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2022
We launched ‘Living Black at University’ – a major new report into Black students’ experience in UK student accommodation and we called on universities and student accommodation providers to collaborate across the Higher Education sector and take meaningful action in order to address these issues.
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2021
Launched our five sustainability commitments, including a commitment to become net-zero carbon in building developments and operations by 2030.
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2020
Acquired Liberty Living, reinforcing our position as the UK’s leading PBSA provider.
Became the first PBSA provider to waive rental payments during the Covid-19 pandemic and launched the Home Charter to create a safer environment for students. In total, provided £100 million of student support.
Signed the Community Race at Work Charter, committing to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.
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2019
Leapskills programme endorsed by Department for Education as “a great tool in bridging the gap between sixth form and university and preparing our students for the future”.
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2018
Launched digitisation of services, including introduction of an online student check-in system and the Common Room, a digital peer-to-peer student advice forum, accessible via the MyUnite app.
Launched Leapskills programme, helping young people transition to independent living.
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2017
Unite Group converted to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
Achieved 100% certified renewable energy across the entire business.
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2016
Launched China sales office and website.
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2015
Became the PBSA sector’s first Real Living Wage employer.
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2014
Joined the National Union of Students (NUS) Green Impact scheme.
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2013
Launched our student wellbeing programme.
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2012
Created the London Student Accommodation Vehicle (LSAV), a 50-50 joint venture with Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC.
Launched the Unite Foundation, providing scholarships for students lacking family support, including free accommodation and living expense contributions.
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2006
Formed Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund (USAF), Europe’s largest unlisted specialist student accommodation fund.
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2000
Listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
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1999
Listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
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1998
Opened first London property.
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1992
Opened first property in Bristol.
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1991
Unite Group founded in Bristol.
Our history
We became the first purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provider more than 30 years ago and have since built up data and insight that helps us constantly improve our product and the experience for students.
30 years of Unite Students
2021 marked Unite Students’ 30th anniversary. We have put together a list of 30 milestones we’re most proud of over the last three decades and spoken to three former residents to find out what it was like to live with us, how their university experience has shaped them, and what they’ve gone on to do since graduating.
Our key milestones
Spotlight on Bristol
30 years in Bristol
We have a special relationship with the city of Bristol and the local community built over three decades and provide extensive support to local organisations particularly those working with young people and the city’s homeless population.
As the place where our company was started and where our head office is still based, for 30 years we have been working with the local community on a number of projects in Bristol.
Each year our employees at South Quay House nominate and vote for a local charity partner to support. Over the past three years we have worked with three different charities supporting young people in the city.
Through our property at Nelson House, we provide a multi-agency youth homeless prevention hub run by Bristol Youth MAPs and other agencies, with fully renovated and fitted ground floor rooms at a significantly reduced rent. We also provide a city-centre office and funding for a mental health worker for Bristol’s Street Intervention Service, tackling the root causes of anti-social behaviour.
Other initiatives we have sponsored recently include Bristol Pride for five years and Better Bristol, part of Bristol 24/7.