Changing a dorm or apartment during the academic year — is it possible and when is it worth it?
September is a crazy time. We often take the first better room then, just to have a certain roof over our head before starting our studies. Reality, however, quickly verifies these decisions. The November storm is coming, and your room is cold, noisy or just... not the way it was supposed to be. You know that feeling?
Anna Godlewska
12/3/2025
If you feel that your current place of residence tires you more than it makes you happy — we have good news. Changing your address during the academic year is not a “failure”. it mature decision to take care of one's own comfort, academic performance and mental health. Moreover, this process is usually much simpler than you think. Whether your problem is a college dorm or a rented room.
Is it possible to resign from a state dormitory during the semester?
Yes, quitting a dorm is possible practically at any time during the academic year. However, this is associated with the need to complete the procedures specified in the regulations of a particular Student House and usually with the observance of a short notice period.
Many students live in the mistaken belief that a place in the “state dormitory” is assigned rigidly until the summer session. It's a myth. The administration of the university is well aware of life situations. Often there is a long queue of willing people waiting for the vacated place (the so-called reserve list), so the management rarely makes problems with leaving early.
What does this process look like in practice?
The most important place to verify information is regulations of the student house. This is where you will find the details, but the standard path usually involves a few simple steps:
Request to the head of the DS: You must submit a written statement about the resignation of the allotted place.
Period of notice: Most often, you are subject to a monthly notice period (usually counted from the beginning of the next month). It is worth remembering this when planning a move, so as not to pay double.
Peace sentence: Before leaving, you must settle for the collected bedding or equipment and leave order after yourself.
If you meet the deadlines and return the room in good condition, the return of the deposit to your account should occur within the period specified in the contract (usually up to 30 days). So the formalities are minimal and it is not worth being afraid of them if the current conditions make it difficult for you to study.
Moving out of a rented room — how to terminate the lease ahead of time?
It depends on the type of document you signed or signed. Rental agreement for a room concluded for a limited period (which is standard for college students) is the hardest to break up unilaterally, but almost always It can be resolved by agreement of the parties.
In the rental world, there are two main types of contracts. You can terminate the contract for an indefinite period in accordance with the deadline written in the document (usually from a month to three). The matter is complicated with a fixed-term contract (e.g. from October to June).
In the light of the law, such an obligation is to last until the end and termination of a fixed-term contract is possible only in cases strictly specified in its content.
However, this does not mean a situation without a way out.
Agreement of the parties: This is the most effective and common method. Apartment owners are people too. They often prefer to agree to your early departure than to have a disgruntled and therefore potentially problematic tenant in the apartment. The key is honest conversation. Often a prerequisite for consent is help in finding a replacement for your place.
Defects that threaten health: If there is a fungus in the room, faulty gas installation or other hazards that the owner does not remove, you have the right to immediately terminate the contract without observing the notice periods.
Troubled owner: If the landlord blatantly violates your rights (for example, enters the room in your absence, cuts off utilities), you also gain solid legal arguments to quickly end the cooperation.
5 signs that you should change your student accommodation
Many people grit their teeth, explaining to themselves that “somehow it will last until June.” It's a mistake. The apartment is supposed to be your base for regeneration, not a source of stress. If you recognize one of the following situations in yourself, consider it a red flag and start looking for an alternative.
Sanitary hazard: Moisture, fungus on the wall, insects (prusaks, bedbugs) or unheated rooms. These are common problems in old tenement houses or the cheapest dorms. There are no compromises here - this is a direct threat to your health.
Toxic environment: Roommates throwing parties in the middle of the week, stealing food from the fridge, constant brawls. Lack of sleep and a sense of security will drastically lower your academic performance.
Hidden costs and “surprises”: The owner suddenly demands surcharges for utilities, strange “alignments” appear, which were not discussed when signing the contract.
Lack of privacy: A troublesome landlord controlling order, or a room shared with someone who doesn't respect your space. Everyone needs a moment to recharge their batteries.
If any of these points describe your everyday life, it is a waste of your time and nerves. Change is easier than you think.
Why is a private dorm a safe haven when changing in the middle of the year?
A private dormitory, such as StudentSpace, is often the antithesis of the problems you struggle with in a “random” apartment or an old DS. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, finding a place there in November, December or February is as possible.
The rotation of the population is a natural thing — Erasmus exchange students finish the semester, others leave for internships. As a result, rooms are regularly vacated during the academic year. This is a great time to “upgrade” your living conditions.
Standard and Hygiene: Forget the queue for a shared shower in the hallway. Here, each room implies its own bathroom and kitchenette. You have control over cleanliness and 100% privacy.
Clear Finance (All-inclusive): What you see on the contract is the final amount. Electricity, water, heating, high-speed internet — everything is included. No surcharges, compensations and stress, whether you have enough budget for the first one. It is a safe rental in the full sense of the word.
A community that inspires: We often hear that the decision to move to us is made by people who previously only visited their friends in StudentSpace. When you see the common relaxation zones, the gym or the rooms of quiet study, you will understand the difference.
Safety: 24-hour security and monitoring is a standard that is appreciated not only by students, but above all by their parents. No unauthorized person will enter the premises.
By choosing a professionally managed facility, you eliminate the risk of “hitting the mine” that is so high with private rental in a hurry.
How to efficiently carry out a change of premises? Step by step action plan
Changing the address seems complicated only if you act chaotically. In fact, this is pure logistics. To avoid unnecessary stress and a situation where you are left without a roof over your head, stick to this proven order.
Start with the documents: Before you take any action, check your current lease or dorm rules. Find the notice period records. This is your date planner base.
Reserve a new seat: Do not file a termination until you are sure where you will go. Check availability e.g. in StudentSpace and sign a booking agreement. This will give you peace of mind and a firm ground under your feet.
Submit a notice of termination: Prepare a letter and deliver it to the owner or to the DS administration. Be assertive/assertive, but cultured. If you want a faster deadline than in the contract, offer a solution by agreement of the parties.
Secure the return of the deposit: When passing the old room, be sure to write out the acceptance protocol. Take pictures of the empty room so that you have proof of its condition. This is the best protection against wrongful deductions on bail.
Moving:Pack things and enjoy the new start. Changing the environment for the better often gives a huge boost of energy to learn and act.
Don't wait until June — take care of your comfort now
Tired of the noise in the dormitory or constant problems with the owner of the apartment? You don't have to strain yourself throughout the academic year. Your well-being is more important than “surviving” to the session.
In StudentSpace we have beautiful rooms waiting for someone just like you. We offer a standard and a fantastic community that will allow you to finally breathe and chill. Check availability in Krakow and get conditions where learning and rest is a pleasure.
Head of Marketing at StudentSpace, lecturer at one of Warsaw's universities. For over 15 years, she has been designing and implementing marketing strategies for local and global brands. On the StudentSpace blog, she shares practical advice on choosing accommodation and planning study paths, helping students make informed decisions. Her posts combine expert marketing knowledge with authentic understanding of student life challenges, inspiring personal development at every stage of education.
