What Second & Third-Year Students Should Do Now to Secure Housing for Next Year
If you’re currently in your first or second year at university, it might feel early to be thinking about where you’ll live next year. But when it comes to student housing in Bognor Regis and Chichester, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Each year, many students leave their accommodation search too late and end up feeling rushed, stressed, or forced to compromise. Starting early gives you more choice, more control, and a far smoother experience overall.
Here’s what second and third-year students should be doing now to prepare for the next academic year.
1. Understand the Right Time to Start Looking
In popular student areas like Bognor Regis and Chichester, good-quality houses are often secured well in advance of the academic year.
While availability varies, many student properties are discussed, viewed, and agreed months ahead of September. Starting your search early allows you to:
View better-maintained properties
Avoid last-minute decision-making
Secure a home that suits your lifestyle and budget
Even if you’re not ready to commit, being aware of timelines puts you at a clear advantage.
2. Decide Who You’re Living With (Before You Start Viewing)
One of the most common mistakes students make is viewing properties before they’ve fully agreed on their group.
Before you begin:
Confirm who will be on the tenancy
Make sure everyone understands the budget
Discuss expectations around shared living
Most student homes are let on Joint and Several Assured Shorthold Tenancies, meaning everyone listed is equally responsible for rent and care of the property. Having open conversations early can prevent issues later on.
3. Budget Properly — Not Just for Rent
Rent is only one part of the picture. When preparing to rent, students should also factor in:
Deposits and holding deposits
Whether bills are included
Broadband availability
The need for a guarantor
Understanding the full cost upfront helps you choose accommodation that’s genuinely affordable throughout the year — not just on paper.
4. Know What to Look for in a Quality Student Property
Not all student housing is the same. When viewing or enquiring, it’s worth paying attention to:
Property condition and maintenance
Safety standards and accreditations
Location and transport links
Proximity to shops, amenities, and campus
University-approved and locally accredited properties offer extra reassurance, ensuring homes meet recognised standards for student accommodation.
5. Register Interest Early (Even If You’re Not Ready to Move)
You don’t need to sign a contract immediately to be proactive.
Registering your interest early allows letting providers to:
Notify you when suitable properties become available
Match you with homes that fit your group size and needs
Keep you informed without pressure
This approach removes the panic from the process and gives you time to make confident decisions.
6. A Smoother Way to Rent
At Bright Futures Lettings, we focus on premium student accommodation across Bognor Regis and Chichester, offering well-maintained homes designed for comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re starting to plan ahead or actively searching, our aim is to make student renting clear, transparent, and stress-free.
If you’re a second or third-year student thinking about accommodation for the upcoming academic year, now is the perfect time to start preparing.
Feel free to explore our available properties, keep an eye on upcoming listings, or get in touch to register your interest early.