Country Highlights
Explore the Country Highlights section to discover key facts and notable aspects that highlight each country's unique situation
Respondents by countries:
Finland
711
Netherlands
741
Denmark
416
Sweden
534
Ireland
616
Austria
972
Spain
2,703
Italy
372
Germany
752
Iceland
293
United Kingdom
4,819
Belgium
178
Poland
212
Portugal
128
France
315
Other
397
Finland
711
Netherlands
741
Denmark
416
Sweden
534
Ireland
616
Austria
972
Spain
2,703
Italy
372
Germany
752
Iceland
293
United Kingdom
4,819
Belgium
178
Poland
212
Portugal
128
France
315
Other
397
At the Country Level
The research at the country level suggests some powerful findings about accommodation types, services and facilities which have the most positive impact on students.
The findings from Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands are of particular interest as these countries report the most positive impact of living environment on well-being.
The countries where mental health was reported as the best are Germany, Austria and Italy. The countries where respondents felt the greatest impact from their living environment are Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal.
Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal are also the countries where respondents were most likely to recommend their accommodation
Austria
Austria combines affordable education with a high quality of life. The accommodation market is largely characterised by social and public housing, with a particular focus on meeting sustainability standards such as passive housing schemes.
Belgium
Belgium offers diverse cultural experiences, multilingual education options, and central European location, but navigating administrative processes can be intricate. The housing market also suffers from a shortage of available student beds, leading many to stay in rooms in the private rented sector.
Denmark
Denmark offers students access to high-quality English education, reputable universities, excellent infrastructure, and an open-minded atmosphere. Generally, students rely on older stock run by the social housing sector or look for accommodation in the private rented market.
France
France is home to world-renowned institutions, affordable education, and a rich cultural heritage, enhancing the overall student experience. However, complex planning regulations present a challenge for prospective investors and developers looking to build more student housing.
Germany
Germany provides tuition-free or low-cost education, excellent research opportunities, and a vibrant student community, but recent years, Tier –1 student cities are becoming less affordable. Nevertheless, Germany has the highest average MHI-5 score on this survey, indicating it to be an inviting country for student well-being.
Iceland
Iceland offers a unique study environment with a focus on sustainability and natural sciences. Students that are fortunate enough can secure accommodation in reputable university halls but housing provision outside of their ‘family home’ is limited to high-end stock.
Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a wide range of English taught programs, a bike-friendly environment, and a multicultural society, but affordable housing can be a concern in popular cities. To combat the growing demand for housing, the government has pushed for limiting international student numbers.
Portugal
Portugal’s universities are gaining international recognition, coupled with a relatively lower cost of living. Recent housing pressures caused by the country’s increasing popularity as a study destination have started to push the market for private-rented accommodation up in major cities
Spain
Spain provides a relaxed lifestyle, a Mediterranean climate, and a lively social scene. Recent years have seen a growth in private purpose-built student accommodation, but religious and educational institution-owned buildings remain the popular choice with their all-inclusive, catered services.
United Kingdom
The UK offers a wide range of prestigious universities though tuition fees can be relatively higher than the rest of Europe. The housing supply continues to struggle with accommodating rising student numbers(both domestic and intentional) every year, which is estimated to hit 1 million by 2023.