Take this as your sign not to rush to rent...

First semester is all about settling into life in Halls but before you know it, you might hear that other students are signing housing contracts for next year. Naturally you might feel like you should be doing the same but rest assured that there is so much housing in Liverpool that there is no rush to rent.

The search for next year's housing might feel a little daunting at this stage and understandably so. After all, you've not long moved into halls! Rest assured that there's no need to sign up a tenancy agreement this early on in the year. There are risks associated with signing up to a housing contract early and it's recommended that you take your time to get to know other people you might live with.

Rest assured that there's plenty of support from private accommodation accreditation scheme Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) to make sure you only sign up to approved, accredited landlords at a time that works best for you. 

Don't believe the rumours that accommodation is 'running out'

You might hear rumours that accommodation is running out and there will be none left if you leave it any later. Don't be pressured into securing accommodation too early, these rumours are not true.

Liverpool is home to lots of student accommodation so there is no need to worry about not having options. In fact, in previous years, Liverpool Student Homes have advertised 19,322 bed spaces and 6,208 houses and flats for students to choose from showing just how much accommodation is out there.

Securing your accommodation before Christmas is not something you need to feel pressured into. There will be plenty of accommodation available after the winter break so you can relax for now and research your options.

LSH will release accredited properties for 2025/26 on their website from 2nd December onwards, giving you plenty of time to consider your options.

The risk of signing up to a property too early

The earlier you sign for your accommodation, the more chance you have of experiencing problems. For example, you might find that you are not as close with your soon-to-be roomies but have a signed agreement that you can’t cancel. Take the time to get to know your friends and really think about the people you'd like to live with. 

Also, rent levels can sometimes be higher the earlier you look - be sure to do your research and of the area and the average rent costs. To give you an idea, on average you'd be looking at around £121 per person, per week in the likes of Smithdown Road.

Wherever you are up to in your housing search, it's important to remind yourself that everyone's journey in finding housing is different and starts at different times. The right time to sign up for a housing contract is when you feel ready and prepared.

What are your housing options for next year?

Next year you could choose to live in privately owned accommodation whether it be a shared house or a flat.

Don't forget that University of Liverpool has Halls for returning undergraduates which means that you could live with us again next year. Find out more here or get in touch with the Accommodation Team accommodation@liverpool.ac.uk. You can chat to our Accommodation Team about University Halls in the upcoming Halls Community Fair on 4th November!

Why find housing through Liverpool Student Homes

Securing your accommodation through Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) gives you the reassurance that you're signing up to a contract with an accredited accommodation provider. LSH will be able to support you should any issues come up with your tenancy.

Landlords who advertise their properties through Liverpool Student Homes must sign up to LSH's standards which offer you a high degree of protection and a complaints procedure in case anything goes wrong.

Using the simple search tool on Liverpool Student Homes' website, you can search for the right home for you in seconds. Liverpool Student Homes will release their properties for 2025/26 on 2nd December but you can check out the website in the meantime to familiarise yourself!

What next?

Join the Halls Community Fair on Monday 4th November where Liverpool Student Homes will be offering Housing Talks, answering your questions and will be giving advice on all things housing! Don't miss out, find out more about the Halls Community Fair here.

Later in November, Liverpool Student Homes will also run a Housing Fair. If you're feeling ready to start researching your accommodation options for next year, you can pop along to chat with providers and grab some freebies. You can take your time to have a look and there is no obligation or pressure to sign up for any tenancies. Stay tuned for details.