Q. What, in your view, makes an entry truly stand out?

The strongest entries go beyond describing what was done and clearly demonstrate the difference it made. I’m looking for organisations that can articulate a clear challenge, explain their approach and, most importantly, evidence the outcomes. Whether that’s improved student satisfaction, stronger wellbeing, higher occupancy, better operational performance and/or measurable ESG impact, the best submissions connect actions to results. I’m also drawn to entries that show originality. The student accommodation sector has evolved rapidly over the past decade, so it’s encouraging to see organisations challenging established ways of thinking rather than simply doing the same things a little better.

Q. How important is evidence and data in supporting a strong award entry?

It’s absolutely fundamental. The sector has become far more sophisticated and data-rich, so it’s no longer enough to make broad claims about delivering an excellent resident experience or operating an outstanding asset. The strongest entries support those claims with credible evidence. That doesn’t necessarily mean pages of statistics. It means selecting the right measures and using them to tell a compelling story. Student feedback, operational KPIs, occupancy performance, retention, wellbeing initiatives and community impact all help judges understand not just what was delivered, but why it mattered. Ultimately, evidence gives credibility to innovation.

Q. What does excellence in student accommodation look like today?

Excellence today is about far more than providing high-quality buildings. The very best operators create environments where students can thrive academically, socially and personally. They understand that resident experience is shaped by hundreds of small interactions throughout the year, from the ease of moving in, to responsive maintenance, engaging community programmes and thoughtful use of technology. Equally important is operational excellence behind the scenes. Strong financial performance and exceptional resident experience are not competing priorities; they should reinforce one another. The organisations leading the sector today are those that combine outstanding customer experience with disciplined operations, continuous innovation and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for students.