Last year over 7000 University of Bristol students rented private accommodation in Bristol. There is a good supply of properties. The main house-hunting time for current students is during the second term. Current first year students can become over anxious and look very early. This is encouraged by the Letting Agencies giving the impression of a shortage of properties but this is just not the case.
Properties are available throughout the year.
Letting Agencies will know that after 7 March you have a range of choices. Contract length . Most letting contracts will be for the full 52 weeks from 1 July. For nearly all areas full rent is expected for 52 weeks. Some Landlords with properties a bit further out may offer a rent reduction over the summer if you are not going to be there.