Can You Change or Cancel Accommodation at Uni?
2 July 2025By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Living situation not working out as you’d hoped? Don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal to reconsider your student accommodation choice.
There are many reasons why you might want to change or cancel your uni accommodation – whether you were overambitious with the walk to university, or are changing or leaving your course altogether.
Whatever the reason, rest assured, there are a few options for you to choose from. But the exact circumstances will depend on timings and the type of contract you’re on.
This guide will cover how to cancel or change your uni accommodation, what you need to do, and explain the Unite Students cancellation policy in more detail.
You can change or cancel your uni accommodation for free within the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period, or if you don’t get a place at uni.
After the cooling-off period – and if you’ve already picked up your keys – changing or cancelling becomes a little more complicated.
You may need to find a replacement tenant for your flat before you’re able to move out. Speak to your reception team and they’ll guide you through the process.
In this guide:
Can I change or cancel my uni accommodation?
Yes, you can change or cancel your uni accommodation with Unite Students. However, this can sometimes depend on when you want to change. For example, it’s easy to change or cancel if you choose to do so soon after you book. There are a few easy options:
At Unite Students, we offer a 7-Day Cooling-Off Period, which means you can cancel your booking for free within 7 days of receiving your confirmation – provided you’ve not picked up your keys.
We also have a No Place, No Pay policy. This allows first-year students to cancel accommodation for free if your uni offer is withdrawn or you choose to study somewhere else.
If you want to change cities and you’ve booked early, you can use our City Switch scheme to make your move.
If you’re an international student and your visa application is declined, you can also cancel your booking for free. Again, provided you’ve not already checked in.
After the cooling-off period – and if you’ve already picked up your keys – things become a little more complicated.
You’ll still be liable for the full rent, unless you find another student to take over your room. You may also need to pay a fee to help prepare the room for the next person.
If you want to switch rooms or transfer to another property after moving in, you’ll need to speak to the reception team. Whether you can be transferred will depend on availability, and you may need to wait until someone can fill your old room.
How to change uni accommodation: Step-by-step
If you’ve decided it’s time to lay down roots in a different room, whether down the hall or in a new building altogether, here’s what you need to do:
Tell us why you want to change. What is it about your current set-up that you’re unhappy with? Decide whether you want to change location, or if you’re happy with the spot but need a different room. For example, you could consider upgrading to an en-suite.
Check availability. Speak to reception or contact Unite Students directly to check if there are rooms available that meet your needs.
Consider any rent or policy changes. Remember that different rooms may have different policies or price points, so be sure to account for these. You can always check the Unite Students cancellation policy if you’re unsure.
Get written confirmation of any changes. If you’ve agreed on a new room with our team, double-check that you have written confirmation of any changes. Just in case you need to refer to it later.
Pack or prepare for your move. Once you get the go-ahead and changeover date, you can start packing up your belongings and preparing to move out.
How to cancel uni accommodation: Step-by-step
Within the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period
Unless you’ve already collected the keys to your new pad, you can cancel your uni accommodation booking without being charged. Here’s how:
Submit your cancellation request. If you’ve not moved in or collected your keys, you can log into your account and head to the cancellation page. You can also complete the online Unite Students cancellation form within 7 days of receiving your booking confirmation.
If you’re an international student, you’ll need to submit a written request and provide some supporting evidence. Send an email to internationalcancellations@unitestudents.com, and we’ll help you.
Wait for a response. Our team will get back to you soon and discuss any next steps with you. They may ask for more information about room preferences or where you want to move.
Prepare for your move. If your application is successful, that’s it! We’ll provide details for your new room if applicable and support you as you move into your new home.
After the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period – or you’ve already moved in
If you cancel after the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period has ended – or if you’ve already picked up your keys – you’ll need to pay for the remaining amounts still due. This is either until a replacement tenant is found – or you enter a new tenancy with us.
Here’s a breakdown:
Check you’re eligible. Check whether you’re still in the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period, or if you qualify for No Place, No Pay, or No Visa, No Pay.
Submit your cancellation request. Log in to your Unite Students account and submit your cancellation request. Or complete the online form.
If you’ve already moved in or collected your keys, you’ll need to head to the reception team at your accommodation to discuss your options.
Find a replacement tenant (if necessary). Reception staff may be able to fill the space if there’s a waiting list, but you may have to advertise your room yourself. If you cancel before your tenancy begins, we may also be able to put the room back on general sale.
Submit the new tenant request. We’ll decide whether to go ahead with them – they’ll need to be an eligible student.
Pay any remaining fees. If you’ve already moved in, you’ll need to pay the remaining rent due between you cancelling and the new tenant moving in. You may also need to pay a cleaning or administrative fee to prepare the room for the new resident.
For more information, take a look at the Unite Students cancellation policy in full.
Can I change my uni accommodation before moving in?
If you’re happy with your choice of Unite Students accommodation, but not the room itself, you may be able to swap rooms (subject to availability). All show flats or images on our website are representative of our rooms – but they’re not identical. If you’re unhappy with your set-up, please speak to your reception team.
Remember that our rooms are first-come, first-served, so it may not always be possible to get your next choice. It’s worth getting in touch as soon as you can so you have the best chance of securing an alternative room.
If available, you may be able to swap:
Room type. For example, if you want to upgrade to an en-suite or switch to a studio.
Location. Unite Students often has multiple locations in major cities.
Flatmate preference. Changed your mind on the number of flatmates you’re comfortable with? Or, if you’ve decided you want to live with friends, check out our Group Booking options.
It’s important to consult your tenancy agreement and the Unite Students cancellation policy in full to confirm whether you can swap, and what you could swap to. Bear in mind that requests may incur a charge.
What if I’ve already moved in? Can I still change or cancel my room?
If you’re already settled into your new place when you decide to cancel or change your uni accommodation, things can be more complicated. But, while it may be trickier, room swaps might still be possible.
If you decide that transferring to a different university in another city – or dropping out of uni altogether – is the right course of action for you, you’ll need to cancel your room. To do this, you must find a replacement tenant and pay a fee to transfer the tenancy.
In the case of personal issues, neighbour problems or mental health reasons, you may decide to apply for a room move. If this is the case, head to reception and discuss it with one of our team.
Can I sublet my uni accommodation room?
No, you cannot sublet your room. If you do need to leave your tenancy early, you’ll have to find a replacement tenant to take your spot.
Why might you want to change or cancel your room?
Maybe you’re struggling to hack the journey home from the library? Or you’re tired of listening to the thumping bass next door? Whatever the case, your reasons for wanting to change uni accommodation are valid, and it’s worth looking into your options.
Here are a few reasons why your current living situation might not be meeting your expectations:
Noise issues. Living in a party location can be fun… until it impacts your day-to-day life.
Incompatible flatmates. Housemates can make or break your halls’ experience.
You feel unsafe or anxious. Safety comes first.
You want more privacy or independence. It’s important that your space works for you.
It doesn’t suit your medical or accessibility needs. If this is the case, please get in touch with us. We’ll always try to accommodate your needs as best we can.
You’re transferring universities or dropping out altogether. While we hope you love your uni experience, we understand circumstances change.
FAQs
What happens if I leave uni or don’t get in?
Unite Students operates on a No Place, No Pay policy for first-year students. This means if you don’t quite reach your grades, and your uni offer is withdrawn, we don’t hold you to your tenancy agreement.
To be released from the tenancy, you’ll need to provide us with a written rejection letter within seven days of receiving your results, along with a completed Cancellation Form.
We know this can be a tough time. We’re here to talk – contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
Can I swap rooms with someone?
If you’re not happy with your room, speak to one of the team at reception for help. You may be able to swap to another room depending on availability, but you will need to find an eligible replacement tenant for your original room.
Do I get my deposit back if I cancel my room?
If you cancel within the 7-Day Cooling-Off Period, and you haven’t collected your keys yet, you will not be charged. We’ll also return your deposit and any advance rent payments.
If you cancel after this timeframe, you’ll need to pay all amounts due under your tenancy agreement – unless you find a replacement tenant.
