Many may not have realised it, but there has been a significant change in student accommodation over the last few decades, and this is certainly not for the worse. In the past, many students opted for a college or university that was close to their home rather than facing the expense or upheaval of relocating. Needless to say, this mindset has changed, and the need for quality student accommodation has grown massively as a result. This is because many students are now choosing courses in towns and cities away from their homes in order to obtain the best education that they possibly can and boost their careers right from the start.
#1 Purpose-built property
One of the main areas that has seen a substantial rise is that in the private sector. Although there have always been private landlords renting rooms in houses and flats to students, they are now actively renovating them as HMOs with this sole purpose in mind. In the past, it was more of a case of leaving the house or flat as it was and letting rooms as single units around a communal kitchen and small lounge area. However, this has had to change.
#2 The need for increased quality
Nowadays, a lot more thought has gone into any property renovations that have taken place, and this is why student accommodation has changed a lot! Whereas in the past, the bathrooms were a shared affair, often with just one in a house of four or more tenants, now, the trend is to provide ensuite facilities in order to give the students more privacy and comfort in their time away from home. In addition, there has also been a focus on the creation of study areas within the rental property so that the students are not just expected to work within their own rooms, or if they are, then provisions are made for them with fast internet access.
#3 Additional communal areas
Student’s mental health issues have also been made foremost in most landlords’ minds, and additional communal areas have often been added or made more comfortable. Some students feel cut off and alone when they are living away from home. If they struggle to make new friends in their new surroundings, it can put a strain on their mental well-being, even more so if they feel pressured by the workload at university or college. Communal areas that are set up for students to actually spend time together rather than ‘alone’ can inspire and even encourage communication between them and help them build friendships or bond over interests, hobbies, or educational topics.
#4 Greater security measures
With so many people living under the same roof, greater security measures also need to be addressed. Locks for doors, whether it be by key or code, need to be added, and there is also the need for security cameras to be placed at entry points to keep both the students and the property safe. In addition to this, there is also the necessity of having someone available 24/7 should any issues, emergencies, or safety problems arise among the students themselves. This is to keep all tenants feeling safe while they are in their accommodation and away from their homes.
#5 Increased choice of accommodation and agreement terms
Of course, the accommodation on offer has also grown, and it is not just about staying in Halls or in a shared house. Students now have the option of studio living arrangements or even homestays (an idea borrowed from backpackers) so that they can feel like part of a family rather than the total independence of living ‘alone’ in a shared property. Alongside this is the greater choice in tenant letting terms; rather than being tied into a year, two, or even three, tenant agreements can be a lot shorter. These can be less than 30 days, if need be; however, most short-term rents for students are typically 12 months – running from the beginning of July to the end of June.
Final thoughts
Student accommodation has certainly changed a lot over the years. There is a significant reduction in the feeling of ‘roughing it’ without mum and dad and the luxuries of home. In fact, with the desirable facilities of ensuites, dedicated study areas, and communal areas, as well as increased security measures in place, this first step from teen to adult is a far easier one – and not just for the student concerned. This is even more so when you consider the additional choices available for housing types and rental agreement terms; there is something now that will fit any budget or scenario that a student (or their parents) may want.
