OfS research finds over eight in ten students are satisfied with their accommodation

The OfS commissioned IFF Research to conduct a survey of over 1,200 first-year students in England, to help us better understand the role accommodation plays in shaping students’ overall higher education experience and outcomes and how this varies among different groups of students.

The survey, which was complemented by a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews, found that the vast majority (87 per cent) of respondents were satisfied with their accommodation experience overall, reporting that it had a positive impact on social integration, commuting time, and their sense of belonging. Other findings include:

• 14 per cent of students who responded to the survey reported their accommodation had a negative impact on their sleep and 11 per cent said it had negatively impacted their mental health. Among students with a long-term health condition or disability, this rose to 18 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively.
• 69 per cent of students said expected accommodation costs strongly influenced their decision about which university or college to attend, and nearly one in seven students (15 per cent) reported difficulties in covering the cost.
• Students in the East of England were most likely to report their accommodation was good value for money (93 per cent), followed by London (78 per cent), the South West (65 per cent), the North West (60 per cent), and the West Midlands (54 per cent).
• White students were more likely than students from other backgrounds to secure their first choice of accommodation (85 per cent compared with 74 per cent), and students studying in regions outside of London were more likely than those in London to secure their first choice (82 per cent compared with 75 per cent).
• Students in university or college-maintained accommodation within the survey sample were more likely to report satisfaction with the choice available to them than those in private student accommodation or other private rented accommodation (85 per cent compared with 70 per cent and 57 per cent respectively).
• Almost all surveyed students said they found the key terms of their accommodation contract clear (93 per cent). However, some struggled to describe basic details about their contracts in practice. For example, among those who reported living in accommodation privately maintained on behalf of a university or college, one in three (36 per cent) said their contract was with their university or college, not a private provider.

Josh Fleming, Interim Chief Executive, said:

‘Accommodation plays a significant role in a student’s studies. It’s great to see that most students who participated in the research published today were positive about their experiences. The study also highlights some clear challenges around cost, understanding contracts, and the quality and maintenance of accommodation.

‘We hope this research prompts discussion and reflection across the sector about how these issues can be improved. We’re currently consulting on a new approach to consumer and student protection. At its heart are proposals for treating students fairly, including in university or college-run accommodation. I’d encourage all students, institutions and other groups with an interest in this research to share their thoughts with us before the consultation closes in July.’

Notes

1. The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our strategy for 2025 to 2030 seeks to ensure that students from all backgrounds benefit from high quality higher education, delivered by a diverse, sustainable sector that continues to improve.
2. In April, we launched a consultation on a new approach to consumer and student protection, in which we set out proposals to help universities and colleges treat students fairly. These proposals would require institutions to:
   • give students clear, comprehensive and accurate information about services they provide or that are provided on their behalf
   • provide clear, straightforward contracts
   • deliver what was promised, and handle changes fairly
   • provide faster, fairer fixes when things go wrong, including providing refunds or compensation where that’s appropriate.
   We are proposing that these requirements should not just apply to courses, but to other services institutions provide, such as accommodation.
3. Read and respond to our consultation on reforms to student and consumer protection before Thursday 9 July.