Accommodation: A Key Concern for International Students

The student-housing crisis is well documented across Europe – but how aware are students of the problem? And what impact does this growing concern have on student decision making?  

With many universities facing severe shortages of affordable accommodation, understanding the key factors that influence a student's choice of university is critical for higher education institutions.

Rising costs, overcrowding, and limited housing infrastructure are major contributors to shortages – with demand for student housing is set to grow by 10% by 2030. Countries like England, Spain and France are particularly affected, with some universities even suspending international student recruitment due to housing shortages. 

Accommodation: Top Priority for International Students  

Keystone Education Group’s 2024 student survey (27,400 student responses globally), sheds light on exactly how big a concern housing is to international students. 

When asked about the most influential factors to study at a university, accommodation was a critical concern by 30% of those planning to study abroad. This percentage reflects the increasing emphasis placed on securing convenient, affordable, and reliable housing options for studying overseas.  

Accommodation Concerns by Region and Country 

While international students are generally more concerned about accommodation than domestic students (15% cite it as a top concern), the level of importance varies depending on where students are looking to study. 

33% of students who want to study internationally in Italy, for example, ranked accommodation as their top priority. A recent European Students’ Union (ESU) report also reveals a troubling statistic - more than 38% of students planning to study on exchange in Italy reported falling victim to scams.

What Does This Mean for Universities? 

The data from the 2024 State of Student Recruitment Survey sends a clear message to universities: while tuition fees remain the top priority for students, accommodation has become a significant secondary concern—especially for international students. 

Universities must take proactive steps to ensure they not only offer a variety of accommodation options but also provide clear and easily accessible information about housing availability.  

16% of students said they needed information about local accommodation options when considering a university.  

To offer better student accommodation support, institutions can:  

• Create an online housing portal with listings of approved landlords, reviews, and accommodation options. 

• Offer flexible lease terms with university housing to mirror hybrid study courses (e.g., one semester on-campus, one online). 

• Develop homestay or roommate matching programs to help students find suitable living arrangements. 

• Collaborate with local housing providers to offer affordable and reliable accommodation options for students. 

• Provide rent guarantees where universities act as guarantors for students without sufficient credit history, especially for international students. 

• Improve communication with prospective students regarding accommodation guarantees. Be up front about issues during the application process so students aren’t blindsided and are forced to withdraw their application if they encounter issues.  
• Provide additional student support services to ease the challenge of finding suitable housing, and to be up front about the potential challenges new students on campus might experience.  
  

The Recruitment Challenge: Universities Speak Out 

In addition to gathering insights from students, universities were also asked about their biggest recruitment challenges over the past year. A notable trend emerged; many university representatives highlighted the difficulty of ensuring adequate and accessible accommodation for international students.  

With more students from abroad applying to study in countries with competitive housing markets, universities are under increasing pressure to provide housing options to meet all the needs of incoming students.  

 Conclusion: Adapting to the Needs of the Changing Global Student Market 

As international student mobility continues to grow, it goes without saying that universities will need to adapt to the evolving needs of the global student market. Unfortunately for institutions, housing is an influential factor for students when deciding where to study.  

Providing comprehensive and accessible details about available accommodation options is vital – for both on-campus or off-campus housing – plus, the associated costs and paperwork that students might need to apply. 

With more students than ever looking to study abroad, understanding these needs will not only help universities attract top talent, but also enhance the student experience - fostering long-term success for both students and institutions.