Octopus Real Estate, a leading specialist real estate investor, has published its student accommodation impact report, following a survey of over 1,000 students who currently attend or have completed a degree at a British university.
The first report to look in detail at how students’ accommodation choices change over the course of the university journey, it reveals the significant difference student accommodation has on academic performance and mental and physical health, as well as the value of a technology-enabled environment.
It shows that students living in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in their first year are 26% more likely to achieve top grades than those living in traditional halls of residence and 15% more likely than those living at home.
Those living in PBSA in their first year are almost twice as likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with their physical health (60%) than those living in halls (32%)
Technology in PBSA was rated as ‘excellent’ by 39% of students living in PBSA in their first year, compared to less than a quarter (23%) in halls of residence.
Gavin Eustace, Head of Residential Development at Octopus Real Estate commented:
“PBSA accounts for under a third of the market, but the sector is growing strongly and offers a huge opportunity for developers. We’re proud to champion this sector, as demand for specialised student accommodation continues to rise. At a time when the job market and financial pressures for students are so high, developers are making a positive impact with PBSA on student academic performance and health.”
