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In February 2022, we published Living Black at University – the first report into the experiences of Black students in UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).

We launched a sector-wide Living Black at University Commission to take forward the recommendations and, 18 months on, we’re ready to share what we’ve learned in a new report.

Featuring actions taken, best practice guidance and university case studies, the Commission Report is a must-read for anyone in the PBSA sector who wants to make their accommodation a space where Black students can really thrive.

Living Black at University Commission Report

Our new Commission report shares practical tips and resources for improving Black students’ accommodation experience.

Living Black at University – Unite Students’ 2022 report on Black students’ experience in UK student accommodation – raised vital issues for the Higher Education sector. But the report and its 10 recommendations were only the start of a journey. Jen Steadman, Commissioning Editor of the new 2022/23 Living Black at University Commission report, explains why there’s a new Living Black at University report, what it covers and what’s next for the Commission.

Find out more about Living Black at University and the Commission

Want to know more about Living Black at University and the Commission, or make use of resources published by the Commission? We’ve got you covered.

Download the original report

Featuring significant findings and 10 recommendations, Living Black at University is essential reading for anyone connected to student accommodation in the UK.

Visit the Commission website

Comprised of decision makers from across the Higher Education and wider student accommodation sector, the Commission works to take actions at national level to improve Black students’ experience of living in UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).

Download our resources

Find the resources created by or on behalf of the Unite Students Living Black at University Commission to support your institution in improving Black students’ university experience.

The future of race and inclusion in student accommodation
Hot off the launch of the new Living Black at University Commission report, we’re continuing our focus on the future of sustainability within purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) with this month’s episode on race and inclusion in student accommodation.
Why there’s a new Living Black at University report
Jen Steadman, Commissioning Editor of the new 2022/23 Living Black at University Commission report, explains why there’s a new Living Black at University report, what it covers and what’s next for the Commission.
How can we help Black students to settle in at university?
A key finding from last year’s Living Black at University report was that a lack of culturally relevant services in many UK cities contributed towards many Black students feeling like they didn’t belong at university. As part of the Unite Students Commission on Living Black at University, we wanted to take action so that Black students could more easily acclimatise to university life. Here’s how we co-created a brand new resource to support Black students moving away from home for the first time.
Embedding diversity and inclusion at Unite Students
In June 2022, Unite Students launched a three-year Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) and Wellbeing strategy. More than a year on, we outline the progress we’ve made against the strategy, and some of the ways in which we’ve embedded diversity, inclusion and belonging into Unite Students for the benefit of both students and employees.