The United Kingdom remains one of the world’s top destinations for higher education, attracting over 2.9 million students annually, including more than half of all postgraduate enrolments from abroad. But beneath this global strength lies a deepening student housing crisis.

Demand is accelerating by 2030, the number of UK university applicants is projected to surpass 900,000 annually. Yet new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) delivery has slowed to under 10,000 beds per year, down from over 30,000 pre-pandemic. JLL forecasts a national shortfall of 200,000 to 235,000 student beds by 2035.

Affordability is a common challenge across the UK. 70% report anxiety over rent, and 59% say they struggle to pay.  At the same time, regulatory complexity, difficulty in acquiring prime or strategically positioned sites, and rising construction (to name a few hurdles) have pushed rents, investment and operational costs to record highs.  Without systemic coordination, the sector risks falling short — both in meeting student needs and in sustaining the UK’s competitive edge in global education.

The Student Living Forum UK is a strategic convening of the sector’s public and private leaders — to shape the National Action Framework (NAF): a roadmap to unlock delivery, support ESG-aligned investment, and ensure long-term sector viability. The NAF is grounded in four strategic pillars: Availability, Accessibility, Student Experience, and Collaboration — each essential for market growth and impact.

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