Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Top Reasons to Choose PBSAs

We’re sure when going through student housing options, you must have thought to yourself,” What is purpose built student accommodations?” Well, purpose built student accommodation, or PBSA is a type of housing with purposeful designs and amenities that refer to the student's academic life. What is PBSA? A PBSA is essentially a type of housing that's tailored to the needs of students who go to university or college.
In this blog, we will cover the PBSA student accommodations and highlight all the basic needs they provide that make you feel comfortable. Amenities like great study settings, social spaces, and retail options are essential for students’ comfort and academic performance. PBSAs come with tons of benefits and pros, and if you are looking for purpose-built student accommodation, you should definitely know why PBSA Student Housing is the right choice for you. Before moving forward and to give you a clear view, we want to let you know the top reason why students are moving towards PBSA this year through a survey.

Top Reasons to Choose PBSA for Students

Students recognise that the choices and amenities provided by PBSAs are essential elements of their student experiences. A survey was conducted by Knight Frank in 2023 to understand the reason students are moving towards PBSA.  According to the Knight Frank & UCAS student accommodation survey, 92% of the students are moving to PBSA student accommodations due to the condition of the room and a belief that it would help in their study more effectively (88%). Below are some of the top reasons from the survey why students are moving to PBSA.

Source: Knight Frank/UCAS Student Accommodation Survey 2023

Moreover, some of the PBSAs offer additional amenities such as fast Wifi, an onsite gym, 24-hour security, a larger bedroom, and many more, but these amenities may come with additional charges. In the survey, students indicated that they would be willing to pay more for access to certain amenities in addition to their current rent. Stronger WiFi was the most sought-after service for students living in private purpose-built accommodation, followed by a larger bedroom and amenities such as on-site pools, cinemas, and games rooms.

Source: Knight Frank/UCAS Student Accommodation Survey 2023
Let us delve into PBSA purpose built student accommodations and why they just might be the right housing choice for you.

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1. Modern Living and Study Spaces

Student accommodation with purpose-built features creates a unique study environment that you won't find in regular private apartments. Every PBSA has modern study rooms, including specific areas with desks, Wi-Fi, broadband, and separate areas to study so that you can get the peace and focus you need to study and do your best work. Dedicated modern learning areas allow students to separate their personal and university lives. 

2. Key Location Advantage

What is purpose built student accommodation? For us, PBSAs are comfort, convenience, and accessibility. Most PBSAs out there keep facets such as key locations in mind which means that you can find many well-serviced PBSAs near big universities. Thus also puts you in the vicinity of big commercial areas, public transport, and campus facilities.

3. Social Spaces 

One of the main benefits of studying abroad is the chance to socialise with people from all over the world. According to a survey by Knight Frank for UCAS, 86% of first-year students say that making friends is important to them.
Furthermore, social spaces are one of the most important aspects PBSA student accommodations provide. Social areas are what comprise of what is purpose built student accommodations. Common social areas in PBSAs include:

1. Communal Kitchen
2. Game Room
3. Cinema
4. Restaurants and Cafes
5. Event Spaces

Providing students with more social opportunities can help boost their mental health and prevent them from feeling isolated and thinking about dropping out of university.

4. Safety and Security

One of the best things about PBSA is the level of security they provide. PBSA offers safety and security features to ensure that all students and their belongings are safe and secure. Studies showed that parents prefer PBSAs since they have a high level of security instead of a private let.
According to research conducted by Knight Frank and UCAS, 45% of students would like 24-hour security and would be willing to pay an additional rental premium for this. For international students living in the UK, one in six will have their accommodation covered by their parents or extended family. Parents are often ready to cover the cost if they believe their child's safety could be at risk. To keep students and parents relaxed, Purpose built student accommodations offer security that needs to be top-notch. Monitoring security incidents can also help you pinpoint areas of concern that need urgent attention. Here are some major security PBSA offers:

1. 24-hour on-site team
2. CCTV cameras
3. Access codes/keyfobs that keep out non-residents
4. A receptionist at the entrance

5. All-inclusive Bills Facilities

What does PBSA stand for? The answer is all-inclusive bills which means that all your bills and rent will covered in a single payment. Now you won’t need to worry about electricity, water bills, gas bills, or internet charges. This arrangement facilitates your budgeting, providing a convenient and economical solution in the face of increasing living costs. Moreover, PBSA offers no additional bill rise during your stay, but it’s important to make sure before you book your accommodation. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any unwelcome surprises or bills coming through your door when living at a PBSA real estate. All you have to do is make sure you’re paying your rent on time, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in your space. 

6. Parcel Collection Services

Many students spend a good portion of their time shopping online. This is especially common at the beginning of the university year when students are still settling into their rooms. Some students will also purchase textbooks and other materials needed for their courses, like art canvases, instruments, or a laptop.
Furthermore, PBSA’s offering parcel room makes them relax about their stuff. Students can order anything they need or want because they know the courier will have a secure place to store. Parcel rooms also make life easier for the front-of-house teams that receive deliveries. Packages are easy to log in to and are kept away from the entrance area so they don't clog up the space.

7. Management Services

Private apartments often suffer from a lack of responsiveness from landlords and inadequate maintenance. Eliminating these issues by offering professional management services answers the major question of what is purpose built student accommodation. With dedicated teams on hand to resolve any issues promptly, PBSAs have an edge over most traditional student housing options. Additionally, dedicated maintenance staff are on hand to ensure that monitoring requirements are met effectively.

It is clear that purpose built student accommodations are one of the best options a student cna opt for when living away from home in their pursuit of academic excellence. However, why should you as an investor, consider adding PBSAs to your portfolio?

We have extensively discussed the amenities provided by the PBSA purpose built student accommodations and how students can avail of most of them. It would be an ideal choice for any student who desires a successful college experience without having to worry about daily life utilities. Moreover, there are other things to consider whenever you are choosing student accommodation. To assist in the search for student accommodation, amber, the premier student accommodation provider, offers its services.