The National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) has revealed that internet access is the most critical factor for student tenants whilst a lack of fridge-space tops the complaint list.

NSHS report: ‘For the first time ever, students have rated good internet access above location when hunting for their perfect university accommodation. From next year, students face a bill of thousands of pounds for the cost of a university education, and the discerning student knows what they want, how much it should cost them and they will accept nothing less.

‘Demand for university accommodation remains high, and more and more private property companies are branching out to offer accommodation solely targeted at the student population. Landlords and property investors need to start listening to these consumers, or risk losing out to bigger companies.

‘The National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) 2011 saw 15,490 students respond from more than 120 universities and colleges across the country, detailing what they look for in a property and what they expect to get for their money.

‘The NSHS revealed that internet access is the number one priority for students, with 90% rating it as a very important factor. Value for money came second (85%) and location came in third, with only three-quarters of respondents rating it as ‘very important’.

‘The most ‘negative’ factors in students’ experience of accommodation, which they rated ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’, came with their experience of getting repairs done on time, noise levels, and lack of both recycling and environmental facilities.’