Students have returned to their studies but bargain university rooms are still available for visitors

This summer, many holidaymakers on a budget discovered the money-saving secret of staying in university rooms out of term time. Often in central locations, university rooms are an inexpensive place to stay while students are away. But what happens now that freshers have moved into most accommodation?

Lily Smith, a travel expert from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘It’s a little-known secret that a number of colleges still have rooms available even though school’s back. For example, a number of colleges in the wonderful cities of Oxford and Cambridge offer accommodation year-round. Of course, these ancient cities are well worth a visit at any time.

‘Other universities and student room organisations also offer accommodation during term time. For example, right now, York and Bournemouth campuses have inexpensive accommodation available for non-students.

‘Many of Britain’s most popular cities and towns are more enjoyable to visit out of the peak tourist season. They are less crowded, easier to travel around and have a special charm in autumn and winter. Oxford and Cambridge are breathtaking at any time of year, while many of London’s main attractions remain open out of season, including free attractions such as the amazing Natural History and Science museums.

‘Using the innovative service UniversityRooms.com, visitors can choose from singles and doubles with ensuite facilities, on a B&B or self-catering basis. Looking at currently available accommodation, it’s possible to stay in Oxford during term time at the following locations:

• Oxford University Club
• Rhodes House
• Rewley House
• Magpie Lane House (Oriel College)

‘For example, the Oxford University Club has rooms available from just £114 and is near the bustling city centre and attractions such as the Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library.

‘Likewise, for the equally stunning university town of Cambridge, the following colleges are offering rooms even in term time:

• Westminster College
• Westminster College Cottages
• Hughes Hall

‘Westminster College is situated in the heart of Cambridge, so it is a good location for a leisure break or business trip. It has rooms available from just £105 a night this autumn.

‘Staying in London can be very expensive, even outside peak tourist season. That’s why it’s good to see that a number of student accommodation centres are available during term time, including:

• Elm Grove (University of Roehampton)
• Goodenough College
• Roomzzz London Stratford.

‘Goodenough College is situated in Bloomsbury, a vibrant and trendy area of central London and (if you’ll forgive the pun) good enough to base yourself in at any time of year. This autumn, rooms are available from just £120 a night, an attractive price for central London.

‘Looking through the list of available accommodation, the historic city of York leaps out as a year-round destination. York claims to have more attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK and most of these are open throughout the winter. From the Shambles to the cathedral to the Jorvik Viking Centre, there’s always plenty to see. The University of York’s Franklin House currently has rooms available at weekends for non-students during term time from just £80.40 a night.

‘Many people, myself included, love seeing the sea at any time of year. Bournemouth University has now joined the UniversityRooms scheme, which is great news for summer visitors, and there’s even availability out of season. The Artisan is perfectly situated halfway between Bournemouth station and the town’s award-winning beaches. Rooms are available at this modern facility for just £60 a night this autumn.

‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that more limited university term-time accommodation is likely to get booked up. For more information and to book your stay, see: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/countries/GB