The Iglu Guide | Blog
The best time to renew or re-sign your student accommodation contract
When you’re living in student accommodation, timing really does matter — especially when it comes to renewing or re-signing your contract. Sign too late, and you could find yourself stuck with higher rates, limited room options, or a location that’s not your first choice. Sign at the right time, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your living situation is sorted well before the next semester or year begins.
Too often, students wait until the last minute, assuming they’ll still get the room they want — only to discover that the most popular properties or layouts are already full. This article will guide you through the best time to renew, the factors you should consider, and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
Why timing matters
Re-signing your student accommodation early comes with some big advantages:
- Secure your preferred room or location – Whether it’s the quietest floor, the sunny side of the building, or the apartment with the better layout, popular spots get snapped up first.
- Lock in your current rate – Accommodation prices often rise from year to year. By renewing early, you can sometimes secure your a loyalty rate and avoid paying more next semester.
- Avoid last-minute stress – University life can be busy enough without scrambling to find a place to live a few weeks before classes start.
- Stay with friends or roommates – If you’re sharing with friends, renewing together ensures you keep your current set-up.
In major student cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, prime accommodation can be fully booked months in advance, especially in properties close to campus. Waiting too long can mean your only options are further away, more expensive, or less suited to your lifestyle.
When is the best time to re-sign?
3-6 months in advance
This is the safest choice if:
- You live in a high-demand property or city
- You already know you’ll be staying put next semester or year. By committing early, you’ll get first pick of rooms and usually have the widest choice of contract lengths.
1-3 months in advance
Renewals are still possible here, but the selection is often more limited. This can work for:
- Short stays or gap-semester plans
- Transitional periods (e.g., if you’re moving campuses soon). Just be aware that the closer you get to your move-in date, the fewer choices you’ll have.
Right now (if early bird or loyalty rates are offered)
Some accommodation providers reward early commitment with loyalty pricing, room priority, or other perks. If you’re offered these benefits, it’s worth locking them in while you can — they’re designed to save you money and guarantee your preferred space.
What to consider before renewing
Before you commit, take a moment to check:
- Study plans – Are you going on exchange, starting an internship, or graduating?
- Budget – Can you comfortably afford the rates for another semester or year?
- Location – Will your classes, job, or social life still be in the same area?
- Contract length – Some students prefer 6-month contracts for flexibility, others lock in for 12 months to avoid mid-year moves and rate rises.
- Perks and policies – Have any building amenities, services, or house rules changed since you first signed?
How to prepare for renewal
To make the process stress-free, create a quick checklist:
- Confirm your study and travel plans.
- If you’re in a share apartment, speak with your roommates to coordinate.
- Compare pricing for similar rooms or properties.
- Ask about re-sign incentives like loyalty rates or early bird discounts.
- Set a reminder for when renewals open so you can act fast.
FAQs about re-signing student accommodation
A. Most providers have cancellation policies — check the terms before committing.
A. Many providers allow you to transfer if there’s availability, though fees may apply.
A. You’ll likely need to book a new contract, which may mean higher rates and fewer room choices
Final tips and takeaways
When it comes to student accommodation, timing your renewal is one of the simplest ways to protect both your budget and your peace of mind. The earlier you commit, the more control you’ll have over where you live, what you pay, and who you share your space with.
