News

Most universities agree that student accommodation is about more than just providing a bed. Once peripheral to the academic mission, accommodation and the residential experience now play a fundamental role in recruitment, retention and student outcomes. 

Helping the next student cohort thrive - what the 2026 Applicant Index tells us about support, belonging and success

Unite Group, the UK’s leading owner, manager and developer of student accommodation, today provides an update on current trading and quarterly property valuations for the Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund (‘USAF’) and the London Student Accommodation Joint Venture (‘LSAV’) as at 30 June 2026.

Nine in ten applicants now expect to work during term time while at university, according to the new Applicant Index 2026 from Unite Students and HEPI, showing that paid work has become part of the student experience.

As part of our 2025 Annual Report and Accounts, we spoke with Simon Jones, our Group Higher Education Director about how we're continuing to support universities in a changing landscape and the importance of accommodation partnerships to our long-term growth strategy.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, with particular attention on how it may shape graduate careers and whether a degree remains a valuable investment.

Unite Students is on track to complete the construction of its flagship Hawthorne House property in Stratford, London this summer.

By Moray Notman, our University Partner Commercial Director