It's now a week on from the Unipol National Codes Student Experience Conference 2025, and as we reflect on the key discussions, insights and takeaways from the day, we would like to thank all our attendees, speakers, and our sponsor, StudentCrowd, who are all actively contributing to important conversations which are helping to shape the future of student living.
So much was covered throughout the day, and here's our round-up:
Our first session was led by HEPI's Nick Hillman, who explored data on students' higher education decision-making, in which he highlighted the important verdict from their research: despite students facing hardships, most do not regret going to university. This reassurance should be used to guide efforts to enhance student engagement from the moment they apply, right throughout their academic journey. Nick conveyed the idea that there must be a greater push for innovation in student accommodation to ensure students receive the right support at the right time, especially given the declining real-terms value of student finance.
To continue the morning session, Tuely Robins of StudentCrowd acknowledged how, with increasing numbers of students, the accommodation sector - especially the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) sector - has never been more competitive, with changing priorities in terms of students' decision making. Value for money is now the top consideration for many students, overtaking location. However, each market is nuanced which means that localised strategies are needed to help maximise student satisfaction. We also learned that digital communication and data play a crucial role in shaping authentic engagement and responding to student feedback in real time.
The ‘What’s Hot, What’s Not’ panel session, which included Olivia Brooks from Nottingham Trent Students' Union, educated attendees on how students want their accommodation to feel like a home and community, they don't want to feel like a customer. While luxury facilities like cinema rooms may initially seem appealing, they are often not what students prioritise. Practical considerations, such as affordable laundry facilities, matter much more. The reality of accommodation provision needs to match expectation, and it is the staff and their customer service that can make or break this. Communal spaces should be flexible and inclusive, and the small everyday details can have the biggest impact on student well-being.
Aaron Porter held a session focused more on the broader sector challenges, saying 'the ratio of challenge to change is greater than at any time in our generation'. There are multiple challenges facing the wider Higher Education sector, and significantly is a persistent progression to HE gap between students from the most and least advantaged backgrounds. If the sector is genuinely committed to widening access and participation, then growing numbers of students entering the sector will inevitably be more price sensitive. Accommodation providers need to work with the rest of the sector in its role as an enabler of access to higher education, and coordinate regional and local strategies in partnership with universities.
The theme of collaboration was consolidated by Ian Jones from University of Sheffield, who emphasised the need for greater flexibilty, trust and cooperation between PBSA providers and universities. He acknowledged that economic pressures and shifting student recruitment patterns are creating challenges to the existing potential for stronger partnerships. These challenges can be subdued by overcoming a hyper-competitive mindset and instead fostering long-term cooperation. This will require adaptability and a willingness to navigate shared difficulties in an evolving economic and regulatory landscape.
The importance of well-supported staff was another key theme highlighted in the afternoon panel discussion. Students thrive in safe and supportive environments, but those providing that support must also have the necessary resources and well-being considerations in place. Preventing staff burnout and maintaining strong support networks ensures that students receive the best possible experience. Universities and PBSA providers should see each other as partners in this effort, rather than as competitors.
Clare Ody of Kinetic demonstrated how the student experience is becoming increasingly lived and shaped by technology. This carries through from pre-application, to arrivals and throughout their accommodation experience. Students are arriving at university increasingly adept in technology and expecting seamless digital interactions, and the sector must adapt and grow with this. Online platforms that facilitate connections before arrival can reduce anxiety and social pressure, while apps for maintenance requests, safety information, and engagement with providers can enhance the overall accommodation experience.
Addressing the role of student support networks, Michael Lees from Nottingham Trent University, reinforced that supporting students requires a multifaceted approach which involves a network of interconnected stakeholders.
Luke Van Der Kooij of Unite Students urged that neurodivergent students should be viewed an asset, not a problem. There are many solutions and reasonable adjustments that providers can implement which can make a significant difference in easing transitions and reducing stress for said students. Examples provided of such practices include early check in, providing a singular check list of tasks to complete before arrival, developing clearer & more adaptable communication templates.
The day concluded with reflections from Unipol's Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed & Frah Consulting's Sam Bailey-Watts, who reiterated the need for collaboration between PBSA providers and universities. While the sector continues to operate within an increasingly marketized system, it is crucial to remember that student accommodation exists to support education and personal growth. The living environment should enable students to succeed, and long-term strategic planning will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead.
We are already looking forward to next year’s conference and hearing what progress has been made. Thank you again to everyone who participated—we couldn’t do it without you. Don’t forget to complete our feedback form if you haven't already so we can continue to make these conferences bigger and better each year - we will see you then.