The 10 Things All Students Now Want From Their Accommodation

By on August 23rd, 2015

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It’s no secret that when it comes to accommodation, students’ expectations are rising. Thanks to the huge increase of tuition fees, the cost of university is too great to risk having anything less than a well-rounded experience. The importance of studying at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities is beginning to be balanced with having somewhere comfortable to stay while you do it.

Here is a list of some of the most common demands students now want from their accommodation.

1. Double bed

Gone are the days when a regular single would have been thought adequate for the carefree student. Now they like to have space while we sleep – alternating between sides of the bed, or maybe even sleeping starfish-style. A double bed also has its dual purposes – as a study area; a movie-marathon spec or a prime gossip pad when friends come over.

2. Fast wi-fi

The internet is no longer a luxury in our digital world – it’s a necessity. And it’s got to be fast.

As much as landlords and accommodation suppliers are recognising the importance of a pre-installed internet connection, there are still too many students complaining about its slow speed. If it’s not speedy enough to stream movies, play games or listen to music, it’s no good to the average student.

3. Inclusive bills

In a 2015 survey by Glide Utilities, inclusive bills were the highest priority when it came to accommodation. Not only does it give the busy student one less thing to worry about each month, it also means their bills are capped. That means they know exactly what they need to pay and don’t need to be concerned about unexpected rises. Phew!

4. Private bathroom

Ask any parents who went to university about their experiences and they’re bound to describe flustered mornings spent queuing for the bathroom. Not surprisingly, those days are drawing to a close with many students longing for private bathrooms, where they can primp and groom at their leisure.

5. Own kitchen

For those in university-run halls, set catered meals have long been the norm. Nowadays, however, students want more space in which to experiment with their own meals, as well as enjoy more intimate dining with their friends.

In both self-contained studios and shared apartments, students have the chance to realise that freedom, which is why a shared kitchen is now high on their list of expectations.

6. TV

No longer just a privilege, a TV is now one of the most important things to a student. Whether they choose to purchase a TV license and use it as a window to the world, or prefer to keep it purely for video games and entertainment, it’s an essential device that can help new students feel less lonely and keep restless ones entertained.

7. Ability to customise

No student likes a pre-planned cutout for their personal living quarters. That’s why little touches like shelving and noticeboards will go a long way towards enticing them towards a property. As students become increasingly independent, self-aware and expressive, the ability to customise and make their space truly their own is becoming all the more important.

8. High security

Plenty of student accommodation has always taken security seriously, but now savvy students are being even more cautious about whom they let into their building. As well as key fob entry systems, students are now finding extra security like intercoms, CCTV and manned receptions an attractive feature.

9. Exciting common rooms

As well as comfy couches and space to mingle with others, many students value things that will add a bit of excitement to this casual socialising – such as a mini cinema or games room.

10. A top location

Finally, location is everything. As well as being comfortably placed in relation to their uni, students want to know that they are in the midst of the action; whether it’s being a stone’s throw from the local nightlife or having smooth transport links to shops, gyms and other amenities.

When it comes to accommodation and the social-hopping student, it’s also what’s outside that counts.

 

Downing Students provides a variety of en-suite rooms, studios and shared apartments to meet the needs of the modern student – offering inclusive bills, superfast wifi, private kitchens and even on-site laundry services. Check out our range of accommodation in your chosen city to see if you could make your next home with us.

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