Essential Facilities to Attract Students to Your Accommodation

60% of UK students finalize their tenancy agreements around August and September. For student accommodation managers, that means preparing for one of the busiest and most challenging periods of the year. From high turnover to operational strain, many of the top challenges in student housing management come to a head during this time.

Students already have a lot on their plate, from preparing for the new term to dealing with homesickness and being away from their beloved homes. At the end of the day, all they want is a safe and fun place to rest.

Premium student accommodation facilities can make all the difference. This article explores essential student amenities that support academic growth and enrich university life. Read on to learn more.

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Privacy and Security

Privacy and safety are two of the most basic things anybody could ask for when choosing a new home. Everyone deserves a place where they can rest and feel truly at ease. That’s why many purpose-built student accommodations are now adopting smart security systems, including digital access control and 24/7 monitoring. If you're considering upgrades, take a look at some of the best technology for campus security to see how tech can create a safer, more reassuring environment for students.

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Private Bedrooms

The ability to enjoy one’s personal space is crucial to a positive living experience. Students should have a space to call their own, whether to get some much-needed rest, study for an upcoming test, or unwind with funny cat videos.

Private rooms must have ample storage, comfortable furniture, and a dedicated study area. This promotes a conducive learning environment and enhances student satisfaction.

Additional features, such as shower doors and soundproofing, can also give students a better sense of security. 45% of 1000 students said an en suite bathroom is one of their most sought-after housing features.

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On-Site Security

For many students, going to university marks their first time away from home. Both students and their parents worry about safety and well-being in this new chapter. On-site security can ease these concerns, providing reassurance for everyone involved.No student should have to fear stolen belongings or an unsafe environment. Student accommodation and campus facilities must establish a safety protocol for emergencies and educate tenants on this.

Students will feel better knowing that their housing provider has their safety in mind. They can also find reassurance in the presence of security cameras and security guards. Security guards often serve as a pillar of support, offering guidance with student concerns or helping them navigate the site.

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Recreational Areas

Taking part in recreational activities is essential to maintaining one’s health. Students should be able to engage in their hobbies and with their friends.

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Fitness Facilities

Convenient access to exercise equipment can help set students up for success. This helps them perform better in class and improves their overall quality of life.

Of course, you don’t have to limit your accommodation to gyms. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to exercise, so make sure the students have options. Some student accommodations offer martial arts classes, yoga, swimming pools, and sports clubs.

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Communal Areas

Starting uni is an exciting time when students get to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and begin their journey of self-discovery. However, many find it hard to break down barriers, especially if it’s their first year in uni.

Communal areas help students overcome these challenges. With spaces dedicated to engagement, students can easily connect over shared interests and build a sense of belonging.

Communal areas double as a venue for club meetings, workshops, and cultural events. These events can further enrich a student’s living experience and expose them to opportunities for personal growth.

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Dedicated Study Spaces

Accommodation managers should have dedicated spaces to facilitate study sessions. Many student friendships are formed when going over study material together.

Accommodation managers can provide career development and academic resources in these areas, such as books and informational materials. Such resources can guide students to professional growth and ensure they are well-prepared and informed for the job market.

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Wi-Fi Access and Technology

Reliable Wi-Fi access is a basic need in the fast-paced era of technology. Students need Wi-Fi to complete assignments, access online resources, and connect with loved ones back home.

A seamless, high-quality connection should be a top priority. Coverage must be seamless and accessible in all spaces, including private rooms and communal areas. Secure the network to prevent unauthorized access and protect personal data.

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Charging Stations

In addition to seamless Wi-Fi access, students should have sufficient accessible plug sockets. This feature adds more functionality to your accommodation’s private and communal rooms.

Consider installing a mix of wall-mounted and multi-port charging stations. Place these in high-traffic areas, such as lounge areas and near desks.

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Student Support

Inconveniences like Wi-Fi problems or getting locked out of a room cannot always be avoided. Student accommodations must show that they value their tenants’ experiences and are ready to help.

However, managing hundreds of support emails can be inefficient and overwhelming. Not all student accommodations have dedicated support staff, so the responsibility often falls to the front of house. The best solution is a ticketing system and automated support.

Student support software frees up admin time and provides insights to improve the living experience. These platforms track support tickets in real-time and send alerts for overdue issues to help managers handle student communication and maintenance.

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Laundry Areas

Amidst educational and social commitments, students may struggle to keep up with their laundry. An on-site facility helps them save time and energy.

If your accommodation already has a laundry facility, consider if it’s due for an upgrade. Modern laundry machines have a significant upfront investment. However, they are much more cost-effective in the long term, using 50% less water and electricity.

Modern machines are also now more intuitive. Some have multilingual interfaces, which can be very helpful for international students who are adjusting to their new environments.

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Kitchens or Dining Halls

Food is integral to a student’s experience and happiness in uni life. Food is fuel for all; for some, it’s also a source of comfort. Student accommodation can provide either a dining hall, private or shared kitchens, or both.

A rich food selection can translate to happier and healthier students. Dining halls must offer a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Food selections can also be more inclusive by catering to different allergies and religions.

Student accommodations that offer kitchens for tenant use must be fully equipped with anything the students may need, including:

• Fridge
• Kettle
• Cooktop
• Microwave, and
• Toaster

If the kitchen is shared, accommodation managers must ensure there’s enough room for all students. This gives students more flexibility when meal prepping and prevents conflict between flatmates.

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Inclusivity and Accessibility

Student accommodations cater to a diverse population with various backgrounds and cultures. Each student brings their own unique set of needs and perspectives.

In this context of diversity, it’s equally important to ensure that systems are in place to support students with disabilities. The best systems provide students with the support they need and allow them to live independently.

Certain additions, like bathroom railings and lower countertops, can help accommodate mobility impairments. Braille labels and adequate lighting can help students with visual impairments. Accessible parking and entrances are other ways to make student housing more inclusive.

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Mail and Parcel Services

According to a survey by Spaceflow, 72% of students consider digital parcel services an important part of their accommodation experience. From online shopping to receiving documents and course materials, the volume of deliveries has only grown. If you're new to the topic, here's a quick overview of what mailroom management is and why it matters in student accommodation.

Traditionally, students have had to travel off-site to collect parcels, often facing limited pickup hours, queues, or the risk of missed deliveries. While having a mailroom on-site is a great start, without the right system in place, it can become a challenge for accommodation managers. Manual processing increases the risk of misplaced parcels and takes up valuable staff time.

That’s why more student accommodation providers are turning to smart mailroom solutions. Beyond convenience, a well-managed mailroom contributes to the overall student experience. Learn more about how mailroom services enhance campus life and why they’re quickly becoming a must-have in modern PBSA.

Vita Group transformed parcel management across 22 sites. Find out how they handle high delivery volumes for over 9,600 residents each day, or watch the video to see it in action.

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Automated Parcel Management Solutions

Digital mailroom solutions are a key investment for any student accommodation looking to streamline parcel collection. Key features include:

• Digital Scanning: Automate data entry by scanning incoming and outgoing parcels with a mobile device
• Searchable Records: Easily find students and their parcel details
• Automated Notifications: Automatically inform a student when their parcels are ready for pickup, reducing manual communication
• Recipient Verification: Secure parcel collection with QR codes or E-signatures
• Multi-carrier Compatibility: Log parcels from all couriers
• Reports and Analytics: Gain insights from real-time data and identify trends
• Centralized Dashboard: Oversee parcel activity with a bird’s eye view

For a breakdown of the tools that make the biggest impact, check out the digital mailroom tools every student accommodation should use.

Digital parcel management software is a game-changer for student accommodation managers who want to streamline parcel collection. Find out how Student Roost did it for over 10,000 students.

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Essential Student Accommodation Facilities: Enriching the Student Experience

Student accommodations should be places of warmth, growth, and personal development. From private rooms and recreational areas to parcel management and laundry services, these student accommodation facilities can help ensure student well-being and an overall positive experience. These kinds of amenities not only improve daily life but also influence lease renewal rates, as students are more likely to stay in accommodations that support comfort, convenience, and community.

Want to see a digital mailroom in action? Sign up to Parcel Tracker for free and find out just how easy it can be.