Page 22 - StudyTravel Magazine April 2025 Issue

ACCOMMODATION :

EXPANDING & ADAPTING

SPECIAL REPORT

As demand continues to grow, the
accommodation sector faces increasing
pressure from rising costs, shifting student
preferences, and the need for greater
flexibility. Delilah Kealy-Roberts reports.

ASSOCIATED

ffordability remains one of a similar trend in Australia, where
the biggest concerns for students are reconsidering traditional
Ainternational students, with rental options. “The Australian rental
rental prices for purpose-built student market is in crisis and is expensive,
accommodation (PBSA) increasing so students are turning towards
at their fastest rate in six years (bit. alternative options that are better
ly/4hSpkUw). The UK saw the highest value for money. There is a shift away
annual increase in PBSA rental prices from domestic rentals towards PBSA
at 11.3 per cent, followed by Portugal and homestay,” he explains. accommodation. High standards of
(8.4 per cent) and Denmark (7.8 per facilities – such as gyms, high-speed
cent), reflecting a tightening market. “The majority of internet, co-working spaces, and

Madhur Gujar, Chief Business students are cost 24/7 security – are now considered

Officer of Amber Student https:// sensitive” the norm for international students,

amberstudent.com, acknowledges the rather than a luxury.”
growing financial burden on students. In addition to affordability, Dinara Suleimanova, Head

“The majority of students are cost- students are increasingly prioritising of Business Development and
sensitive, making it challenging convenience, stability, and a sense Partnerships at Londonist DMC
to balance affordability with the of belonging in their accommodation https://londonist.co.uk/, also

amenities they expect,” he explains. choices. Ben McLeod at The Social reported trends towards the

Michele Da Silva, Managing Director Hub Glasgow www.thesocialhub. importance of flexibility and belonging.
of Britannia Student Services https:// co/glasgow, observes a significant She says, “Student expectations are

britanniastudents.com, has also seen shift in demand. “Previously, many evolving, with increasing demand for
a shift in student behaviour. “Students international students would accommodation that offers flexibility

are becoming more and more transition into the private rental and a strong sense of community.

price conscious and are shopping sector as they progressed through This trend reflects a broader desire for
around for the best deals in halls of their studies. However, we are seeing living environments that support their
residence,” she says, noting that a shift back towards PBSA due to key academic success while fostering

affordability concerns are influencing factors like social interaction, location personal well-being and connection
accommodation choices. shortages, and the convenience of with others.”
David Bycroft, Founder and all-inclusive living.” In 2024, Londonist provided a total
Director of the Australian Homestay Ben adds that expectations around of about 2,000 beds across properties,
Network www.homestaynetwork.org facilities have also changed. “There reflecting an increase in

and MyStay International https:// is a clear trend towards socially capacity, with an average
mystayinternational.com, highlights connected, community-driven occupancy rate of 93 per cent.
Photos: Leevin, Londonist APRIL 2025 19