Gone are the days of a single bed, desk and a shared kitchen where students cooked their 19p tins of beans on toast. Today's students expect much more from their living environment, with developers investing heavily in purpose built accommodation featuring areas and design that support wellbeing, social connections and academic success. Expectations have evolved meaning competition has intensified for not only attracting residents, but also retaining them too.
Supported by billions of pounds of investment annually, this sector is aware of the need to change their design focus on the student accommodation , and therefore is proactively creating communities rather than simply renting a room with facilities. The model has progressed into multi-functional spaces incorporating socialising, studying and self care in the fluid environments. They require an aesthetic look and a homely feel. Last year, the U.K saw an investment of £750 million into purpose built student accommodation. As part of our research into this topic, we learn from Nicolas Humphreys that the figures speak for themselves - investment is a safe bet here due to the demand remaining steady and secure.
Photo credits:- https://blogs.bath.ac.uk/on-parade/2024/06/27/campustv-then-and-now/
https://www.hellostudent.co.uk/student-accommodation/bath/james-house
The impact of social media could also be a factor in this change. In an article on the BBC Leoni Miller, a service assistant at Tribeka building in Leeds says "Everything is broadcast on social media so they want to do their skincare routine in a nice bathroom, post work outs in the gym in a nice environment."
University is significantly more accessible than it was 20-30 years ago. Participation has increased across a broader range of socioeconomic groups, resulting in greater demand for accommodation and more competition between providers.
The growing number of mature students has also influenced design expectations. Having often experienced independant living prior to returning to education, these residents can place greater value on comfort, functionality and quality finishes than previous generations of students.
The rise in international students have accelerated investment in accommodation quality. For many students arriving from overseas, accommodation forms a key part of their first impression of university life, creating demand for safe, comfortable and well designed living environments.
When it comes to the design itself and sourcing the products to be used, the progress made with value engineered products over the years makes it much easier now to create that high quality aesthetic feel, without the ridiculous price tag that used to come with it. Thoughtful specification choices really can help deliver high quality interiors without exceeding budget constraints. Laminate worktops are a great example of how product categories can progress over a short space of time. From authentic woodgrains and sophisticated stone effect designs to modern slimline profiles and textured finishes, today's laminates allow designers and developers to achieve a premium aesthetic without the premium price tag.
We see here the stunning Limelight Liverpool project completed in 2023 offering 535 beds with various room style options, communal areas such as a cinema and amenities including a Matrix gym. The communal areas here really are amazing!
Photo credit: https://prestigestudentliving.com/student-accommodation/liverpool/limelight
Hawk Furniture touches on this transformation in a recent blog where they talk about how the need for home comforts for more of an emotionally supportive living environment, suggesting ways this can translate into furniture whilst also utilising as much space as possible by integrating clever storage solutions.
In summary, the evolution of student accommodation is not the result of a single trend. Increased participation in higher education, a growing international student population, changing expectations from mature students and advances in manufacturing have all contributed to a sector that now places far greater emphasis on quality, comfort and experience than ever before.
To view the range of worktops available at Lawcris click here!