Exclusive study reveals the impact of housing on students’ everyday life in Europe

The Student Living Monitor (SLM) study is an annual study by The Class Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands, to analyse the relations between well-being, experience and living conditions of students in Europe. The study collected thousands of opinions from participants in Europe to provide critical insight about students’ living conditions and recommendations for players in the student life sector.

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© The Class Foundation

“Our vision is to create a blueprint for the next generation of PBSA, providing concrete evidence for investors and operators keen to measure social impact in their portfolios.” Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director at The Class Foundation.

Key findings

The Student Living Monitor led towards 11,000 students in Europe reveals an average Mental Health Index (MHI-5)* of 57,8, just below the good mental health threshold, defined at 60. 

The report focuses on four aspects: availability and choice of accommodation, services and facilities, living and community, and targeted support, to highlight the successes and fields needing improvements. It also contains a focus on France.

Focus on France

In France, the study by The Class Foundation analysed the results provided by 315 respondents. Results reveal an average mental health index (MHI-5) of 58.7, slightly about the EU average. Only 67% of French students found the accommodation they wanted, vs 75% in the EU, and 57% of those who didn’t obtain their choice quote the lack of availability as main reason. Students particularly like to have access to facilities including sports facilities, social spaces (gaming rooms, community kitchens) and outdoor spaces. However, more than 50% of students don’t have access to services that are important for mental health or to professional support, which suggests leads for improvements.

Accommodation, targeted services and finances

The study also analyses the impact of the type of accommodation and choice of living on students’ well-being, and their mental health (MHI-5) in particular. Students who were granted their first choice of accommodation have a better life experience (MHI-5 score of 59.6) compared to those who were not granted their best choice (54.1) and those who didn’t have the means to obtain their first choice score an even lower result (49.9). Students living in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) are in average twice as happy (MHI-5 at 58.1) than those in other types of accommodation (56.4).

The study also highlights the importance of common spaces and inclusive community. Loneliness affects 40% of students, such respondents scoring significantly less (49.6 vs 63.2 for those non-affected by loneliness). Targeted services are necessary, including for vulnerable groups such as disabled students or non-binary students, who score some of the lowest well-being scores.

Financial difficulties also weight on students’ well-being with an 18 points gap with those in stable financial situation and those with financial worries. The study thus recommends a working synergy between universities and housing managers to foster affordable solutions and access to services of mental health, which are highly demanded, but still insufficient for half of respondents.

* The MHI-5 index is an instrument measuring well-being which is highly documented and recognised worldwide. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with scores higher than 60 showing good mental health and reflecting optimal well-being.