The Class Foundation’s 2024 Student Living Monitor (SLM) has revealed critical insights into the impact of housing on student wellbeing across Europe. The survey, which gathered responses from nearly 11,000 students, found that those who secure their first-choice accommodation report significantly better living experiences and overall mental health compared to those who do not.
Key findings on first-choice accommodation
The survey highlights that students who are able to live in their preferred accommodation report an average Mental Health Index (MHI-5) score of 59.6. This score is notably higher than the 54.1 reported by students who did not get their first-choice accommodation. Given that the average overall MHI-5 score across all students surveyed is 57.8—slightly below the good mental health benchmark of 60—this 5.5-point difference underscores the substantial influence that accommodation choice has on student well-being.
The impact of accommodation on student happiness
The data further shows that those in preferred housing are more engaged in campus life, more satisfied with their social experiences, and less likely to report feelings of loneliness. These students participate more frequently in organised events and make greater use of communal spaces, both of which are key contributors to their positive living experiences.
Policy recommendations: enhancing availability and choice
The SLM report makes several policy recommendations aimed at improving student living conditions by increasing the availability and diversity of housing options.
It emphasises the importance of providing students with greater agency in choosing their living environments. Specifically, the report advocates for:
- Expanding housing options: The SLM report emphasises that universities, housing providers, and local governments should collaborate to increase the supply of high-quality, accessible housing that meets the diverse needs of the student population. This includes developing more Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) options, which are specifically designed for students and equipped with services and facilities that the SLM data shows have a positive impact on well-being. These include mental health support, career guidance, communal spaces, outdoor areas, and organised events.
- Ensuring affordability: Financial stability is closely linked to better mental health, with students who can manage unexpected expenses reporting much higher MHI-5 scores (65.5) than those who cannot (47.4). The report also calls on policymakers to create incentives for developers and investors to build and maintain affordable student housing. This could include tax breaks, grants, or subsidies aimed at reducing the cost of developing student accommodation, thereby making it more accessible to a broader range of students.
- Creating access for students with disabilities: There should be a focus on creating more equitable access to first-choice accommodations, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students with disabilities, who report MHI-5 scores of 45.78 significantly lower than their peers (59.7).
“Our findings make it clear: student happiness is deeply connected to where and how they live. This report is a call to action for us all to build environments that do more than just house students, but actively contribute to giving them a positive experience, make them feel like they supported and are part of a community, thus leading to their overall success.”
Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director, The Class Foundation
The road ahead
The 2024 Student Living Monitor serves as a critical resource for investors, developers, housing providers, and policymakers across Europe. By addressing the issues of availability, choice, and affordability, the student housing sector can significantly enhance the living experiences of students, contributing to their academic success and overall wellbeing.
“Each year thousands of students across Europe embark on educational journeys, immersing themselves in new cultures and education systems.
“However, ensuring accommodation at their destination remains a persistent challenge. Initiatives like the Student Living Monitor comprehensively address multifaceted living condition issues contributing to student wellbeing.
“We appreciate the collaboration with The Class Foundation in creating pathways for mobile learners and shaping the future of mobility.”
Rita Dias, President, Erasmus Student Network
