Signing a New Lease for Fall Move-In
To have the smoothest Fall move-in to your UCF apartment, it is best advised to plan ahead! Here is our timeline for what to do before moving in and when to do it.
9-12 Months Out
Approximately one year before moving to your UCF apartment is the perfect time to consider the options that are available to you. Maybe you attended a friend's party and really loved their apartment home or have a really good idea of the amenities that you prefer. Is there an Orlando neighborhood that you frequent that you absolutely love? Make a mental note and prep for further research! Get your Orlando student apartment search started at 407apartments.com! 
6-9 Months Out
This is a great time to consider your housing budget and preferred location. We highly recommended determining what your budget is and designing your search around that number. Orlando is full of options that can fit your lifestyle and budget. Many apartments raise their prices as they fill up, so signing a lease early is the best way to ensure the most budget-friendly option.
In determining location, try to figure out your schedule for the upcoming year and let that guide you. If you have most of your classes on one side of UCF's campus, you could look for apartments within walking distance of there. Maybe you'll have a job and want to live closer to your place of employment. These factors will help you be aware of your options and help guide your search. This is also a great time to make a shortlist of your favorite top 5 apartments.
Another important consideration you'll likely want to focus on is the possibility of roommates. Talk to your friends and determine if housing together is an option for you. If you don't have anyone in mind yet, many apartments do roommate matching, which is also a great option to find someone with similar interests as you. Note, you'll need to be prepared to sign a lease 6-9 months out to ensure there are rooms available in the same unit for you and all of your desired roommates.
5 Months Out
This is the perfect time to schedule property tours. Determine your top 3 options and make appointments to look around. You should also be prepared to apply to your favorite properties and even plan to sign your lease if you find a home that meets your desired criteria. Typically, floorplans will begin to sell out in April, so this is the time to secure your apartment home.
While rent prices tend to rise as properties fill up, keep an eye out for specials or deals around this time. Apartments may offer a discounted rate or raffle ticket items as they try to fill the last of their rooms. Deals can happen at any time, so keep an eye on a property's social media page or call and ask about any upcoming discounts.
3 Months Out
Though options have thinned out, you should still call properties that are desirable to you and ask if there is still availability. Though you may not be able to secure an apartment home that was a number one favorite, if your desired floorplan is available and within your price range, we recommend signing a lease! The risk for sellout is high so you'll want to secure your spot.
1 Month Out
Apartments in the UCF area typically sell out during the summer, so if you only have 1 month to look, you're going to have to do some legwork to figure out which communities still have spots available. Rest easy, you should be able to find an option or two still available near campus. You may consider a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment if necessary. You likely won't have your choice of roommates by this time. If the leasing team says they still have a unit available, don't delay! Secure your spot and be grateful you found a place with availability at such short notice.
For Spring Move-In
Typically, spring move-in references move-in dates beginning in January as this is when the spring semester begins. Many student apartment communities will have an idea of which residents are "no-shows" for leases in August and will have a handle on what their availability is for January. Therefore, you can feel confident in beginning your search during the month of September. Keep looking through the end of November if necessary. Spaces can open up at properties for various reasons including students backing out of their leases. Be prepared to sign your lease from September through the first week of December of the year prior.
Some students will also sublease their apartments for a semester if they're graduating in the fall or plan to study abroad. Students will advertise sublets on Facebook Marketplace, groups, or other social media platforms, so keep your eyes peeled.
For Summer Move-In
While leasing during the summer months isn't impossible, it can prove a bit more difficult. Leases tend to wrap around until the end of July, while new leases might not start until mid-August. If an apartment community does have summer options available, it's preferable to begin your search in February or March. If you find your desired floorplan, community, and location, sign a lease!
Subletting during the summer months is also a popular option as some kids move home, and you will often find availability to tide you over until the big move-out dates in July and August. Check UCF Facebook groups to see if that might be an option for you.
For Student Housing Renewals
We highly recommend that you look at renewing your lease as early as September and October for the following August if you like your apartment and plan to stay. Does the location fit your schedule? Do you like your roommates? Can you see yourself living in the community next year? We can confidently share that our years of experience in the apartment industry have proved that the first renewal offer will likely be your best one, so don't wait. Holding out for a deeper discount often doesn't work and your current floorplan could sell out before then.
If you need more time to consider a renewal, no problem. You'll have time around the holiday season to sign a lease. Your current apartment may have space come February or March, but it's best not to risk it. If you have not signed a renewal 3 months before the end of your lease, understand that your chances are small that a spot will be open.
If you don't plan to resign, begin another easy Orlando apartment search for the perfect apartment home that better aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
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