First impressions matter, especially when it comes to student accommodation. The latest data from over a decade of the Global Student Living Index (GSL Index) reveals that the moving-in experience significantly influences student satisfaction and retention.
In particular, students who encounter challenges during move-in are more likely to become detractors according to Net Promoter Score (NPS) metrics.
Encouragingly, the Autumn 2023 wave of the GSL Index brings positive news for both university and private halls in the UK & Ireland. Across various aspects of the moving-in experience, there have been notable improvements in student satisfaction, as indicated by the data.
Key Findings:
- Arrival Instructions: Satisfaction with arrival instructions has seen an uptick, with 79% of students rating them as good or very good compared to 77% last year. This improvement holds true for both university and private halls.
- Cleanliness: Overall, cleanliness ratings have improved, with 72% of students giving positive ratings compared to 70% in the previous year. While satisfaction with cleanliness is higher in university halls (75% vs. 71% in private halls), both sectors have shown improvement.
- Ease of Finding Accommodation: Finding accommodation has become easier, with 85% of students rating it positively, up from 84% the previous year. Interestingly, students in private halls express higher satisfaction in this aspect compared to their counterparts in university halls.
- Online Induction: Satisfaction with online inductions has increased from 73% to 75%, with private halls leading in satisfaction levels (76% vs. 73% in university halls).
- Parking: Parking remains a challenge, with no improvement in satisfaction levels from the previous year. However, students in university halls express slightly higher satisfaction compared to those in private halls.
- Staff Welcome: The welcoming attitude of staff has improved, rising from 83% to 85% satisfaction. Again, students in private halls seem slightly more satisfied with the staff welcome.
- Welcome from Other Students: While the welcome from other students has seen a slight improvement, students in university halls express higher satisfaction compared to those in private halls.
Implications and Recognition:
The data from the Autumn wave of the GSL Index survey contributes to determining the Best Moving-In Experience category in the Global Student Living Awards for the UK & Ireland and Europe.
This recognition acknowledges the efforts of accommodations in enhancing the student experience. Finalists and winners across all award categories will be announced at an awards ceremony on 17th October in London, based on feedback gathered in the upcoming Spring wave.
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