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Posted Dec. 19, 2025

Why accommodation matters more than ever for postgraduate students

Student accommodation for postgraduate students

For many postgraduate students, accommodation is often treated as a practical afterthought. A place to sleep, study and store belongings while focusing on research, coursework or professional development. But from my experience working in the higher education sector and speaking regularly with postgraduate residents, where and how you live during postgraduate study can have a significant impact on your wellbeing, academic success and overall experience.

This is especially true for international students, mature learners and those balancing study with work or family responsibilities.

Postgraduate study comes with different pressures

Postgraduate students often face a very different set of challenges compared to undergraduates. Many are balancing study with part-time work, caring responsibilities or family life. Others are returning to education after time away or relocating to a new city or country to pursue specialist research.

From my work with postgraduate students, I have found that those who feel socially disconnected are far more likely to feel overwhelmed and isolated, even if they are coping academically. Those who feel part of a community, however informal, often describe feeling more confident, supported and settled overall. This reinforces the idea that accommodation is not just a place to sleep, but a key environment where postgraduate students either feel supported or feel alone.

A different arrival experience for international postgraduates

Arrival is one of the most overlooked moments in the postgraduate journey, particularly for international students. Unlike undergraduates, many postgraduates cannot arrive during main intake periods. Flights often land late at night or in the early hours of the morning, outside standard reception times.

Being dropped off in an unfamiliar place, in the dark, unsure where to go or who to speak to can be daunting. From an accommodation perspective, this highlights the importance of flexibility and communication. Encouraging students to contact their accommodation team in advance and share a rough arrival time helps staff anticipate arrival, provide clear guidance and be available to help if needed. A smoother arrival can shape how welcome and secure a student feels from day one.

Belonging matters at postgraduate level

There is a common assumption that postgraduate students are more independent and therefore less interested in community. In practice, this is often not the case. Postgraduate students do want connection, but not always in the same way as first year undergraduates.

Through focus groups and day-to-day engagement, I have found that there is a clear preference for networking opportunities, coffee mornings and daytime events rather than late night socials. Students who are parents and/or carers often value family friendly activities where they can bring children along and meet others in similar situations. When events feel relevant and thoughtfully designed, postgraduate students are far more likely to attend and engage.

One size does not fit all

Postgraduate students arrive with very different levels of confidence and familiarity with university life. Those returning after a break, studying at doctoral level or coming from overseas often feel less certain about systems and support. When students feel that services and events are not designed with them in mind, they are more likely to disengage and try to manage challenges alone.

Accommodation can play a key role by recognising that postgraduate students are not a single audience and by offering clear communication, visible support and inclusive community opportunities.

Accommodation as a foundation for wellbeing

When postgraduate students feel settled at home, everything else becomes easier. Supportive accommodation environments reduce background stress, provide quiet and safe spaces for study and rest, and make support feel accessible. Students who feel comfortable in their living environment are more likely to seek help early, engage with peers and feel positive about their studies overall.

Final thoughts

Postgraduate students are sometimes described as an overlooked group within higher education. From my experience, this is less about a lack of need and more about a lack of tailored support and community opportunities.

Student accommodation has a vital role to play in changing this. When postgraduate students feel welcomed on arrival, supported in daily life and offered opportunities to connect on their own terms, their wellbeing and confidence improve significantly. Accommodation is not just where postgraduate students live. It is where they manage pressure, build routines and find stability, making it one of the most important decisions a postgraduate student can make.

Are you looking for student accommodation? Check out our student accommodation providers. 

Ellis Noble-LoweAuthor’s bio: Ellis Noble-Lowe is the Resident Engagement Manager at UPP.

Ellis leads engagement initiatives that enhance the student experience across UPP’s university partnerships. Her role focuses on building inclusive, connected communities and creating meaningful experiences for residents through social programmes that promote wellbeing, celebrate diversity and most of all create a well-rounded university experience for residents.

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