SUBMIT AN ENTRY

The Student Accommodation Awards is a renowned industry awards recognising and the outstanding achievements across the student housing sector. This is your chance to receive one of the industry's most prestigious accolades.

With 24 award categories available and the opportunity to enter as many as you like, this is your chance to gain industry acknowledgment and make a significant impact in the industry without any cost.

ENTRY DEADLINE: FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2025

Affordable Accommodation of the Year

Recognising high-quality, budget-friendly student housing that balances affordability, comfort, and convenience. This includes HMOs, co-living spaces, and newly developed PBSA projects that provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Judges will assess affordability, accessibility and student satisfaction. Consideration will also be given to refurbishment projects that enhance affordability and sustainability.

Accommodations must have been operational, or undergone significant renovations, between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Affordability without compromising on quality
  • Innovation in cost-saving measures for students
  • Accessibility and inclusivity
  • Positive feedback and satisfaction from student tenants
  • Contribution to the local community and economy

Best Student Experience in Accommodation

*NEW CATEGORY*

Celebrating accommodation providers that deliver an exceptional student experience through high satisfaction levels, strong wellbeing support, vibrant community engagement, and outstanding living environments. Judges will assess student feedback, facilities, wellbeing initiatives, value for money, and innovation in service delivery.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • High levels of student satisfaction and positive feedback
  • Strong commitment to student wellbeing and mental health support
  • Initiatives that foster a sense of community and belonging
  • Quality of accommodation facilities and services
  • Value for money and affordability for students
  • Innovative approaches to enhancing the student living experience
  • Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility


Rising Star in Student Accommodation

Recognising exceptional young professionals and emerging talent who are shaping the future of the student accommodation sector. This award celebrates individuals under 35 who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and industry influence, whether they are already making a significant impact or showing outstanding potential as future leaders. Judges will assess professional achievements, strategic contributions, innovation, and long-term career potential.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you or someone you nominate should win this award.

To be eligible for this award, nominees must have no more than six years of experience in the industry. 

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Evidence of tangible and outstanding achievements/success over the past year
  • Evidence of an innovation/bold thinking
  • Evidence of a strong market impact
  • Details of financial performance
  • Evidence of ambition
  • Evidence of strong client focus – via testimonials preferably
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Positive environmental impact

Collaboration Award

Recognising successful partnerships between universities, developers, operators, and investors to improve student accommodation. This includes public-private collaborations and long-term strategic agreements that deliver tangible benefits for students. Judges will consider shared goals, financial sustainability, and impact on student life.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Genuine collaboration between the private and university sectors over the past two years 
  • Creativity and vision in aligning interests and creating end-results that work for each party
  • Positive outcomes of collaboration - such as strong financial results, significantly improved quality of accommodation/number of beds, excellent student feedback, etc.
  • Demonstrable evidence of positive impact on student life
  • A robust business model and financial forecasts
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Community Impact Award

Recognising initiatives that create meaningful and positive social impact on local communities and students. This includes student-led volunteering and community outreach programmes. Judges will consider engagement levels, outcomes, and lasting impact.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

This category is open to organisations and individuals primarily operating in the student property sector. If you are primarily in the commercial real estate or residential accommodation sectors, please enter the equivalent category in the Property Awards or RESI Awards.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • The scheme/project/initiative is truly community focused
  • How it is innovative/ground-breaking
  • Scale and ambition
  • Long-term vision
  • Demonstrable and measurable impact on the community
  • Capped or zero commercial returns, or implemented at a loss
  • True community engagement
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Positive environmental impact

Consultant of the Year

*NEW CATEGORY*

Celebrating PR, marketing, branding, and communications businesses and other consultancies who make a transformative impact in student accommodation. This includes campaigns that improve brand awareness, drive occupancy, and enhance student engagement as well as other areas of professional advice. Judges will assess strategy, creativity, and measurable outcomes and how the consultant has added value to a project or for a client.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Creativity and innovation in marketing, PR, or consultancy strategies
  • Successful strategies in driving occupancy and student engagement
  • Measurable outcomes and return on investment for clients
  • Evidence of strong client relationships and collaboration
  • Demonstrated impact on brand awareness and reputation management
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability
  • Thought leadership and contribution to the student accommodation sector

Developer of the Year

Recognising outstanding student accommodation developers and main contractors who deliver high-quality projects that shape the sector. This includes both new builds and major refurbishment projects, with a focus on project delivery to budget and programme, design innovation, sustainability, and student wellbeing. Judges will consider architectural excellence, ESG commitments, financial resilience, and innovative approaches to revitalising existing properties.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

This category is open to organisations and individuals primarily operating in the student property sector. If you are primarily in the commercial real estate or residential accommodation sectors, please enter the equivalent category in the Property Awards or RESI Awards.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Best-in-class achievements or initiatives
  • Strong strategic vision
  • Solid financial performance – perhaps against the odds
  • Development activity – perhaps against the odds
  • Innovation
  • Tangible and measurable results
  • New strategies, business development or staff/training initiatives
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Deal of the Year

Highlighting the most significant and impactful deals, mergers, or acquisitions in the student accommodation sector. This includes investment deals, university-private sector partnerships, and joint ventures that have shaped the market. Judges will assess financial impact, innovation in structuring, and benefits to students.

Deals must have been finalized between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Financial size and strategic importance of the deal
  • Impact on the student accommodation sector
  • Innovation in financing or deal structure
  • Future growth prospects and potential for replication
  • Positive outcomes for students and communities

Health & Wellbeing Initiative

Recognising initiatives that prioritise student and staff wellbeing through mental health support, smart building technology, and community-focused projects. Judges will assess impact, engagement, and measurable improvements to student wellbeing.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Details of the building, project or initiative and how health and wellbeing was considered throughout its development lifecycle and is embedded in its operation.
  • Effective communication to and education of staff/occupiers/community
  • A demonstrable and measurable positive impact
  • Long-term vision
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion 
  • Positive environmental impact

Halls of Residence Award

Celebrating exceptional university or private halls of residence that offer outstanding student experiences and modern facilities. This includes new developments and major refurbishments that improve student wellbeing, sustainability, and community engagement. Judges will assess, student satisfaction, learning and communal spaces and community building programmes, and innovation in residential design.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • A modern student environment, encompassing best-in-class learning and communal facilities
  • Exceptional student experience taking into consideration wellbeing, learning and social/community aspects
  • Exciting tech and social media initiatives
  • Brilliant engagement and community building throughand communication with students
  • Exceptional value for money
  • Strong student support network and pastoral care
  • Consistently high satisfaction ratings from students
  • Innovation, vision and boldness that set you apart from the crowd 
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Hall of Fame

A special recognition award selected by judges to honour outstanding contributions to student accommodation. This lifetime achievement award celebrates individuals who have significantly shaped the sector.

This category is now closed

Interior Design of the Year

Recognising exceptional student-centric interior designs that enhance wellbeing, functionality, and sustainability. This includes architects, designers, and developers who demonstrate creativity in space utilisation, refurbishment projects, and the use of eco-conscious materials. Judges will assess originality, impact on students, and innovation in design.

Open to projects completed or significantly refurbished between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Originality and innovation in design
  • Positive impact on student wellbeing and satisfaction
  • Sustainability and use of eco-friendly materials
  • Efficiency in space utilisation
  • Aesthetics and functionality

Investor of the Year

Celebrating forward-thinking investors who have made significant financial contributions to student accommodation. This includes investments in PBSA, affordable housing, sustainability, and tech-driven accommodation. Judges will assess financial innovation, investment strategy, and long-term impact on the sector.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Invested in a new development or redevelopment project over the past 12 months
  • Made investments in a student housing scheme committed to providing the latest in facilities, design and/or technology 
  • Possesses a deep understanding of the student accommodation market
  • Shown financial innovation in student accommodation deals over the past year
  • Has a proven track record of investing in best-in-class student accommodation projects
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

International Operator of the Year

Honouring operators with a global presence or those who have expanded into new markets successfully. This includes adapting services to local student needs while maintaining high operational standards. Judges will assess market growth, tenant satisfaction, and service adaptability.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Initiatives that support student mental health and wellbeing
  • Deep understanding of the new markets the business is operating in
  • Excellent customer services, on-site assistance and support 
  • Exciting tech and social media initiatives
  • Brilliant engagement and communication with students
  • A range of rental options and rates
  • Innovation, vision and boldness that set you apart from the crowd
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Inclusion in Student Accommodation Award

Celebrating accommodation providers or initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This includes adaptive housing, support services, and inclusive community-building efforts. Judges will assess innovation, reach, and long-term commitment to inclusivity.

Entries must pertain to initiatives, policies, or accommodations that have been operational or significantly enhanced between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025
To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Evidence of a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within student accommodation
  • Innovation and effectiveness of the inclusion strategies implemented
  • Positive impact on students from underrepresented or marginalised communities
  • Accessibility features and accommodations for students with disabilities
  • Efforts to promote mental health, wellbeing, and support services
  • Community and student engagement in fostering an inclusive environment
  • Sustainability of the inclusion initiatives and potential for future impact

Innovation Award

Celebrating groundbreaking solutions in technology, design, or operations that enhance student living experiences. This includes AI, automation, and smart technology integrated into accommodation. Judges will assess originality, scalability, and long-term impact.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

Whatever your specialism, you will be challenging the status quo and taking the student accommodation sector to the next level.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Evidence of genuine innovation in the past year
  • Creativity and vision in creating a solution that addresses a specific need or significantly improves student life
  • A robust business model and financial forecast
  • Evidence of strong engagement with the student body
  • Evidence of a strong and potentially transformative impact on student life
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Legal Team of the Year

Recognising outstanding legal professionals, including law firms and in-house legal teams, who provide exceptional legal expertise in the student accommodation sector and who add value to the projects in which they are involved. This includes work in tenancy law, regulatory compliance, investment structuring, dispute resolution, and policy development. Judges will assess legal innovation, risk management, problem-solving, and impact on the sector.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Why the past year was a strong year for the team – perhaps against the odds
  • The range of legal or professional work you do and how this has changed
  • Details of key instructions/commissions you have won
  • Business development or staff/training initiatives
  • Robust financial performance – perhaps against the odds
  • Strong client focus and positive client feedback – for instance via testimonials
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Operator of the Year (Over 5,000 Beds) – UK Only

Celebrating large-scale student accommodation operators delivering high-quality, modern student living at scale. This includes those with strong customer service, innovative wellbeing support, and ESG commitments. Judges will assess tenant satisfaction, service excellence and operational efficiency.

Operator of the Year (Under 5,000 Beds) – UK Only

Honouring small and mid-sized operators providing exceptional student accommodation and support services. This includes those who integrate cutting-edge technology, wellbeing initiatives, and sustainability into their operations. Judges will assess tenant satisfaction, customer service, occupancy rates, student engagement, and innovative refurbishment efforts.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Excellent customer services, on-site assistance and support
  • Exciting tech and social media initiatives
  • Brilliant engagement and communication with students
  • Consistently high satisfaction ratings from students
  • Innovation, vision and boldness that set you apart from the crowd
  • A range of rental options and rates
  • Innovative initiatives that support student mental health and wellbeing
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

PropTech Solution of the Year

Recognising cutting-edge technology innovations that enhance student living and streamline accommodation management. This includes smart energy systems, digital platforms, and AI-driven property management solutions. Judges will assess technological advancement, adoption, and impact.

Solutions must have been launched or significantly updated between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Degree of innovation and technological advancement
  • Impact on operational efficiency and cost reduction
  • Enhancement of student experience and safety
  • Scalability and integration capabilities
  • Contribution to sustainability goals

Supplier of the Year

Recognising exceptional suppliers who enhance the student accommodation experience through innovative products, technology, or services. This includes those contributing to smart buildings, energy efficiency, and AI-driven accommodation management. Judges will assess product impact, sustainability, and sector engagement.

To be eligible, entries must relate to products and activities launched between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Genuine innovation and disruption
  • Strong financial performance
  • The transformative impact on the PBSA sector
  • How the product, service or solution has directly (and indirectly) benefited students
  • Positive engagement with the sector and end-user
  • The challenges faced, and overcome
  • How the offering has performed against expectations
  • Inclusivity, both in the design of and the implementation of the offering
  • How the product, service or solution supports the ESG agenda
  • What’s next? A want to continue to push further

Student Accommodation Agency Team of The Year

Outstanding agency teams possess an in-depth expertise and ability in all areas of student accommodation to ensure that clients receive the best possible advice, support, and guidance. The award is open to student accommodation agency teams that offer professional services to developers, investors, operators and/or universities. Depending on your structure, you may connect universities, owners, and operators, landowners, PBSA developers, and investors to help them maximise opportunities in the student accommodation space. Crucially, you will make a real difference to your clients’ business and have a strong track record to prove it.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025 To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Why the past 12 months was a strong year for the team – perhaps against the odds
  • Demonstrable evidence of a range of professional work you do, such as market valuations, development appraisals and benchmarking, portfolio strategy, operator selection and related
  • Track record of successful transactions over the last 12 months
  • An outline of specialist areas you have developed - these could be anything from feasibility studies to advice on functional suitability, learning environments, and space planning
  • Evidence of strong client focus and positive client feedback – for instance via testimonials, case studies or media coverage
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Commitment to the ESG agenda

Sustainability Initiative of the Year

Celebrating innovative sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote greener student living. This includes smart energy solutions, waste reduction programmes, eco-friendly building materials, and large-scale refurbishment projects focused on energy efficiency as well as tenant initiatives. Judges will assess measurable environmental benefits and long-term sustainability strategies. This award is aimed at organisations and individuals working in the student property sector that have implemented, completed or committed to a transformative ESG or climate-focused scheme, strategy or initiative in the past year.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • The scheme, initiative or strategy is ESG or climate focused
  • Why it is transformative/innovative/disruptive
  • Scale and ambition
  • Commitment to net zero carbon
  • Top ratings in known accreditation schemes such as BREEAM or the WELL Building Standard
  • Tangible and meaningful action
  • Demonstrable and measurable impact
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Student Accommodation Team of the Year

Recognising university or locally based accommodation teams that go above and beyond in housing management, student support, and customer experience. Judges will consider innovative initiatives, student satisfaction, and commitment to wellbeing. Strong engagement, regulatory compliance, and community outreach will also be key criteria.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel you should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Compliance with the regulations set out in the Universities UK (UUK) Code of Practice or the ANUK/Unipol Codes of Standards for the Management of Student Housing
  • High levels of student satisfaction amongst students for support and care provided
  • Examples of initiatives and/or schemes that have enhanced the student experience
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Positive environmental impact

Unsung Hero Award

Celebrating frontline staff members whose dedication makes a significant difference in student accommodation. This includes receptionists, maintenance teams, and student welfare officers. Judges will assess contributions, testimonials, and impact on student life.

To be eligible, entries must relate to initiatives and activities completed between 01 July 2024 – 30 June 2025.

To enter, please submit a 750-word summary on why you feel your colleague should win this award.

When reviewing your submission, the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • A first-hand account of why this individual is outstanding
  • Strong testimonials from a range of sources – students, colleagues, etc.
  • The impact the entrant has had on their halls of residence and it’s students
  • Examples of how they have gone above and beyond
  • Demonstrate how they have extended beyond their role
  • How the students have benefited from this individual’s actions

If you are already a subscriber to Property Week , you are entitled to £100 off your Student Accommodation Conference ticket.

To secure your discount please contact: Cheryl Wood cheryl.wood@emap.com

*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or retrospectively