Student accommodation: supporting good practice in response to challenges

But, UCAS predict that demand for higher education from UK undergraduate students will continue increasing until at least 2030, at the same time as changes in the overall student population mean the type of accommodation needed is likely to change. The amount of accommodation available to students (both purpose-built, and in the private rented sector) is also set to reduce. This means that the pressure on the student housing market in the UK will likely increase further in the years to come, and the issues seen in some cities could start to become more widespread.  

Each university will face unique local challenges, but UUK’s new briefing note draws on insights and experience to support senior university leaders in navigating their response, and how they can best work with others in doing so. 

It’s important for universities to take a holistic view of how all their students live in the local area, beyond just accommodation that the university directly owns or manages. In particular, where there is more than one university in the local area, there will be benefits in working together to consider the overall impact of their students on the local housing stock.  

Universities should also consider how demand for accommodation from their students might change in the future - for instance, as the proportion of postgraduate students increases.  

Bournemouth University have developed an analysis model that can predict likely student demand for accommodation in future years, helping them to plan and adjust their accommodation offer to students.  

Student accommodation is closely linked to other parts of university operations, including recruitment, admissions, internationalisation, and wellbeing. It’s important that all the relevant teams are working together to ensure students are best supported at university. 

For instance, the University of Leicester group responsible for student number planning includes representatives from the Estates and Campus Services department, to ensure that demand for accommodation is a key consideration in planning for the future.

Universities can also play a key role in advising students about the full range of local accommodation options and supporting them with any housing issues they experience, including through the students’ union. 

Issues with student accommodation can quickly have a big impact on the local area. Universities must work in partnership with other local higher education institutions, the local authority, and private accommodation providers to find solutions to shared challenges.  

Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham City Council have recently worked together to launch a joint ‘Student Living Strategy’. This aims to support the needs of the student population in Nottingham, including a commitment for the three organisations to work together to promote more diverse types of purpose-built accommodation. 

Each university will face unique challenges, which will all need different solutions. It may be helpful for them to consider the most suitable balance of purpose-built and privately rented (eg houses in multiple occupation (HMO)) accommodation in their local area, as well as how they could develop innovative solutions, and champion high standards in the private rented sector.  

In response to pressure in their local housing market, the University of Glasgow is implementing a range of solutions, including working with partners, developing brownfield sites, and exploring tech-based solutions that can improve students’ experience of renting.  

We know, unsuitable accommodation has a huge impact on students’ experiences of university – as Chloe Field, NUS Vice President for Higher Education, tells us: “[A shortage of affordable housing] is not just a matter of inconvenience to students. Compromising on where you live while studying – whether that be on the basis of location, cost or quality– has a significant impact on students’ academic, financial and social situations. There are also the mental health impacts, with NUS surveys finding that insecure housing and the risk of homelessness contribute to higher levels of anxiety.’ 

We hope our new briefing note will support universities in responding to accommodation challenges, and ultimately ensuring their students have positive experiences of housing while at university.