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Unite Students in partnership with UCAS and Knight Frank, Journey to a Million debate

University partners

A trusted partner 

We have decades of experience partnering with universities across the UK to develop and operate student accommodation, so we know what works.

Our experience shapes how we deliver for both our university partners and the students they serve. We provide high‑quality homes, supported by passionate, committed teams, creating a stand‑out student experience where wellbeing is prioritised.

We work collaboratively with universities to co‑create solutions that reflect local priorities, student needs and long‑term institutional goals. Our partnerships are built on flexibility, transparency and aligned outcomes — enabling universities to evolve their accommodation offer with confidence.

From insight‑led design and development through to day‑to‑day operations and asset management, our end‑to‑end approach ensures consistency, quality and long‑term value for partners and students alike.

Joint ventures

Unite Group partners with leading universities across the UK to deliver high‑quality, future‑proof student accommodation through innovative joint venture models. These partnerships combine university insight with our sector‑leading development, operations and customer experience expertise to create places where students can thrive.

These partnerships enable universities to increase or upgrade their accommodation without significant capital outlay, while retaining meaningful long‑term control and a share in the benefits. This co‑owned approach ensures each project is designed, built and operated to meet the specific needs of the university and its students.

Nominations partners

We partner with universities to provide welcoming, high‑quality homes where students feel supported, settled and able to make the most of their time at university.

From their first day, students benefit from safe, well‑designed spaces and on‑site teams who understand the realities of student life and are there when it matters.

Our focus on wellbeing, community and consistency helps students feel at home quickly - supporting retention, satisfaction and overall academic success.

Through close collaboration with each institution, we ensure our accommodation complements campus life and meets the needs of both students and university teams.

We provide more than just a room

Inclusive access

We work to make university life more accessible and inclusive for all students, including those who may face additional barriers. Through partnerships and initiatives such as our Care Leaver Covenant commitments, we help ensure more students can access safe, supportive accommodation.

Ahead of the release of Unite Students’ Journey To A Million essay, co-authored with Knight Frank, a panel of sector experts looks at what a million applicants means for student accommodation - covering supply and demand, research into the student experience, and what accommodation for the next generation of students looks like.

Support to stay

Our Support to Stay framework gives all students a supportive living environment to help them fulfil their potential, particularly when experiencing medical, physical or mental health difficulties.

Our property teams are trained on a range of student support matters, including support for students with disabilities, safeguarding and signposting students for support.

Resident ambassadors

Our Resident Ambassadors provide important peer-to-peer support to students and lead social events within our properties.

Latest partnership news

27/04/2026

Unite Students on track to complete flagship London property

Unite Students is on track to complete the construction of its flagship Hawthorne House property in Stratford, London this summer.
03/02/2026

Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan finalise groundbreaking partnership

Unite Students, the UK’s largest and longest‑established provider of student accommodation, has finalised its joint venture with Manchester Metropolitan University to develop 2,302 new student beds.
22/12/2025

Unite Students and Newcastle University finalise landmark joint venture

Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, and Newcastle University have finalised the formation of their joint venture to develop new accommodation for 2,009 students. 
28/08/2025

Unite Students secures planning approval for redevelopment of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Cambridge Halls

Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University have been granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the university’s Cambridge Halls student accommodation.