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In Conversation with… Dr Alexis Brown
The latest episode of our In Conversation mini-series stars Dr Alexis Brown, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute. She shares her thoughts on what the Higher Education sector's current challenges are, part-time and lifelong learning opportunities, and student wellbeing, as well as her own experiences of studying in the US and the UK.
Living Black at University: Meet the Commissioners
The Unite Students Commission on Living Black at University launched in April to effect sector-wide change in improving Black students’ accommodation experience. Representing sector bodies, charities and universities who are already running projects to improve the Black student experience, here are the Commissioners making this work happen.
‘In Conversation’: A new Higher Education podcast mini-series
This summer, Unite Students is launching ‘In Conversation’: a podcast mini-series, showcasing in-depth discussions with 3 Higher Education sector experts about their experiences, sector insights, and what they anticipate for the future. Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director and series host, shares more.
Belonging: How we’re creating room for everyone at Unite Students
A sense of belonging is essential to a positive working and living experience, underpinned by factors including equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing. As such, Unite Students is shifting away from the phrase ‘EDI’ and towards new language which more precisely captures the holistic nature of inclusion.
Unite Students named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year
Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at leading property sector awards, RESI. It was singled out for the way it supported students in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its student rent support provided since the outbreak of the pandemic totalled in excess of £100 million.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022: Being there for estranged LGBTQ+ students
Family estrangement is sadly all too common for LGBTQ+ students. For Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, Fiona Ellison - Director of the Unite Foundation - shares what the Foundation is doing to support estranged and care experienced LGBTQ+ students, and what Higher Education institutions can do to support their mental health and wellbeing.
Benefits of purpose-built student accommodation – creating value for local communities
Growth in student numbers in the UK shows no sign of abating. Students need homes, and many live in Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), putting pressure on local housing. With HMOs in London containing an average of 2.5 people, a new 1,000-bed student accommodation scheme would potentially free up 400 homes. This is the scale of the problem that purpose-built student accommodation providers could solve.
Unite Students announces £65million upgrade to three Manchester properties
Unite Students, the UK's largest student accommodation operator, today announces a £64.58million upgrade across three of its Manchester properties – Parkway Gate, Kincardine Court and New Medlock House. Work on all three is due to be completed by September, the start of the 2022/ 23 academic year.
Supporting LGBTQ+ students at National Student Pride
Unite Students was proud to be a Gold Sponsor of National Student Pride, the UK’s biggest LGBT+ student event, last weekend (8-10th April). Here’s what we did at the event, why we did it, and what we’re doing to support LGBTQ+ students and employees here at Unite.
Unite Students launches commission to support national change following ‘Living Black at University’ report
Unite Students has launched a national commission to support the higher education and private student accommodation sectors’ response to its recently published Living Black at University report.
“It’s a bit scary”: Risk, belonging and higher education
A new Social Market Foundation report, sponsored by Unite Students, outlines how social patterning can influence prospective students' choice to go to university. Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, outlines how the risk of not belonging can also affect the choice to go to university, and the impact that familiar, trusted careers advice can have on this.
Rising cost of living increases pressure on parents with children at university – new study by Unite Students
New independent research commissioned by Unite Students shows parents and students at university are feeling the impact of the rising cost of living.
With financial anxiety at high levels, Unite has partnered with Blackbullion to offer support to students and parents in a free downloadable guide.
Careers advice driving inequality in education, report shows
The Social Market Foundation has published a report, sponsored by Unite Students, which shows careers advice is still “socially patterned” - schools in wealthier areas tend to steer children towards higher education, while schools in less affluent places are more likely to emphasise vocational routes.
In remembrance of Sabita Thanwani
Following last night's vigil in remembrance of Sabita Thanwani at London's City University, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
On behalf of everyone at Unite Students, our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
Unite Students invites applications for lease of new community space in Tower Hamlets, London
Unite Students has opened applications for the lease and management of a new community space at its Middlesex Street development in Tower Hamlets.
It is hoped the new community space will be utilised sympathetic to the site’s heritage – a former Shakespearean-era playhouse.
Message from Unite Students’ Chief Executive Richard Smith regarding tragic death of Sabita Thanwani
Message:
This is an unprecedented event for our business and a shock to us all.
On behalf of everyone at Unite Students, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sabita Thanwani. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
What does student accommodation look like for Gen Z?
Adapted from a presentation given at the 2022 ASRA Conference this week by Pin Yiong and Victoria Simmons, intrapreneur Ericka Yabut outlines some of the key characteristics of Gen Z, how this drives what they want from student accommodation, and what we’re doing to accommodate this.
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