News/ 14 January 2025

 

Student Accommodation: Challenging the Norm - updated report published

The research paper, ‘Student Accommodation: Challenging the Norm’, published in 2023, concluded with suggestions for a series of next steps, including further consultation. This new and updated version of the paper has now been expanded to include interviews with private student accommodation providers as well as a number of universities. The new paper also includes a literature review of recent research undertaken by others. The research study concludes with a summary of findings covering accountability, incentives, delivery, risk, and opportunities. It is clear from the research that many in the sector acknowledge that the current purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) offer is failing to meet the full range of student needs. This paper challenges universities to take an active role in driving a more innovative and diverse student accommodation offer and to realise important opportunities that exist.