If the student didn't sign anything, it may be that a further signed writing is necessary to bind her to the extension. She needs to investigate whether the inquiry was a preliminary to offering her a new lease agreement, perhaps with different terms and a different rate of rent, or was intended to bind her to a renewal under the current rate and terms.
If she signed a new lease then yes, even if the lease term has not yet started, she is bound to the new lease. She may still contact her landlord to explain the situation and see if the landlord will agree to release her from the lease renewal.

