There has been a dramatic change in how university students view student accommodation as they are ‘less likely to socialise within the property than before and are looking to spend more time studying’, according to the National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) by Red Brick research.
The survey of 20,000 UK students revealed that only 46% were living in university halls and just 36% in private halls who feel there is a ‘strong sense of community where they live’. Fewer students are forming close relationships in accommodation and under two fifths (38%) of those living in private halls now believe they will share future accommodation with one of their current hall mates.
Student rents are still holding up, despite the increase in fees, as in 2012, the most commonly paid rent among respondents was in the £90 to £99 bracket, with just 6% of students claiming to spend £200 or more per week. This figure has remained constant, despite the introduction of increased fees of up to £9,000 per year.
Tim Daplyn, CEO of Red Brick research and author or the report, said: “Despite the increased burden of fees, student rents have held up well in most parts of the UK. But (tenant) expectations are rising and whilst the condition and quality of the accommodation itself remains the most important predictor of rents, there are other factors to consider. Students and their parents are increasingly looking at the entirety of the ‘learning environment’. This means providing more that just a desk and a bed within a room and offering good lighting, numerous electrical sockets, noise-reducing designs and high-speed internet as an absolute must. For landlords, the good news is that by delivering an accommodation experience that compliments a student’s learning experience, the ability to maximise rental income and reduce maintenance costs by attracting quieter, more studious students will be greater.”
The proportion of students saying they are ‘very satisfied’ with their accommodation has fallen in all types of accommodation compared to 2012 with university halls falling 6%, private halls 3% and the private rental sector 9%.
The quality of bedrooms and overall value for money remain the two most important factors in accommodation selection, however broadband internet access - specifically wifi, as opposed to fixed line – has emerged as a significant deciding factor and was ranked by 95% of students as the most important factor, gaining a higher score than neighbourhood safety, en-suite bathrooms and having a good range of social activities on offer. Nearly a third of students would be prepared to pay more for an improved ‘wifi’ service in their accommodation.
