New research from Here! Student Living highlights a notable divide in safety and quality across UK student accommodation, with many renters facing persistent issues despite rising costs. A recent survey commissioned by Here! Student Living reveals that 84% of student renters experience at least one quality issue in their accommodation, contributing to widespread dissatisfaction. Nearly half of students, 46%, feel they do not receive value for money given the expense.
First-year students are increasingly choosing private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) due to convenience, location, and safety. One in three first-year students now select PBSA, representing a 22% increase over the last five years. Students commute an average of 26 minutes to campus, further driving demand for accommodations closer to university sites.
Safety: A key differentiator
Safety emerges as a major factor in PBSA’s popularity. 75% of PBSA residents feel safe at home, compared with 56% in private rentals. PBSA properties provide superior security features, including:
| Security Feature | PBSA | Private Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Lockable door | 59% | 31% |
| Lockable windows | 48% | 30% |
| Smart doorbell | 29% | 13% |
| Door viewer | 30% | 21% |
| External/security entry | 31% | 17% |
| CCTV | 27% | 12% |
These measures are especially important for students aged 16–24, who face higher burglary risks. Secure personal spaces help students feel in control, reduce stress from unpredictable flatmates or house parties, and support academic focus and social integration.
Study amenities favor PBSA
PBSA also offers better study and living facilities:
| Amenity | PBSA | Private Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Desk and chair | 58% | 32% |
| Study area/space | 31% | 14% |
| High-speed Wi-Fi | 44% | 32% |
| Washing machine | 47% | 36% |
| Drying facilities | 38% | 25% |
| Bike storage | 21% | 6% |
Poor housing conditions extend beyond safety to affect academic performance and well-being. Only 57% of students in private rentals report having adequate study space, while 69% encounter at least one issue in their accommodation, with damp being the most common problem at 31%. Overdue repairs, unreliable heating, and other maintenance issues create ongoing “background stress,” which can hinder concentration and disrupt sleep.
A spokesperson from Here! Student Living said: “Finding the right accommodation is about more than having a roof over your head. It’s about feeling safe, supported, and being able to focus on your studies knowing you have a home you can rely on. For parents, universities, and policymakers, the data serves as a reminder that high-quality student housing isn’t a luxury. It’s a vital component for safe and healthy students, which is completely invaluable when navigating new independence and the challenges of settling into university life.”
The report aligns with wider UK trends, where PBSA continues to attract investment amid strong student demand. Recent sector analyses indicate sustained growth in PBSA supply, though challenges such as regulatory delays persist. Students increasingly prioritise professionally managed options that provide reliability, community support, and reduced stress during the transition to independent living.