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

For me, the entries that stand out are the ones that go beyond simply listing achievements and instead tell a clear, credible and compelling story. A strong submission should take the reader on a journey: what challenge was being faced, why it mattered, what decisions were taken and what tangible difference those actions made. I’m particularly interested in entries that demonstrate strategic thinking rather than isolated activity. It’s easy to describe a successful initiative, but the best submissions show how that initiative was designed with a clear objective, how it was implemented, how obstacles were overcome and how success was measured. Authenticity is also incredibly important. Judges can usually tell when an entry is relying on buzzwords or presenting a polished marketing message. The most memorable submissions are honest about the challenges they encountered and provide evidence of learning, adaptation and continuous improvement. Finally, measurable impact is what brings the story to life. Whether that is improved resident satisfaction, stronger retention, enhanced wellbeing outcomes, operational efficiencies or meaningful community engagement, I want to see evidence that the initiative created lasting value for students, staff and the wider organisation. The combination of a strong narrative, innovation, authenticity and robust evidence is what transforms a good entry into one that genuinely stands out.

Q. What examples of exceptional resident experience are you hoping to see this year?

I’m hoping to see examples where operators have clearly thought about the entire student journey, not just the accommodation itself. Exceptional resident experience starts long before a student moves in and continues well beyond the first few weeks of term. The best entries will demonstrate how they have created an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, connected and able to thrive academically and personally. Wellbeing is a key area I’ll be looking at. I’d like to see initiatives that proactively support mental health, reduce isolation and make it easy for students to access help when they need it. Equally important is inclusion — creating communities where students from different backgrounds genuinely feel that they belong. I’m also interested in examples of meaningful community building. That could include peer support networks, resident-led events, partnerships with universities or local organisations, volunteering opportunities or programmes that help international students integrate into both the residence and the wider city. Technology can play a role too, but only where it genuinely enhances the resident experience. I’d be interested in seeing smart use of digital tools that simplify communication, improve responsiveness, personalise services or give students a greater sense of control over their living environment. Ultimately, the most impressive examples are often the ones that create lasting memories and a sense of belonging. When former residents look back and remember not just the building they lived in, but the people they met, the support they received and the community they became part of, that is a strong indicator that something exceptional has been achieved.

Q. Why do you think awards like these are important for the student accommodation industry?

I think awards play a vital role in the continued development of the student accommodation sector. At their best, they are not just about celebrating success; they create a platform for sharing ideas, recognising leadership and encouraging the entire industry to keep raising its standards. This is a sector that has evolved significantly over the past decade. Student expectations are changing, operational models are becoming more sophisticated and there is a much greater focus on wellbeing, sustainability, inclusivity and community impact. Awards help highlight the organisations and individuals who are leading that evolution and demonstrating what best practice looks like in real terms. They are also important because they recognise the people behind the achievements. Student accommodation is ultimately a people business, and these awards shine a light on teams and individuals whose work may otherwise go unnoticed. Recognising those contributions helps build pride within organisations and motivates people to continue innovating and improving. Another key benefit is the opportunity for shared learning. The strongest entries often provide valuable insights that other operators can adapt within their own businesses. In that sense, awards become a mechanism for spreading innovation across the sector, helping good ideas gain wider traction and accelerating overall improvement. Finally, awards help reinforce the professionalism and credibility of the industry. High-quality student accommodation has a significant impact on student success, wellbeing and the attractiveness of university cities. By celebrating excellence and holding up strong examples of delivery, the awards demonstrate the positive contribution our sector makes to students, universities and local communities, while also inspiring the next generation of property professionals to aim high and think creatively about the future of student living.