University lodgings have developed hugely from the days of magnolia rooms featuring little more than a bed, chair and desk. With a far wider choice on offer, landlords and building managers must ensure they are meeting expectations, or risk less than ideal occupancy rates.
But what are the expectations of modern accommodation, and what facilities should be prioritised to meet those requirements without overstretching traditional tight student budgets?
Luxury v practicality
Whilst luxury elements would ordinarily help attract potential tenants, the reality of most students’ financial situations means providing practical facilities should be the primary focus.
Rather than extravagance, studies make it clear that getting the basics right is fundamental to support students through their university experience. Among those surveyed by property experts Knight Frank, the most highly valued amenities were fast wi-fi, an on-site laundry, 24-hour security, study spaces and en-suite bathrooms. Luxuries such as gaming or cinema rooms, smart televisions and swimming pools were considered among the least valuable accommodation assets.
This is supported by UCAS research which found 77% rated price as extremely or very important, with value for money rated highly by 73%, location by 71% and safety and security by 69%.
Set up to succeed
It’s clear that accommodation has an impact on the wider experience of university, with a practical, affordable and safe space not only appealing to students, but also having a sizeable impact on their wellbeing and academic life.
In fact, eight in ten students told Global Student Living that their accommodation affected their wellbeing in some way – with the Office for Students finding 14% felt their accommodation negatively affected their sleep and 11% their mental health.
In addition to well-appointed bedrooms, communal areas are a vital consideration when designing or refurbishing buildings for student use. Without these areas for studying, socialising or relaxing, individuals can become isolated within their individual rooms, missing out on key opportunities to feel part of the student community. It’s also important to remember that not every tenant will be a British teenager moving away from
home for the first time: the Higher Education Statistics Agency reports one in four students are postgraduates, and around the same proportion are international students. Around 23% are aged over 30, and a further 12% are between 25 and 30.
This adds to the complexity of designing suitable spaces, but it’s by no means impossible if suitable consideration is given to the location, layout and furniture within communal spaces – ensuring they have purpose and are likely to be used by tenants. Access to outdoor spaces and opportunities to exercise can also support student wellbeing and will be attractive elements for health-conscious tenants.
As well as opportunities for socialising, more private spaces are attractive for a number of reasons. Neurodiverse students, those who prefer a quieter space for studying, or those whose courses rely on hybrid learning, recorded lectures and online group work are all likely to prioritise smaller areas where they are not expected to concentrate surrounded by loud music, conversation and games.
It's equally as important to think beyond the walls of the accommodation too. Where students live often dictates their experience of discovering a new city, building friendships and navigating everyday life. The best student living models will therefore consider not only what happens inside the building, but also how residents connect with the wider community, services and opportunities around them.
This could involve partnering with local businesses to provide offers or discounts; orientation activities to help new students find their way around the area; highlighting local volunteering or employment opportunities as well as events happening nearby; and the provision of cycle storage, bus timetables and other features which support sustainable travel.
Safety and service
Increasingly, it’s not just the physical facilities which students will consider when selecting accommodation – but the digital ones too. Fast, dependable wi-fi is a necessity everywhere, but online services such as app-based maintenance reporting, parcel notifications, booking systems and communication channels with staff are steadily growing in popularity.
Given that none of these is dependent on making changes to the physical infrastructure of the building, this allows for the provision of additional services without extensive refurbishment work.
However, it’s crucial to analyse the benefit of any new technology - given the emphasis on value for money, students are unlikely to willingly pay more for innovative platforms unless they can see the tangible benefits or the frictions removed as a result.
Tech should also never replace or downgrade the support available if something goes wrong: waiting a week for a shower to be fixed, or never hearing back after lodging a complaint are issues which can quickly turn into negative reviews. Equally, good staffing provision, out-of-hours support and safeguarding protocols can add to the sense of security felt by students, as much as visible safety elements like locks and CCTV.
Form and function, not frivolity
Ensuring a property meets modern student expectations is not about offering the longest list of amenities possible. The financial factor means that a site packed full of luxury facilities is rarely a top priority; instead, students are seeking a space which works for their lifestyle. That means adaptability rather than focusing solely on the 18-year-old party-going first-year undergrads who make up only a very small percentage of the university population. It means services which provide value for money – with tangible benefits clearly identifiable.
But at its core, it means ensuring that the basics are done brilliantly and only then looking at ‘added extras’. If bathrooms aren’t functional, wi-fi dips in and out, spaces aren’t usable, or issues are left unresolved, then all of the luxury trimmings will make little difference in persuading students of the value and allure of the site.
