Accommodation For Students recently carried out the Student Experience Survey 2025 in an attempt to understand what would improve the university experience for students – 337 students participated in the survey, ensuring that 99 UK universities were represented by the student body. The main outcome of the research showed that students want to feel supported while still having independence.
The overall suggested improvements were:
- More affordable accommodation & costs:
Rent, transport and general cost of living are seen as barriers to enjoying university life. - Improvements to facilities:
Issues around maintenance and service quality. - Better wellbeing support:
Faster, more accessible and more proactive wellbeing help. - Better community & campus engagement:
Many students want more of a sense of belonging eg. through events and societies. - Improved teaching & balanced workload:
Students mention inconsistent teaching quality and uneven workloads, with clusters of deadlines and limited flexibility. They want clearer expectations and more contact hours
However, the requirements differed depending on the accommodation type that students were residing in.
For those living in university halls, 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.
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
Similarly, in private housing, the suggestions were:
- Quicker responses to maintenance issues
- Lower rent and bills included
- Better communication with landlords/agents
On the other hand, those living at home wished they had:
- More independence
- Shorter commutes & better transport links to uni
For those living in university halls, 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.
