Students looking to make the most of summer 2026 now have a new way to combine travel, work experience and adventure without the high costs often associated with temporary accommodation.
Student accommodation provider Fresh has launched its new Great Student Summer Swap initiative, offering flexible short-term stays across the UK and Ireland from as little as £99 per week. The programme is designed to help students relocate for internships, attend major events, reconnect with friends in different cities or simply experience a new destination before graduation.
A New Approach to Student Travel and Summer Living
Rather than being tied to a single university town during the summer months, students can now move between multiple cities and book accommodation for as little as two nights or for several weeks at a time.
The initiative responds to growing demand from students seeking flexibility for internships, placements, networking opportunities and cultural experiences, while avoiding the expense and complexity of arranging short-term housing independently. Research and student discussions across the UK continue to highlight the challenges of finding affordable temporary accommodation for summer internships and placements.
According to Fresh, students can choose from accommodation in locations across the UK and Ireland, including London, Bath, Belfast, Brighton, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. The company currently operates student housing in more than 55 locations.
Supporting Internships and Career Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges facing students taking summer internships is securing accommodation in expensive cities such as London.
The Great Student Summer Swap aims to remove that barrier by offering fully furnished accommodation with flexible booking options, bills included and access to on-site support teams. Fresh says the programme is intended to help students focus on building their careers rather than worrying about housing logistics.
Chloe Osborn from Fresh said:
“Summer shouldn’t be something students just get through. It’s where a lot happens and it’s one of the most important seasons of their lives, for career building, personal growth, and for adventure. The Great Student Summer Swap is about removing the barriers that get in the way of that.”
From Festivals to Cultural Events
The scheme isn’t solely aimed at career-focused students. Fresh is also encouraging students to use the opportunity to attend major UK events and festivals throughout the summer.
Potential destinations include:
- Notting Hill Carnival
- Brighton Pride
- Bath Literary Festival
- Commonwealth Games
Students can stay in one city or create a multi-city itinerary throughout the summer, using Fresh properties as a convenient base for exploring local culture, nightlife and attractions.
London Living Without the Premium Price Tag
One featured property is Fresh’s Spring Mews residence in Vauxhall, London.
Located in Zone 1 near the River Thames, the accommodation offers students access to central London while providing facilities designed specifically for student life. Residents benefit from study spaces, communal lounges, a cinema room, games areas and outdoor social spaces, alongside 24-hour support from on-site staff.
Fresh says prices at Spring Mews start from £375 per week, offering an alternative to traditional short-term rentals in the capital.
Built Around Community
A key focus of the initiative is community-building. Unlike many temporary rental options, Fresh properties are designed specifically for students, helping residents quickly connect with others who may also be relocating for internships, placements or summer adventures.
The campaign will be promoted through student influencers and content creators who will document their own summer experiences, showcasing everything from professional development opportunities to city exploration and festival weekends.
Where to Book
The Great Student Summer Swap launched on 1 June and is available throughout summer 2026, with flexible booking options across the UK and Ireland.
Students interested in learning more or securing a summer stay can visit: Fresh Student Living
