Student Wellbeing in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Guidance 2026

Our updated Student Wellbeing Guidance provides purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operators with a practical reference point to help them support students living in their buildings. Building on our original 2019 guidance, this edition reflects how the sector and student experience have evolved, including cost-of-living pressures and greater awareness of mental health and neurodivergence. It takes a lighter-touch approach, sharing best practice and signposting useful resources that providers can draw on when reviewing their own policies and procedures.

The guidance covers both responding to wellbeing concerns and the proactive role operators can play in helping students thrive. It explores policies and staff training, student management, partnerships with universities, crisis procedures, community-building and support at key points in the student journey. It also includes sector case studies, updated legal guidance and practical resources, including an information-sharing agreement and self-assessment tool.