Student accommodation across the UK is quietly evolving. What was once seen as a basic necessity – a bed, a desk, a place to sleep – is being reimagined to meet the expectations of a new generation. And it’s not just about today’s students. We’re designing for the future, creating spaces that will support students for years to come. Rather than simply finding somewhere to live, students want to feel connected, supported and genuinely at home.
By Laura Kurt, Commercial Director, Fusion
We are not just talking about modern interiors or extra features. This shift is about designing with intention – creating environments that foster community, offer comfort, and support wellbeing as much as academic success. As students become more diverse, informed and vocal about their needs, the spaces they live in must reflect and respect who they are.
The idea of ‘positive living’ speaks directly to this. At its core, positive living means putting people first. Not just through premium amenities, but through thoughtful design that supports real lives in practical ways. For students, this can make the difference between simply coping and truly thriving.
Amenity-led accommodation, when done well, is about anticipating how students live day to day – what enables them to focus, connect, relax or reset. It might be a quiet, sensory-considerate study area for someone who finds traditional spaces overwhelming. It might be a kitchen that is laid out to spark conversation, or a rooftop garden that offers a moment of calm in a busy urban setting. These are not luxuries, or they shouldn’t be seen that way – these amenities are part of creating a living experience that feels balanced and human.
We’re bringing this vision to life through our newest development, Brent Cross Town, in North London, opening to students in September. Located in a dynamic, green-focused neighbourhood, the building has been designed around wellbeing, social interaction and future-proofed living.
As an example, the fitness space is not just a couple of treadmills in a room. We’ve designed the space to cater for multiple workout preferences and laid it out in a way that supports a healthy lifestyle – a functional training room connected to an outdoor terrace for strength building; a calming wellness room with space for yoga, pilates and barre; a multi-functional half-basketball court that leads into a high-intensity boxing studio plus of course, a cardio workout room.
We have a zero-waste shop filled with cereals, rice, pasta and gluten-free alternatives, our private dining room includes staple herbs and canned products. Brent Cross Town embodies what it means to design for both energy and rest, and individuality and community. It’s a living example of how amenity-led design can support and nourish every dimension of student life.
One of the most valuable sources of insight is, of course, students themselves. At Fusion, we have formalised this through our Fusion Futures Board, bringing students directly into the conversation about how spaces are shaped and run. Their input helps us make decisions based on real experiences rather than assumptions.
Inclusivity is a vital part of this conversation, especially as awareness around neurodiversity continues to grow. An estimated one in seven students identifies as neurodivergent – yet many still find their needs overlooked in standard accommodation models. The good news? Small, thoughtful design features – clearer signage, consistent communication, flexible lighting, quieter communal spaces – can make a meaningful difference. And what supports neurodivergent students often ends up benefiting everyone.
Of course, good design is only part of the picture. People bring buildings to life. That’s why we are also focusing on how our spaces are operated and experienced day to day. We’re developing new systems to ensure a consistent, people-first approach across all our sites, whether we have built them ourselves or are managing them on behalf of partners.
This means training our teams not just in service delivery, but in building relationships. A friendly face at reception or a quiet chat during a difficult week can shape a student’s entire experience. These everyday human moments build the kind of community that no layout or finish alone can provide.
Technology also has a role to play – not in replacing connection, but supporting it. By giving students more control over the everyday – from booking events to logging maintenance requests, it frees up our teams to focus on meaningful, in-person engagement.
There is a growing recognition that accommodation isn’t just a backdrop to university life – it plays an active role in shaping it. And while some still see investment in wellbeing, inclusivity and community-building as a bonus, more and more providers are realising it’s a necessity. Students are making choices based on values, not just value. They are looking for authenticity, care and connection.
At Fusion, we call this approach ‘The Fusion Feeling’ – the belief that when students feel supported, energised and inspired they’re more likely to thrive. It’s a feeling we’re committed to embedding in every part of the student experience – from the design of our buildings to the everyday interactions that bring them to life.
For those of us working in this space, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity. When we get it right, we don’t just offer students a place to live – we help them feel they belong. And in doing so, we contribute to a more supportive, balanced and enriching university experience. That is the future of student living – and it’s already here, and we’re proud to be part of it.
