Accommodation For Students recently carried out the Student Experience Survey 2025 in an attempt to understand what would improve the university experience for students. The main outcome of the research showed that students want to feel supported while still having independence.
Whilst the hope is that landlords and PBSA providers will make changes in order to allow students feel more comfortable, there are also ways you can combat the most common issues yourself.
For those living in university halls, who believe their student experience could be improved by:
- Modernisations and maintenance improvements
- Cleaning and better upkeep of shared spaces
- More social events to build community feel.
They could combat these issues by:
- Reporting maintenance issues early and often to speed up repairs and show demand for improvements.
- Getting involved in student committees or hall reps to push for better cleaning schedules and upkeep of shared spaces.
- Attending or helping to organise hall events to build a stronger sense of community and meet neighbours.
- Giving structured feedback on what modernisations or facilities would genuinely improve day-to-day living.
Those in private halls agreed that the following would make their experience better:
- Lower rent
- Improvements in maintenance and service quality
- Improved sense of community
Some solutions include:
- Forming tenant groups to collectively request lower rent or improved service quality—more voices = more pressure.
- Documenting all maintenance or service problems to demand consistent and timely fixes.
- Encourage social activities or common-room meetups to help build a community where it may feel more commercialised.
Similarly, in private housing, the suggestions were:
- Quicker responses to maintenance issues
- Lower rent and bills included
- Better communication with landlords/agents
Advice for students experiencing these issues, includes:
- Using written communication with landlords/agents to ensure quicker responses and a clear paper trail.
- Having all housemates join a tenants’ union to get help with rent negotiations or unresolved issues.
- Pushing for bills-included agreements during contract renewals to reduce financial uncertainty.
- Arranging regular house meetings to share concerns and manage responsibilities smoothly.
On the other hand, those living at home wished they had:
- More independence
- Shorter commutes & better transport links to uni
If you are experiencing this, then maybe consider:
- Planning independent study routines to maintain freedom and personal growth while commuting.
- Using student discounts and travel passes to reduce transport costs.
- Exploring on-campus activities to stay socially connected even when not living nearby.
- Advocating for better transport links by joining local student forums or transport consultations.
