As universities rethink how students study, a major new report
argues that on-campus residential university life remains an
essential part of the student experience.
On-campus residential university life
remains one of the defining features of UK higher education and
continues to play a vital role in helping students develop the
confidence, independence and sense of belonging that underpin
academic success, according to a major new report from the Higher
Education Policy Institute commissioned by the UPP Foundation.
Written by Professor William Whyte of the University of Oxford,
Moving Away? The Past and Future of Student
Accommodation argues that the value of on-campus
student residential life extends far beyond accommodation itself,
playing an important role in personal development, participation
and the wider university experience.
The report is published at a time when demand for higher
education continues to grow. UCAS figures released earlier this
year showed applications from UK 18-year-olds increased by 4.8%
to 338,940, while total applicants rose to 619,360, underlining
the continued appeal of UK higher education.
Drawing on historical analysis, contemporary evidence and student
perspectives, Professor Whyte argues that discussions about
student accommodation have become overly focused on buildings and
beds, when the more important question is the contribution
on-campus residential environments make to student development,
belonging and long-term success.
While higher education continues to evolve, the report concludes
that residential living remains one of the most distinctive
aspects of the UK university experience. It suggests that the
value of residence lies not simply in providing accommodation,
but in helping students build friendships, develop independence
and become active members of their university communities.
The report is brought to life through first-hand student
perspectives, from an international student adapting to life in a
new country to friendships formed through UPP's leading Home at
Halls residential life programme that continue today. Together,
these experiences illustrate how residential living can help
students develop confidence, independence and a lasting sense of
belonging.
Commenting on the report, Professor William Whyte
said:
"The question isn't simply where students live. It's what
they gain from living and learning together as part of a
university community. Currently, we have no real policy on
accommodation for the overwhelming majority of students who want
to leave home for study. It's time for a serious debate about the
role accommodation plays in the university and how we will pay
for it."
, Director of HEPI,
said:
"Student residence is often discussed in terms of
accommodation provision, but Professor Whyte's report
demonstrates that it is also closely connected to belonging,
participation and the wider student experience. As demand for
higher education continues to grow, it is important to understand
not only who goes to higher education, but also how they
experience it once they arrive. This report makes a compelling
case that residence is about much more than where students
live."
Lucy Haire, Director of Sector Engagement at UPP,
said:
"On-campus residential university life plays a pivotal role
in the higher education experience. For many students, it
provides their first experience of independent living and the
opportunity to develop skills that cannot be learned in a lecture
theatre. The student stories featured in this report show exactly
what that looks like in practice.
Managing a budget, living with people from different
backgrounds, building friendships, resolving disagreements and
taking responsibility for everyday decisions are all important
parts of personal development.
This report reminds us that residence is about far more than
where students live. It is about belonging, independence and the
experiences that help shape confidence and resilience long after
graduation."
Notes to Editors
About the report
Moving Away? The Past and Future of Student
Accommodation was commissioned by the UPP Foundation
and is published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).
The report is written by Professor William Whyte, Professor of
Social and Architectural History at the University of Oxford.
This report forms part of the UPP Foundation's commitment to
supporting independent research and informed debate on the future
of higher education.
Source
UCAS Undergraduate Application Data January 2026 Equal Consideration
Deadline
- Total applicants: 619,360 (+3.1%)
- UK 18-year-old applicants:
338,940 (+4.8%)
