Affordability, budgeting and value for money were in the top ten concerns of Nido students across all of our locations according to our recent round of research. However, so were the quality of accommodation, the focus on wellbeing, amenities and sustainability.
By Tony Allen, Operations Director, Nido Living
Often these are themes that don’t marry well together. Providing accommodation at the lowest rental levels but with the best design and amenities is a difficult ask. Sustainability doesn’t come cheap and neither do technology, services and initiatives that promote wellbeing and experience.
But why should students need to compromise. In 2025, wellbeing and sustainability should be designed as standard. Super fast connectivity and technology certainly should be too.
Perhaps amenities and other services might be on more of a sliding scale – our research tells us that students are willing to pay more for the likes of a gym, swimming pool, and catering for example. These represent choices, not necessities after all.
But in terms of slick interior design that represents local cultures, and secure, modern, clean, and comfortable accommodation that’s built to last with sustainable materials, with student communities supported by wellbeing programmes and social events, should that come at a price?
Or is it the responsibility of the investor, developer, or operator to deliver this no matter the rent as part of the experience that conscientious, talented students not only want but expect?
It’s something Nido believes should be part of our make up and we have been working on for a while, conscious of local concerns and the affordability crisis that has hit most of Europe. We took it upon ourselves to design a state-of-the-art scheme in Maastricht where, despite the need to provide affordable student accommodation (430 of the 506 studios there are at the lowest rental setting for the social housing allowance limit scheme for people aged 23 and under), we decided not to compromise on design, quality, sustainability or amenity.
The complex was developed by Urban Developers in close collaboration with Mathieu Bruls architect, Kompas 360, Zuyd Vastgoed, and MC2 Management. As a pioneering operational platform, Nido provided insight into the design process, bringing in award-winning company ‘A Designer at Heart’ for the interior design which has been instrumental in capturing Nido’s wellbeing design ethos.
As such, students can live affordably in highly specified, furnished studios, with access to a series of thoughtfully designed study and social spaces, including a gym, outdoor garden, lounges, private dining facilities and co-working areas.
In addition to its location and facilities, Nido Randwyck also has various sustainability features such as a largely wooden facade cladding, surrounding garden areas with water retention for rainwater from the roof, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, a full electric low-temperature climate system, LED lighting and motion sensors.
Similarly, earlier this year, Nido launched two new flex living schemes in Valencia (Nido Malvarrosa) and Madrid (Nido Principe Pio), with a range of tenures but both featuring the same high level of design quality and amenities, sustainability measures, and innovative tech, social events and wellbeing support.
We have made it our mission to only use 100% recycled and recyclable materials in each new development where possible, and to continue using award-winning interior design and investing in social, tech and community no matter where our buildings are located. 80% of each asset will follow the Nido brand’s quality, design and values. The remaining 20% however will be focused on the local culture, needs, and wants with a team on the ground representing the Nido student family. That’s how we drive experience, loyalty and engagement.
As part of our commitment to deliver the best student experience, we are also powering the next generation of talent who will pay it back by working hard, making new discoveries, and driving economic growth. That’s an investment in itself and one that shouldn’t come at a price.
