Your summer in student accommodations – tips, benefits & what you need to know

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 16.07.2026

When lectures are over and the summer holidays finally begin, many students start wondering where to go for the months ahead. Should you stay in your student accommodation, head home, or set off on travels? While the choice is entirely up to you, one option is often underestimated: spending the summer in your STUWO student accommodation can come with many unexpected benefits.

Especially in the summer months, student accommodations are usually much quieter, while you still have everything you need right on your doorstep. It’s also the perfect opportunity to experience your university city from a different perspective, discover hidden gems and take spontaneous day trips.

And it’s not just long-term residents who can benefit from a summer in student accommodations. Whether you’re moving to a new city for a summer internship, attending a summer school, or working a seasonal job, student dorms can be a comfortable and affordable place to stay for a few weeks or months. In this article, we’ll show you why spending the summer in student accommodations might be just the right thing for you, as well as everything you should know.

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The benefits of student accommodation in the summer

While many students travel or temporarily move out during the summer months, student accommodations are often at their most relaxed. Staying in your university city over the summer comes with plenty of advantages.

1. Quieter than during the semester

Life in a student residence can be busy during the semester, with bustling hallways, lively common areas, and a constant stream of activity around campus. Once summer arrives, things tend to slow down as many students head home or travel during the break. This results in a calmer atmosphere, more peace and quiet, and a relaxed living environment. The perfect time for meditation or listening to your favorite podcast.

2. All the amenities are still available

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of living in student accommodations. You’ll still have access to Wi-Fi, study spaces, common areas and fitness facilities. Depending on your residence, you may also be able to enjoy extra amenities such as rooftop terraces or recreational areas.

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3. No surprises when it comes to housing costs

One of the biggest advantages of many student residences is the all-inclusive rent, where utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet are often already included. This makes it easier to budget your monthly expenses and you don’t have to deal with unexpected bills, hidden costs, and unpleasant surprises.

4. Enjoy a stress-free summer

If you are living in a private room or apartment, you can still enjoy maximum flexibility throughout the summer. There’s no need to coordinate with roommates, discuss cleaning duties, and you have the freedom to structure your daily life however you want. Instead, you can make the most of your space and enjoy the flexibility of living entirely on your own terms.

5. The perfect base for summer adventures

Instead of travelling far, you can also make the most of your summer in your university city. Since student accommodations are often conveniently located, they are the perfect base for summer adventures. This way, you can use the summer to explore new spots, visit popular attractions, or simply see the city from a new perspective.

What to do in student accommodation during the summer?

Even without lectures, there are enough things to do. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the quieter atmosphere, try something new, and make the most of your free time. Here are some tips for your summer time in student accommodation.

Make the most of the amenities at your residence

Summer is the perfect time to take full advantage of everything your student accommodation has to offer. With fewer people around than during the semester, you’ll often have more space to enjoy the gym, common areas, rooftop terrace, or other shared facilities. This way, you can stay active, unwind after a busy semester, or simply relax in a peaceful setting.

Explore your university city

Spending the summer in your university city gives you the chance to experience it from a whole new perspective. From outdoor events and festivals to cosy “Schanigärten” (Austria’s outdoor seating areas at cafés and restaurants), parks, and bathing spots, there’s plenty to discover during the warmer months. You might even stumble upon hidden gems that you never had time to explore during the busy semester.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our guides to the best Schanigärten and bathing spots in Vienna, the most refreshing lakes near Innsbruck, and the top summer activities in Graz to make the most of the season.

Gruppe junger Studenten sitzen und stehen an Küchenbar in Gemeinschaftsküche und unterhalten sich

Get to know the community

Even though fewer students stay in student accommodation over the summer, that doesn’t mean you’ll be on your own. In fact, the more relaxed atmosphere often makes it easier to meet new people and start conversations. Casual evenings in the common room, spontaneous day trips, or a chat on the rooftop terrace or in the courtyard create many opportunities to connect with fellow residents. Especially for those who are a little more introverted, the quieter summer months can make socialising feel more natural and less overwhelming.

Gruppe junger Studenten sitzen und stehen an Küchenbar in Gemeinschaftsküche und unterhalten sich

Get ready for the new semester

The summer break is the perfect time to take care of organisational tasks without the time pressure. You can register for courses and exams, organise your timetable, update your CV, or start looking for an internship. Getting these things done ahead of time means you’ll be able to start the new semester feeling prepared, organised, and a lot less stressed.

Short-term lets, subletting & guests: What is allowed in student accommodation?

As summer approaches, housing plans often change too: maybe you’re planning to travel for a few weeks and are wondering whether you can sublet your room while you’re away. Or perhaps you’re looking for short-term accommodation in a new city for a summer internship, seasonal job, or summer school. You might also be asking yourself what the rules are if friends or family want to stay overnight during their visit.

Moving into a student accommodation just for the summer: Is it possible?

Student accommodations aren’t just a great option during the semester. Many providers also offer short-term accommodation throughout the summer. This could be interesting if you’re relocating for a summer internship, seasonal job, summer school, or simply want to spend a few months in a new city.

The exact options depend on availability and the policies of the individual residence. At STUWO, for example, selected residences offer short-term stays and guest contracts during the summer months. If you’re planning a summer stay in another city, it’s a good idea to check availability and book early.

If you’re planning a summer holiday in Austria instead, STUWO also offers holiday apartments in Villach, Lambach, and Krems.

Can you sublet your room?

If you’re planning to spend the summer away from your university city, you may be wondering what happens to your room while you’re gone. In most student accommodations, private subletting isn’t allowed, because accommodation agreements are usually tied to the individual resident. But the exact rules vary depending on the provider.

At STUWO, you can’t simply sublet your room to someone else. If you’re travelling over the summer or won’t be using your room for a while, it’s worth getting in touch with your residence management. Depending on availability, your room can be offered to another student through a guest contract while you are away. Your residence team will be able to explain which options are available in your specific case.

Having guests in a student residence: What are the rules?

Summer is a popular time for visitors. Maybe your best friend is coming for a weekend or your parents want to see your university city. The good news is that guests are usually welcome in student accommodation, but it’s always worth checking the rules beforehand, because they can vary from one provider to another. Some residences limit the number of overnight stays, while others have a guest registration process.

At STUWO, you’re welcome to have visitors during the day. Overnight guests are also allowed, provided they are registered with the residence management in advance and stay for no more than three nights. And if you share your room or apartment, it’s always a good idea to check with your roommate or flatmate first. Always checking your residence’s rules before your guests arrive will help ensure a hassle-free visit for everyone.

Your summer in student accommodation: a summary

Even without lectures, summer in student accommodations has plenty to offer. With a quieter atmosphere, all the amenities you need, and a convenient location, it’s the perfect place to make the most of the warmer months. Use the time to explore your university city, head out on day trips, meet new people, or simply get a head start on the next semester.

After all, student life isn’t just about lectures and exams. Summer is your chance to slow down, enjoy your university city at a different pace, and make the most of everything your student accommodation has to offer.

Still looking for a place to stay this summer? Be sure to check availability early and ask about the possibility of short-term accommodation during the summer months.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about your summer in student accommodations

Yes! Many student accommodations stay open throughout the summer months. Some even offer short-term accommodation, making it possible to stay for just a few weeks or the duration of a summer internship, seasonal job, or summer school.

It depends on your residence’s policies. Since accommodation agreements are usually personal and non-transferable, private subletting is often not allowed. At STUWO, for example, you can’t sublet your room privately. But if you won’t be using your room over the summer, the residence management may be able to offer it through a guest contract, depending on availability. It’s always best to get in touch with your residence team well in advance.

In many student accommodations, overnight guests are allowed, but the rules vary between providers. You may need to register your guest in advance, there may be limits on the number of nights they can stay, or a guest fee may apply. Be sure to check your residence’s guest policy before making plans.

Every student’s summer looks a little different. Some travel, visit family and friends, or take a well-earned break after the semester. Others complete internships, work part-time, attend summer schools, or use the quieter months to explore their university city and prepare for the next academic year.

Questions?

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