you get more settled in the UK in your second and third years, you will discover cheaper and more accessible methods.

For example, if you have a UK driving licence and are over 25, renting a van for a few hours from a car-sharing service like Zipcar can be much cheaper than hiring a “Man and a Van.” If you have a lot of friends willing to help, thanking them with a pizza is the most fun and cost-effective way to move.

However, be cautious of some moving companies that may try to take advantage of students’ inexperience by overcharging. Always check Google reviews and compare a few quotes before making a decision.

Part 4: The Summer Blueprint - More Than Just a Room

The summer break isn’t just for resting; it’s the best opportunity to upgrade yourself.

Work More: You are allowed to work full-time (40 hours/week) during the holidays. This is a great time to save money for the next academic year.
Volunteer and Travel: This is the best time to gain new experiences and meet new people.
Prepare for Next Year: You can often register for your next year’s modules during this time.
Focus on Personal Projects: For me, this is the time to shoot videos and plan hiking or camping trips. It’s a time when you can fully dedicate yourself to your passions.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Process

The most important thing is to enjoy the entire process. The summer is not a problem to be solved; it’s an opportunity for freedom and growth.

I also started from a place of knowing nothing and having no one to ask, and it was through this process of searching and discovering that I figured out my path for the summer.

PS: Before you sign any accommodation contract, make sure to read the Terms and Conditions, especially the Cancellation Policy, very carefully. It’s incredibly important.