Starting college in January: how to find a room mid-year
Starting college or a new job in January? Why rooms come free in December, where to look, and how to get through the first weeks if you can't find something long-term straight away.
- Student accommodation near your college
- Monday–Friday digs
- Short-term rooms
- How to spot a rental scam
- Citizens Information – renting a home
- RTB – students: tenancy or licence
Why January is easier than September
In September everyone is looking at once. In December and January, rooms come free as students finish a semester, people move for new jobs and Erasmus students go home. Fewer people are searching, so you have more choice and more time to view.
The catch: the rooms come up a few at a time. Start looking in November, set up alerts, and be ready to view at short notice.
Where to look
House shares: rooms left by people who moved out at Christmas. Ask the people leaving if their landlord is looking for someone; some post their own room for the next person.
Digs: many homeowners take a student from January, Monday to Friday or for the week. It's often the cheapest option and the owner lives there. Our guide "Living in digs" explains what to agree.
College residences: some have places from January when first-semester students leave. Ask your college accommodation office early; they also keep lists of local digs.
If you can't find something long-term straight away
Book a short-term room for your first two to four weeks, then look for a long-term room once you're there and can view in person. It's safer than paying for a room you haven't seen.
Never pay a deposit for a room you haven't viewed, however urgent it feels in January. Scams aimed at students moving mid-year are common: our scam guide lists the signs.
Before you sign
Agree the start date, the end date (the end of the academic year, or open-ended), the rent, the deposit, what's included and how much notice each side gives, in writing.
Check whether you're a tenant or a licensee: it decides which rules protect you. Our guide "Licensee or tenant?" explains the difference.
Common questions
When should I start looking for a room for January?
From November. Rooms free up through December as people move out, so set up alerts and check every few days.
Is it harder to find a room in January?
Usually easier than September: fewer people are looking. But rooms come up a few at a time, so be ready to view quickly.
Can I get a room just until the summer?
Yes. Many digs and house-share rooms are offered for the rest of the academic year. Agree the end date in writing.