What Happens to Student Housing Over the Summer?

As the academic year draws to a close, thousands of students across the United Kingdom begin the annual ritual of packing up and returning home for the summer. 

For many first-year and international students, this might be the first time they’ve experienced the mass departure that transforms once-bustling university towns into quieter, slower-paced places. But what happens to all the student accommodation left behind?

From empty halls of residence to privately rented houses and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), summer creates a distinct lull in occupancy. While some rooms remain untouched until September, others enter a new cycle – hosting short-lets, sublets, summer school students, or even tourists.

Subletting and Short-Term Rentals: An Opportunity and a Risk

For students in privately rented accommodation with 12-month contracts, the summer period can seem financially frustrating, especially if they’ve gone home and aren’t using the space. This has led to a growing trend of subletting – renting out your room for the summer to cover costs.

Subletting can be a win-win: it provides temporary accommodation for interns, language school students, or tourists, while helping the original tenant recoup some rent. However, it’s essential to tread carefully. Most tenancy agreements explicitly prohibit subletting without the landlord’s permission. 

Doing so without consent could breach the terms of your lease, lead to fines, or even eviction. For those considering this route, always check your agreement and get written permission.

Landlords themselves, particularly those managing PBSA blocks, often take control of this process by offering short-term lets directly. These can include summer schools, postgraduate pre-sessional courses, or conference attendees. 

The rooms may be rented on a nightly or weekly basis, often with flexible terms and all bills included.

Summer Safety: Empty Properties Can Be Vulnerable

Another factor that comes into play over summer is property security. 

Vacant student homes, particularly in areas with high concentrations of student lets, can become easy targets for burglaries or vandalism. Students returning home often leave valuable items behind, under the assumption that their accommodation is safe.

Landlords and property managers typically ramp up security during this period by encouraging students to take valuables home, locking windows and doors, and in some cases, installing temporary surveillance. 

It’s also advisable for students to inform neighbours or letting agents if the property will be unoccupied, so any suspicious activity can be flagged quickly.

For those staying in their student home during the summer – perhaps for work placements, part-time jobs, or travel convenience – it can actually be a quieter and more peaceful time. With fewer flatmates around and reduced noise, summer can be an ideal time to focus on personal projects, applications, or simply enjoy the city without the usual crowds.

International Students: Staying Put or Heading Home?

International students often face a different set of circumstances over the summer. While some fly home to spend time with family, others may stay due to visa restrictions, work placements, or the high cost of international travel.

Some universities offer summer accommodation options either in halls or nearby short-term housing, often with flexible contract dates and competitive pricing. 

For international students in private accommodation, communicating with landlords early on can open the door to options such as a rent reduction for the summer or arranging a sublet with the landlord’s help.

Additionally, summer presents an opportunity for international students to explore the UK more freely. From internships and volunteering to travel and academic courses, staying over the summer can be both enriching and practical.

First-Year Students: What to Expect and Plan Ahead

First-year students living in university halls often have fixed-term contracts that end at the close of the academic year, typically in June or July. Once the term ends, they’re expected to move out – readying the room for summer programmes or maintenance work.

If you’re heading into your first year, it’s worth understanding that most student halls do not permit storing items over the summer. 

Students are often required to fully vacate their rooms, which means arranging transport or temporary storage for belongings. Many local storage companies cater to students during this time with collection and delivery services.

Planning ahead can save time and stress. If you know you’ll be returning to the same city for a second year, securing your next accommodation before summer can ease the transition and offer peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: A Time of Transition and Opportunity

Summer is a season of transition for student housing. While some properties fall silent, others take on a new life – hosting summer scholars, interns, or even curious tourists. 

For students, understanding what happens to their accommodation during this time can help with financial planning, logistics, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re leaving your room behind or staying put, the key to navigating student housing over the summer is communication – be it with landlords, letting agents, or your university. 

By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make the most of this quieter season, whether you’re using it for rest, work, or exploration.