STUDENT ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 2025

The Student Accommodation Awards is a renowned industry awards recognising and the outstanding achievements in the student housing sector across 24 categories. 

  ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED!

If you have any questions or need assistance contact cheryl.wood@emap.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hall of Fame

*CATEGORY CLOSED*

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.

Sponsored by:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sponsored by:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.