University is meant to be one of the most transformative times in a young person’s life. But in recent years, growing numbers of students are facing housing stress that undermines not just their studies — but their mental health, sense of belonging, and personal safety.
From damp homes and unaffordable rent to poor roommate matches and far-flung commutes, the housing experience can weigh heavily. As the conversation around student mental health rightly gains urgency, it’s time to look more closely at where students are living — and the role good accommodation plays in student wellbeing.
Housing and Mental Health: The Link is Clear
According to Student Minds, over 50% of students report mental health challenges during university, and poor housing has emerged as a key factor. A recent NUS study found that 42% of student renters say their housing situation has negatively impacted their mental health, citing issues such as cold, damp, overcrowding, or stress about tenancy security.
The psychological toll of poor housing extends beyond physical discomfort. Worry about evictions, repairs, or feeling unsafe in shared homes can create persistent anxiety. For international students or those estranged from family, the effect is even greater — accommodation becomes their only sanctuary.
And when the living situation is unstable, everything else suffers. Concentration. Motivation. Sleep. Connection with others. Students in insecure housing are more likely to withdraw socially, miss lectures, or drop out altogether.
A Foundation for Wellbeing
Conversely, when students feel safe and settled at home, they are more likely to engage in university life, stay enrolled, and thrive academically. Good accommodation provides more than a roof— it provides psychological security.
That starts with the basics: housing that is dry, warm, and in good condition. But it also includes things like:
- Clear, fair tenancy terms
- Safe, secure environments (with locks, lighting, and community feel)
- Reasonable proximity to campus
- Freedom from fear of sudden eviction or bill confusion
Perhaps most overlooked is the impact of positive housemate relationships. When students live with peers they trust, they are more socially connected, less isolated, and better able to manage the challenges of university life. But finding good housemates isn’t always easy — especially for first-years, international students, or anyone who missed the first wave of housing sign-ups.
What Universities Can Do
Institutions can’t fix the housing crisis alone. But they can reduce the stress it places on students. That means:
- Partnering with trusted housing platforms to provide safe, transparent off-campus listings
- Supporting students with housemate-matching tools and early access to listings
- Advocating for quality standards in private rentals near campus
- Recognising housing stress as a wellbeing and retention issue — not just a logistics one
Studentpad supports universities in exactly these ways. Our platform is more than a directory — it’s a student-first experience built with wellbeing in mind. From in-platform messaging to housemate finders and curated listings from trusted landlords, we’re helping institutions make housing a point of reassurance, not a point of stress.
Looking Ahead
As we invest more in counselling services, campus communities, and academic support, we mustn’t forget the simple truth: wellbeing starts where students sleep. A safe, secure, and comfortable home can make all the difference to a student’s ability to focus, to socialise, and to succeed.
In the face of rising pressure, giving students confidence in their housing could be one of the most powerful forms of support we offer.
References
1. Student Minds: University Student MentalHealth Report (2023)
2. NUS UK: Student Accommodation Survey (2023)
3. Knight Frank / UCAS: Student Accommodation Survey (2023)
4. HEPI: The Role of Housing in Student Retention (2022)
5. Office for Students: Student Engagement and Mental Health Strategy (2023)
About Studentpad
Studentpad helps universities support student success by making it easy to find secure, trusted, and affordable off-campus housing. With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 100 institutions, Studentpad offers customised platforms, housemate-matching tools, and trusted listings to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
Want to find out more? Book a demo here now!
By Michael Collett (Non Exec) &Olivia MacLean (Marketing Executive) @Studentpad | For CUBO, UCAS and Student Union Leaders
