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Accommodation Matters brings sector experts together to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. Join hosts Jenny Shaw and Jen Steadman each month for a lively round table chat with university student accommodation leaders from across the UK, national policy experts and subject specialists. Focusing in on topical issues, we’ll explore student accommodation and the student living experience within its broad context, talk about what’s happening right now and look at what might be coming over the horizon.
Episodes
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Unite Students has committed to becoming a net-zero carbon organisation by 2030 – with new developments in particular being targeted for a reduction in carbon. But what does a sustainable new development look like in practice right now, what solutions are there to key sources of embodied carbon, and what are some of the challenges being faced when it comes to building sustainable new developments?
Building on our recent ‘The future of sustainability in student accommodation’ episode of Accommodation Matters, we’re now sharing our full interview with Nicholas Pigula, Sustainability Construction Manager at Unite Students.
Hosted by Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director at Unite Students, tune in now to find out:
- What we’re currently focusing on to create more sustainable buildings
- How we’re targeting reductions in embodied carbon
- His favourite examples of net-zero developments
- What sustainable features have been built into our newest property, Nottingham’s Morriss House
- What we’re focusing on next in our drive for net-zero
Our Sustainable Construction Framework is coming soon – sign up here to be updated when it’s live.
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 13th October 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Accommodation Matters is back for its seventh series! For this series, we’re focusing on the future of sustainability within purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
First up is what most people would think of when hearing the word ‘sustainability’ – environmental sustainability. Our panel of experts explores how to tackle net-zero in PBSA, engaging students on sustainability within accommodation, how sustainable accommodation can improve the student experience, the possibilities of AI and much more.
Hosted by Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director at Unite Students, this episode’s guests include:
- Simon Hooton, Director at Ash Futures
- Sarah Canning, Co-Founder at The Property Marketing Strategists
- James Tiernan, Head of Sustainability at Unite Students
We’re also joined by special guest Nicholas Pigula, Sustainability Construction Manager at Unite Students, who shares some insights on the challenges of sustainable construction and some of the ways that Unite Students are approaching this on new developments.
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 13th October 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of individual guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite Students and/or Unite Group plc.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
With a new academic year rapidly approaching, we wanted to know what new and exciting initiatives are being rolled out in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) around the UK – so we asked you, our listeners, to submit their own contributions about what they’re doing differently for the 2023/24 academic year.
This month, we’re sharing your ideas and innovations for the year ahead to inspire our audience, including enhanced student arrival comms, new initiatives to better support Black and care-experienced students throughout the year, and using names as a tool to deliver an elevated student experience in accommodation.
Hosted by Jen Steadman, Higher Education Comms Executive at Unite Students, this episode’s guests include:
- Laura Maclean, Head of Accommodation and Customer Services at University of Kent
- Shauna Scott, Communications Manager at University College London
- Jo Blair, Head of Quality and Standards at Unite Students
- Paula Goodband, Senior Residential Experience Manager for Wellbeing at University of Nottingham
- Tobi Adeleke, Intern at Unite Students
- Nanu Viatoshir, Intern at Unite Students
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded throughout August 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The Living Black at University research report is available to download from the Unite Students website. [February 2022]
The Unite Foundation website can be found here.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of individual guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite Students and/or Unite Group plc.
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
In September, a new cohort of students will be walking through the doors of universities up and down the UK. So, in this month’s episode of Accommodation Matters, we’re looking at what we’ve learned about this cohort through our 2023 Applicant Index research, what universities are doing to accommodate and support these students when they arrive at university, and some of the challenges that might come with that – such as mental health, finances and building an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ and international student populations.
Hosted by Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director at Unite Students, this episode’s guests include:
- Tony Moss, Pro Vice Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) at London South Bank University
- Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy & Advocacy at HEPI
- James Greenwood, Head of Residential Life at London School of Economics, Chair of Residence Life at CUBO, and Global Initiatives Chair Elect for ACUHO-I
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 11th July 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
Unite Students’ 2023 Applicant Index is available to download from the Unite Students website. [July 2023]
HEPI’s latest Student Academic Experience Survey is available to download from the HEPI website. [June 2023]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of individual guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite Students and/or Unite Group plc.
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Last year’s cost of living episode of Accommodation Matters proved to be the most popular yet – but more than a year on, how has the cost of living crisis moved on, and what does the cost of living picture look like for students in 2023?
Our expert panel explores a wide range of talking points including food inflation, student maintenance loans, stigmas around seeking help with financial issues, challenges with student accommodation, and what university and accommodation teams can do (and are doing) to support students at this tough time.
Hosted by Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director at Unite Students, this episode’s guests include:
- Vivi Friedgut, CEO at Blackbullion
- Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor of Wonkhe and host of the Wonkhe Show
- Becca Hayhurst, Head of Student Support at Unite Students
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 12th June 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The Student Cost of Living report is available to download from the Russell Group Students’ Unions website. [January 2023]
The findings from Savanta’s cost of living research for Office for Students (OfS) are available from the OfS website. [March 2023]
The 2023 HEPI and Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey can be downloaded from the HEPI website. [June 2023]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of individual guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite Students and/or Unite Group plc.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
International students make up a substantial proportion of the UK’s student population, but how do their mental health needs differ from those of home students? That’s the question we’re looking to get to the bottom of in this month’s episode of Accommodation Matters.
Host Jenny Shaw oversees an expert conversation that covers some of the factors that have a particular impact on international students’ mental health – including finances, visas and cultural competency in student support – and how other countries’ approach to mental health can influence students’ own views on seeking support, as well as how mental health issues might present for students from different cultures.
This episode’s guests include:
- Jamie-Lukas Campbell, Postgraduate Officer at Queens University Belfast Student Union
- Dom Smithies, Influencing and Advocacy Lead at Student Minds
- Andy Winter, Director of Student Support Services at University of Sheffield
Special guest Bernadette Cochonat, Head of International Sales and Partnerships at Unite Students, additionally shares her insights into some of the specific factors and cultural background impacting on students from key markets China, India and Nigeria.
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 17th April and 5th May 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
Understanding Student Mental Health Inequalities: International Students, a report by Student Minds, is available from the Student Minds website. [2022]
Unite Students’ Living Black at University report is available from the Unite Students website. [2022]
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Following on from our latest Accommodation Matters episode ‘What does 1 million applicants mean for student accommodation?’, we now share Jenny Shaw’s full interview with Ben Jordan, Head of Policy at UCAS, about the UCAS ‘Journey To A Million’ essay series – sponsored by Unite Students and Knight Frank.
In this short 10-minute primer, Ben shares:
- What the core ‘Journey to a Million’ concept is
- Where the projection of a million applicants for UK universities comes from
- Key themes of the campaign
- Some of the major players in responding to applicant growth
Jenny and Ben also delve into some of the potential outcomes and implications of a growth in applicant demand, including further education, university choices, international students and the wider student experience.
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 17th April 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The UCAS Journey To A Million essay collection, sponsored by Unite Students and Knight Frank, can be found at the UCAS website.
Further essays will be added to the site in the coming weeks, including the Unite Students and Knight Frank co-authored essay on student accommodation - coming Thursday 18th May.
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
UCAS is projecting that by 2030, there could be up to one million applicants for Higher Education in the United Kingdom – throwing up countless considerations across the sector. The UCAS essay series Journey To A Million is exploring some of these issues and how they might play out through the rest of the decade.
Ahead of the release of Unite Students’ essay, co-authored with Knight Frank, we’re looking at what the Journey To A Million means for student accommodation - covering supply and demand, research into the student experience, and what accommodation for the next generation of students looks like.
The expert guests in this episode, hosted by Jenny Shaw, include:
- Ben Jordan, Head of Policy at UCAS
- Katie O’Neill, Associate at Knight Frank
- Deenie Lee, Co-Founder at The Property Marketing Strategists
- James Ballard, Innovation Manager at Unite Students
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 17th and 19th April 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The UCAS Journey To A Million essay collection, sponsored by Unite Students and Knight Frank, can be found at the UCAS website. Further essays will be added to the site in the coming months.
The 2023 UCAS and Knight Frank student sentiment survey report is now available from the Knight Frank website.
You can read the Property Marketing Strategists’ research at their website.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Following on from the publication of Unite Students’ new report into the university and accommodation experiences of neurodivergent students, this month on Accommodation Matters we’re talking through some of the findings and recommendations.
Guests talk through practical ways for universities and accommodation providers to make student accommodation a better environment for neurodivergent students, including arrival and orientation at university, making adjustments to student rooms, and staff support.
Our expert panel, hosted by Jenny Shaw, includes:
- Freya Selman, Co-founder of Bristol University Neurodiversity Society (BUNS)
- Tim Owen, Associate Director of Student Accommodation at University of Birmingham
- Kerry Watson, Regional Student Support Manager for Scotland and the North at Unite Students
Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 17th March 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The An Asset, Not A Problem: Meeting the needs of neurodivergent students report is available for download now from Unite Students’ website [2023].
Living Black at University can also be found on the Unite Students website [2022].
Learn more about Bristol University Neurodiversity Society (BUNS) from the Bristol SU website.
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Welcome to the sixth series of Accommodation Matters – bringing sector experts together to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation.
In this episode, host Jenny Shaw is looking to learn more about the sector’s hottest topic: student belonging. The experts share their insights on topics including how a sense of belonging comes about in student accommodation, how student accommodation practitioners can facilitate it in their buildings, and supporting students from marginalised communities to belong in their accommodation.
This month’s panel features:
- Yvonne Turnbull, Director of Student Advice and Wellbeing at Liverpool John Moores University
- Tom White, Co-Founder and CEO at WAU Agency
- Luke McCrone, Postdoctoral Researcher at Imperial College London
Accommodation Matters was recorded on 16th February 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.
Resources
The What Works? Student retention and success report can be downloaded from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation website [2012].
Unite Students’ 2022 Applicant Index is available to download from the Unite Students website, as is the Living Black at University research report [2022].
You can learn more about Imperial College’s Belonging, Engagement and Community (BEC) Project at the Imperial website.
More information on WAU Agency's 'Investor in Students' scheme is available from the WAU website.
Wonkhe and Pearson’s Building Belonging in Higher Education report is available to download from Wonkhe’s website [2022].