Number of university students living in privately owned halls across the UK doubles in 7 years
- Over 100,000 higher education students now live in privately owned halls in the UK (HESA)
- Privately owned purpose built student accommodation can provide a premium living experience (Knight Frank)
- Students are striving to get more of a university lifestyle from their residences (Collegiate AC)
As the majority of UK universities struggle to house all first year students through their traditional halls of residence, demand for alternative accommodation has expanded dramatically.
Research from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveals that the number of students now living in privately owned halls has more than doubled in recent years. Between 2007 and 2014 the figure increased from 46,000 to 102,000, with those in the industry forecasting that this trend is set to continue.
This rise in privately owned student accommodation, which it based upon the shared halls experience, can be inextricably linked with the preferences of today’s students. Further investigation, led by Knight Frank, into the desires of students highlights that they are now active consumers and can recognise the added value that purpose built student accommodation can bring to university life. Offering high quality residences, rent costs inclusive of bills, enhanced internet access and a secure environment, Knight Frank acknowledge that privately owned purpose built student halls can provide a premium living experience.
One company listening to students’ accommodation ideals is Collegiate AC, who provide a variety of luxurious properties across Great Britain that offer a wide range of additional facilities to support not only study but also all aspects of student life.
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC explains this move towards privately owned halls and how his company are dedicated to the needs of students,
“There has definitely been a significant change within the student accommodation landscape, with privately owned halls becoming one of the more sought after options available. With students now striving to get more of a lifestyle from their accommodation, communal areas and extra facilities are increasingly important.
“At Collegiate AC we aspire to not only provide students with well maintained, quality accommodation but also with a university experience that meets their needs and expectations. Our combination of comfortable and contemporary apartments and a secure and relaxing environment is what makes us a top choice amongst university students.”
Indeed recent Collegiate AC analysis shows that two-thirds of their current occupancy for the 2015/16 academic year are second and third year students, a 40% increase on 2014/15, highlighting that the demand for privately owned hall style accommodation is not just from first year students, but is also growing within the entire student populace.
Collegiate AC accommodation is comprised of modern living and learning spaces, alongside communal facilities that can include on-site gyms, private cinemas and reading rooms. Located throughout some of Great Britain’s finest university cities including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Southampton, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh, Collegiate AC residences include fast broadband and innovative work spaces, as well as incorporating additional safety features such as CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems.
For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.