Great Expectations – what students want from their accommodation
With the maximum cost for tuition fees tipping £9000, it’s no surprise that students not only want the best from the education they’re paying for but the living experience while they’re studying. Yet research by the National Union of Students (NUS) showed that three-quarters of students are living in poor accommodation.\r\n\r\nSpurred by these figures, Glide Utilities worked with Accommodation For Students (AFS) to create a report to find out what students really want from their accommodation:
- A speedy connection – 83%
- Inclusive bills – 74%
- Double beds – 61%
- Good storage – 72%
- Large, functional communal areas – 59%
- Close to campus – 55%
- Good transport links – 31%
- Good management – 66% of those surveyed said they had experienced problems with the way their property had been managed
James Villarreal, CEO at Glide Utilities, spoke of the findings and what they hoped can be learned from the report:
“The secret to gaining student appeal in 2015 is definitely ‘more is more’. While the majority of students are satisfied with their accommodation, we can’t ignore the fact that this figure is gradually falling. This isn’t because conditions are slipping, necessarily, but that student expectations are rising.”
“Our findings highlight exactly what students seek, when it comes to private rented accommodation, and will help landlords and agents make the right practical, changes, without breaking the bank.”
With the potential of a steady income, those investing in student properties will find that by ticking all the right boxes in terms of what prospective students want, they’ll be more likely to gain interest not just from potential tenants themselves, but from the University.
Being comfortable in living accommodation is important, and could make all the difference to both learning experience and outcome. Students will use the National Student Survey and International Student Barometer scores to help them pick the right University for them, both of which account for the quality of living accommodation.
In a bid to provide enviable living quarters for their students, one of the steps Universities are taking is to outsource private rental providers.
Taking note of what students want will give landlords of student accommodation a good insight when looking into properties to add to their portfolio, as well as the best opportunity for securing the right tenants for their current properties, thereby protecting their investment.
Find out how CSW could help protect your property with dedicated landlords’ and property owners’ insurance as well as landlord legal expenses insurance. Get in touch on 01461 337 751 or enquiries@cswinsurance.co.uk.