As the student accommodation landscape continues to evolve, The Class Foundation's 2024 Student Living Monitor (SLM) provides crucial insights into the direct link between housing conditions and student wellbeing. The report, which gathered responses from nearly 11,000 students across Europe, highlights how securing first-choice accommodation can significantly improve mental health, happiness, and overall engagement in student life.

For operators in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector, these findings offer valuable guidance on how to enhance the student living experience, ensuring that accommodations support not only academic success but also mental and emotional wellbeing.

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The Importance of Securing the First-Choice PBSA

One of the standout findings of the Student Living Monitor Survey 2024 is the clear impact of living in first-choice accommodations on mental health. According to the survey, students who secure their preferred housing report a Mental Health Index (MHI-5) score of 59.6, which is significantly higher than the 54.1 score of those who did not get their first choice.

With the average MHI-5 score across all students surveyed at 57.8 (slightly below the "good" mental health threshold of 60), the data emphasises how important it is for students to feel comfortable and happy in their living environment. These 5.5 points make a noticeable difference in how students experience university life, underscoring the need for PBSA operators to focus on increasing access to quality housing options.

How Accommodation Impacts Happiness and Engagement

The survey also shows that students in their first-choice accommodation are more socially engaged and less likely to feel isolated. These students take part in campus events more frequently, make greater use of communal spaces, and generally report higher satisfaction with their living experience.

For PBSA providers, this highlights the importance of creating living environments that foster community. By offering well-designed communal areas, organised events, and accessible social spaces, operators can help students feel more connected, reducing loneliness and improving overall satisfaction.

Supporting Mental Health and Accessibility for Disabled Students in PBSA's

One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the Student Living Monitor Survey 2024 is the mental health and wellbeing of disabled students. The survey reveals that students with disabilities report significantly lower MHI-5 scores (45.78) compared to their peers (59.7). This stark difference points to an urgent need for more mental health support and better accessibility in student accommodation.

PBSA operators have a unique role to play in addressing these gaps. Mental health support should be at the forefront of housing services, with staff trained in Mental Health First Aid to help recognise and respond to mental health issues. By providing mental health resources such as counselling services, wellness programs, and peer support groups, accommodation providers can help all students, including those with disabilities, manage the pressures of university life.

Moreover, improving accessibility for students with disabilities is crucial. This goes beyond physical access to buildings—students need accommodations that provide the tools and support they require to fully participate in university life. This includes accessible communal spaces, adaptive technologies, and personalised support plans. Ensuring that disabled students can access their first-choice accommodation is a key factor in improving their overall mental health and university experience.

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DiSRUPT Recruitment Agencies Expertise in Creating Mentally Healthy, Inclusive Teams

At DiSRUPT Recruitment Agency, we understand the critical role that well-trained staff plays in supporting students, particularly in environments like PBSA, where mental health challenges are becoming more prevalent. Our approach goes beyond job placements—we help create teams that are equipped to foster inclusive, mentally healthy living spaces.

We place a high priority on training our candidates in Mental Health First Aid, ensuring they can spot early signs of mental health issues and provide immediate support to both coworkers and students. This level of preparation not only improves the working environment for staff but also enhances the student experience by providing a safety net of mental health awareness across the accommodation.

Our partnership with Includability further strengthens our commitment to inclusivity. We ensure that our recruitment practices foster diversity and create teams where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive. By valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging open conversations about mental health, we help PBSA operators build inclusive environments where staff and students alike feel supported.

At DiSRUPT Recruitment Agency, we believe that mental health support isn’t just about responding to problems—it’s about creating a culture where well-being is a top priority. Our extensive training and recruitment processes are designed to ensure that PBSA operators have the right people in place, capable of delivering high-quality care and support to the students they serve.

Recommendations for PBSA Providers

The Student Living Monitor Survey 2024 offers several policy recommendations that PBSA operators can adopt to enhance the living experience for students, with a special focus on mental health and accessibility:

1. Expanding Housing Options The SLM calls for universities, housing providers, and local governments to work together to increase the supply of high-quality, accessible student housing. This is particularly important in the PBSA sector, where purpose-built accommodations designed with student needs in mind (such as communal spaces, mental health support, and outdoor areas) can greatly improve student wellbeing.
2. Providing Mental Health Resources Given the rising importance of mental health, PBSA providers should ensure that staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid and that mental health resources are easily accessible to students. Creating a supportive environment that promotes open conversations about mental health can help students feel more comfortable seeking help.
3. Ensuring Affordability and Access for Disabled Students Financial stability is closely linked to better mental health, with students who can manage unexpected expenses reporting higher MHI-5 scores. Additionally, providing accessible housing options for disabled students is essential. PBSA providers should work with policymakers and developers to create affordable, accessible housing that meets the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.
   

Building a Positive Future for Student Living

At DiSRUPT Recruitment, we recognise the role that quality accommodation plays in student success. The 2024 Student Living Monitor emphasises that creating supportive, well-designed, affordable, and accessible living environments can drastically improve both mental health and student engagement. For PBSA operators, now is the time to invest in creating housing that does more than just shelter students—it should foster community, provide mental health resources, and ensure inclusivity for all, particularly disabled students.

By embracing these recommendations and partnering with DiSRUPT to build mentally healthy, inclusive teams, PBSA providers can make a significant impact on the lives of students, ensuring their wellbeing and academic success.

The findings from the 2024 Student Living Monitor Survey serve as a crucial reminder that housing plays a vital role in student wellbeing. PBSA providers have an opportunity to enhance the student experience by expanding housing choices, providing mental health support, and improving accessibility for disabled students.

By prioritising these areas and partnering with DiSRUPT Recruitment to build inclusive, mentally healthy teams, PBSA operators can create environments where students not only survive but thrive during their university years, contributing to better mental health, happiness, and engagement in their academic journey.

Contact us today to learn more about how DiSRUPT Recruitment can support your team with mental health first aid training and help create a brighter future for your PBSA, BTR, or Block Management operations.