News From dingy to desirable: Changing the perception of student accommodation

From dingy to desirable: Changing the perception of student accommodation

Features, News

October 15, 2024

Long gone are the days of dingy student digs. With dim lighting, drafts, hard worn carpets, linoleum, tired furniture and shared bathrooms. The landscape of student accommodation has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) today has evolved into a vibrant typology.

Operators and developers are now delivering high quality accommodation with bright, well-lit spaces, modern décor and innovative bedroom designs coupled with generous amenities. These well thought out spaces help create a community and provide a safe and secure place for students to call home. However, the weight of memory might still hinder perceptions of the sector, as many remember student accommodation as it was in their university days. 

Image: Ravensbourne Wharf

What it was – reflections

Historically, student accommodation was basic and utilitarian, offering minimal comfort or privacy. These lodgings focused on the essentials – sleep, eat, wash, study – with little regard for individual needs. While this no-frills accommodation could encourage character building and camaraderie, it often came at the expense of student well-being. Perhaps the poor living conditions contributed to the disruptive behaviours often associated with students, who became products of their environment.

Whereas before, the power was in the landlords' hands, cramming as many students into the lowest quality accommodation for the highest profit, now choice is abundant, and students are voting with their feet. Operators are now competing with each other, as well as other products such as BTR and co-living, and are having to provide generosity, lifestyle support, and quality.

A new era of student living

The rise of PBSA marks a paradigm shift. Modern student accommodations now include en-suites, high speed internet and a plethora of amenity areas. There is a growing recognition of the importance of a supportive living environment for academic success and   mental health. The evolution and improvement of student accommodation is reflective of broader societal and cultural shifts. Gen z) have grown up with technology and faced unique challenges, including economic uncertainties and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Today’s student population is more diverse than ever. Inclusive PBSA schemes focuse on creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming and functional for all students regardless of their abilities and backgrounds. Developers and operators have responded by providing a range of sleeping accommodation options from shared flats to luxury studios and amenity spaces that are designed to support health and wellbeing, academic success and community building. These buildings, with quiet study spaces, health and state-of-the-art fitness suites, and social spaces, create environments where friendships can be made out with a university course curriculum alone.

Image: Illustration of communal living at Ravensbourne Wharf

Benefits and challenges

One of the many benefits to PBSA is its 24/7 management, providing support, peace of mind and security for students and their families. This reduces the risk of isolation, particularly for those living away from home for the first time.  

Striving for excellence, many operators now target BREEAM outstanding ratings, making these buildings more sustainable and energy-efficient, aligning with Gen Z’s environmental awareness.

Benefits of PBSA extend beyond the students themselves. Partnerships between universities and private operators can alleviate housing pressures, freeing up shared houses for families. Also, out-of-term rentals and hiring amenity spaces for community events extend the benefits of PBSA to the wider community.  

That said, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Premium facilities come with higher rents, highlighting the need for affordable options within these buildings. Offering diverse accommodation types can ensure inclusivity and reduce economic barriers to quality student housing. 

Addressing misconceptions

The rise of PBSA represents a significant progression in how we house and support the student population. However, misconceptions persist. 

While student bedrooms in PBSA schemes are often criticised for being compact, clever designs can make these spaces functional and comfortable. There have been concerns over the mental health of students and isolation within these buildings yet they are designed to create a community. There’s a management team on site at all times providing a level of pastoral care for the students. The attention and focus on the amenity space to support health and wellbeing should also be welcomed. Where possible external space should be provided and the focus should be to create environments encouraging learning and personal growth.

Some local communities are reluctant to have student buildings due to noise concerns and sometimes poor behaviour of students. However, the management on site provide an extra level of safety, security and discipline within these buildings. Additionally, student’s interests are changing and the evolution and improvement of modern student accommodation is testament to that. 

PBSA is a forward-thinking solution to the evolving needs of today’s students. By challenging misconceptions and understanding the multifaceted benefits of these facilities we can better appreciate their role in enhancing the overall student experience and redefine the reputation of student accommodation and indeed the students. The focus should be on working collaboratively to improve and creating buildings where students thrive, build lasting memories, and feel at home. Now it’s about delivering more of these so we can meet the demand pool of around 200,000 beds in London alone. 

By Debbie McCreath, Associate at PRP

This opinion piece was first published in Building Design.