Creating thriving peer-led communities in our properties

By Becca Hayhurst, head of resident experience, Unite Students

We’ve appointed 108 Resident Ambassadors for the 2025/26 academic year. It’s the most we’re ever had.

At the heart of the programme are our residents, who champion peer-led communities in our properties, by shaping events and activities that matter.

This year, we received over 500 applications to become a Resident Ambassador from students living with us. Of those we appointed, eight have returned to the role – so they can continue to build on last year’s momentum, making communities even bigger and better.

What started as a simple idea back in 2016, the programme is now the cornerstone of how we create thriving communities. It’s a powerful platform that keeps the student voice front and centre and is delivered by a diverse group of residents across the UK.

For the first time ever, almost all (94%) of our eligible properties have a Resident Ambassador on board.

Resident Ambassadors don’t just organise socials; they help build connections that tackle the real challenges students face, like loneliness, uncertainty about fitting in, and the desire to belong.

We know from our 2025 Applicant Index that 72% of university applicants want to be an active part of the student community. The programme meets this need head-on, creating spaces where every resident can come out of their room, meet others, create connections, and settle in confidently.

Over the years, we’ve refined the programme around four key pillars that guide what our ambassadors do:

• Communities – Events and opportunities that help our residents to connect with each other, share common interests and feel a part of their community. Book clubs, quizzes, gaming and movie nights help to build connected community.
• Wellbeing – Moments that focus on self-care; our residents get involved in running clubs, yoga, arts & crafts – activities that help to maintain balance alongside the demands of student life.
• Life skills – Opportunities to grow and learn, such as cooking, budgeting and job fayres, these are the activities that support independence and set students up for success.
• Sustainability – Events that promote sustainable living, like swap shops, volunteering and scavenger hunts help us to achieve our shared sustainability goals.

These pillars help us deliver what students care about most.

How our ambassadors flourish

Residents Ambassadors gain real employment right where they live, earning above the National Living Wage without having to leave their property. This opportunity is a win, especially for those balancing budgets and busy schedules.

Beyond pay, Resident Ambassadors have fed back to us that the role has really helped to shape them with growth in confidence and skills. They get to shape events around their passions as well as those of their peers, whether that’s sustainability, social events, or wellbeing initiatives. It’s a unique way to build a CV, give back, and find a sense of purpose alongside studies.

Amelia, a Resident Ambassador for the 25/26 academic year, said:

“I applied for this role because I liked the idea of being able to work flexible hours along with having no commute time. This fits perfectly alongside my studies!

I am really enjoying meeting so many new people! This job is a great way to properly get to know everyone in your property. It is also rewarding to watch residents come together and get closer with each other at events you have organised.”

Five words that sum up the Resident Ambassador programme

Care. Belonging. Wellbeing. Authenticity. Fun.

The Resident Ambassador Programme is woven into everything we do. It’s not just about socials; it’s about nurturing communities where every student feels seen, supported and able to show up each day as themselves.

By empowering Resident Ambassadors to connect, respect, and encourage their peers, we’re building more than a place to live – we’re creating a home for success.