With a new academic year just weeks away, we’re looking at the class of 2025 – and the factors that influence their wellbeing.

Our expert panel discusses how key factors like part-time work, sense of community, loneliness and settling into a new city can impact student wellbeing, and what universities and accommodation providers can do to help new students settle into their new city.

Join host Jenny Shaw and this month’s expert panel:

• Nick Hillman, Director at the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI)
• Rebecca O’Hare, Assistant Director for Residence Life & Accommodation Office at University of Leeds
• Becca Hayhurst, Head of Resident Experience 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 6th August 2025 and produced by Ed Palmer.

If you’d like to share feedback on the 2025 Applicant Index report with Unite Students, please get in touch at hello@unitestudents.com.

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.

They’ve made headlines and opened up a whole new opportunity for the future of student accommodation… so, in this very special episode of Accommodation Matters, we’re exploring joint venture (JV) partnerships.

This half-hour episode will tell you everything you need to know about JVs – why universities are choosing JVs, the benefits to universities, students and the local community, and the challenges of implementation.

Join host Jenny Shaw and this month’s expert panel:

• Joe Lister, Chief Executive at Unite Students
• Jane Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Place at Newcastle University
• Dr Stephen Bloye, Director of Campus Services at Manchester Metropolitan University

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 June 2025 and produced by Ed Palmer.

If you’d like to discuss joint venture opportunities with Unite Students, please get in touch with Moray Notman (moray.notman@unitestudents.com).

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.

Every building needs a refresh at some point. Whether it’s adapting amenity spaces to meet changing student needs or refreshing the look of bedrooms, a refurbishment can unlock significant improvements in student and employee satisfaction. But balancing budgets against quality and student expectations is easier said than done.

So, this month’s episode is a deep dive into refurbishments – how to do them right, and their hidden benefits. The conversation covers:

• When to refurbish a property
• How to deliver in-occupancy refurbishments
• How refurbishments drive value for money
• Making your refurbished buildings more sustainable
• How to future-proof a refurbishment

Hosted as ever by the inimitable Jenny Shaw, this month’s expert panel includes:

• Nikki Todd, Managing Director at Fortis Vision
• Karan Khanna, Chief Operating Officer at Unite Students
• Roscoe Chubb, Head of Asset & Fund Management 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 13th and 14th May 2025 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.

Resources

Want to see what the refurbished properties mentioned in the episode look like? Check them out on our student website:

• Sherren House, London
• Cedar House, Liverpool
• Station Court, London
• Stapleton House, London

Follow Unite Students on LinkedIn to hear about all the latest refurbishment and development updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unite-group-plc/