Knight Frank, in partnership with UCAS, released its second Student Accommodation Survey,  in January 2020, examining the views and opinions of both UK and international students regarding their accommodation choices.

Undertaken between February and November 2019, the survey canvassed the opinion of more than 60,000 students applying to university for the 2020/21 academic year, as well as students currently studying, making it the largest survey of its kind in the UK.

Since the lifting of the student number cap in 2015, universities have prioritised investment in improving teaching, facilities and the wider student experience. The findings of Knight Frank and UCAS’ survey clearly show that accommodation also has a role to play.

A record-breaking 39% of all 18-year-olds in the UK submitted an application to start studying at UK universities in September 2019, according to data from UCAS. Across the UK, around 30% of full-time first-year students live in private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), up from 22% five years ago. A further 40% live in halls or accommodation provided by the university and the remainder either live in the private rented sector or at home with parents or guardians.

Key Findings from the survey: