Student Housing Report: What Student Living is Really Like

We set out to uncover the expectation vs. reality of student accommodation, and the results show a clear divide between those in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs) and those renting from private landlords. PBSA delivers a safer, smoother experience than private renting. Three in four PBSA residents feel safe at home compared with just over half in private lets (75% vs 56%), and two-thirds rate their overall experience positively, versus 51% with a private landlord.

From spotting renting red flags to deciding which student accommodation type is the right choice, the survey paints a vivid picture of what student living is really like. And it turns out, PBSAs, like Here! Students, lead the way in safety, reliability, and the small details that make daily life less stressful.

So, what are the biggest student housing problems in the UK, and what lessons can students take into their next move? Let’s break it down.

Safety First: Why Feeling Secure Matters

Safety is more than just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of a positive student experience. The survey revealed a big safety gap, with 75% of PBSA students reporting that they felt safe overall, compared to just 56% of those in private rentals.

Private rentals often lack what PBSAs have: secure entry systems, 24/7 CCTV and lighting around entrances, as well as on-site management to handle issues quickly. 

These are the things that matter when you’re coming back from the library late at night, studying alone, or inviting friends over. So if you’re weighing up student tenancy agreements, don’t just scan the rent. Think about whether the property will make you feel safe in your home away from home.

Beyond the Basics: Are Students Happy Where They Live?

It’s not just about safety, though. Day-to-day experiences matter too. When asked about their overall housing experience, nearly 70% of PBSA students reported a positive one, a dramatic comparison to the 51% in private rentals.

And when things went wrong? Students renting privately were twice as likely to report a bad experience as those in PBSAs.

Generally speaking, PBSAs come across as smoother and more reliable. Repairs get done, communication is clearer, and expectations often match reality. Private rentals, on the other hand, can be unpredictable.

Maintenance and Conditions: Fix It Before It Breaks You

Ever had the heating pack in mid-January, or waited weeks for a leaking tap to be fixed? You’re not alone. Maintenance is one of the biggest student housing problems in the North, South, Midlands and beyond.

In PBSAs, building managers are usually on hand to get things sorted fast, and some even include on-site maintenance teams. Here! Students takes this a step further. Our residences prioritise proactive management, meaning our teams don’t just fix issues when they happen; we work to prevent them in the first place. From routine safety checks to regular maintenance schedules, we’re committed to making sure your home is stress-free. If something does crop up, you know there’s a trusted, visible team ready to step in.

Private rentals? Well, we’ve all heard the horror stories from these. In fact, one of the respondents even shared their experience…

“One of the most shocking student accommodation issues I faced was when the heating and hot water broke down in the middle of winter. The landlord kept saying it would be fixed ‘next week’, but it dragged on for nearly a month.”

Because of this, the student described how they were “made to boil kettles just to wash,” and “sleep in layers of clothes” because of how freezing their flat was.

“It made me feel really frustrated and powerless”, the student continued, “because we were still paying full rent but weren’t getting even the basics we were promised.”

Whether your boiler’s on the blink or mould is growing on your walls, landlords are more likely to cut corners and take days, if not weeks, to respond. That lag turns small issues into big disruptions, adding stress to study and daily life.

Study and Wellbeing: A Home That Works for You

It’s hard to smash your deadlines when your room doubles as a disco thanks to thin walls. Countless studies have already proven that your home environment directly affects your sleep quality, stress levels, and concentration and productivity (all essential components for a healthy student life). As PBSA providers, we’re not just here to provide a bed for you to sleep in; we’re here to help make your uni experience a positive one. That’s why we have plenty of amenities to support your wellbeing, including our legendary activities calendar, social spaces, and quiet study areas, providing better conditions for studying, sleeping, and making memories. 

And if that wasn’t enough, Here! Students also provide superfast WiFi at no extra cost to your rent. So whether you’re scrolling through your socials, binge-watching your fave Netflix series, or cracking on with your assignments, you can settle in knowing you’ve got a connection that you can rely on. 

Decision Drivers

When it comes to choosing where to live, most students start with the obvious: cost and location. Being close to campus and keeping rent manageable are top priorities. But the survey shows that once those basics are covered, other factors quickly rise up the list, like safety, the quality of management, and amenities that make everyday life less stressful.

The reality is that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. A low rent can look tempting at first, but once you avoid hidden housing fees and factor in bills, unreliable WiFi, or the hassle of chasing a landlord for weeks about repairs, PBSA often delivers better value overall, and sometimes even comes out as being more cost-effective.

The key takeaway? Don’t assume all options are alike. Think carefully about what matters most to you, be it having a secure building, quick fixes when things break, or study-friendly spaces, and choose a home that supports both your uni life and your wellbeing.

Security basics

Feeling safe at home isn’t about dramatic moments; it’s about the little things that give you confidence day after day. Our survey found that PBSA students are far more likely to enjoy those security basics that many private rentals overlook.

When you’re in PBSA, you’re almost twice as likely to have a lock on your bedroom door (59% vs 31%). That might sound small, but it makes a huge difference when you’re living with new people and want personal space you can secure.

Take something as simple as windows. 48% of PBSA students had lockable, secure ones compared to just 30% in private rentals. It’s the kind of detail you barely notice until it isn’t there. 

And the same goes for security lighting and door entry systems: PBSA buildings are more likely to have them, giving you reassurance when you’re coming home late at night. While burglar alarms or CCTV might not be the first thing you look for on a viewing, 15% more students from PBSA properties reported having them, proving that those extra layers of protection are far from standard in the private market.

All of this adds up to a different kind of daily experience. Instead of worrying about whether your front door’s flimsy or your hallway’s pitch black, PBSAs let you focus on the fun parts of uni life, safe in the knowledge that the basics are covered.

Practical amenities that support study

So, what do students really want? Easy; spaces that make life easier. PBSAs typically come with facilities designed around student needs, while private rentals often struggle to provide even the basics. 

The survey highlights just how much more likely students in PBSA are to have access to these everyday essentials compared with those in private rentals:

From keeping on top of laundry to staying connected online, these little things add up. PBSAs help you focus on uni life, not house admin.

Regional Snapshot

So, how does student living vary from city to city?

London

Students in PBSA were 15% more likely to feel safe and 14% more likely to rate their experience positively than those in private rentals.

Manchester

PBSA residents reported a 12% higher sense of safety and were 20% more likely to describe their housing experience as good.

Birmingham

Students living in PBSA felt 16% safer and 18% more satisfied overall compared with private tenants.

Leeds 

PBSA students were 30% more likely to feel secure and 35% more likely to enjoy their accommodation than those in private housing.

Liverpool

In Liverpool, PBSA offered a 30% stronger sense of safety and edged ahead with 5% more positive experiences than private rentals.

Nottingham

Students in PBSA felt 10% safer and were 20% more likely to report satisfaction than those renting privately.

Oxford 

Oxford PBSA students are 26% more likely to feel safe and 31% more likely to have a positive experience than those renting privately.

Sheffield

Even in Sheffield, PBSA led the way, with a 25% higher sense of safety and 6% more positive experiences compared with private housing.

Smarter Choices, Safer Living

Student housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it shapes your uni experience, wellbeing, and even academic success.

Ultimately, our survey reveals that PBSA offers a safer, smoother, and more reliable student lifestyle than private rentals. From avoiding hidden housing fees to ensuring you can save money on your energy bills, PBSAs are built around what students both want and actually need.

If you’re looking for a place that balances security, value, and student-centred living, discover life at Here! Students and secure your stay for the next academic year today.

Methodology

Here! Students commissioned a survey of 600 students across the UK, including a mixture of ages and genders, to ensure unbiased results.