Students in purpose-built student accommodation are happier

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%).

Students in purpose-built student accommodation are happier

Students living in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) report higher grades and greater wellbeing than those living student halls, Octopus Real Estate has found.

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%). In addition, they are 26% more likely to achieve top grades than those living in halls of residence and 15% more likely than those living at home.

Gavin Eustace, head of residential development at Octopus Real Estate, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation accounts for under a third1 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.”

Students living in PBSA in their first year are more likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with their mental health (34%), compared to those living in halls (23%). This trend continues throughout students’ years at university.

The value of a technology-enabled environment Better technology facilities within PBSA clearly contributes to student contentment and academic performance.

Some four in 10 first year students living in in PBSA rated technology as ‘excellent’, compared to less than a quarter in halls of residence. Access to top tech facilities appears to have a strong bearing on grades.

On average throughout the years at university, students who achieved top grades (over 70%) are almost twice as likely to have prioritised the use of technology when choosing accommodation (21%), compared to those who achieved 69% in their grades or lower (13%).