Each new wave of student residents brings fresh expectations for their student accommodation experience. That could be expectations for smart technologies or community-events, but there are always common threads that also connect each new wave of residents – and a key one to consider is resident mental health. When it comes to PBSA Operators considering resident health and wellbeing, it’s always a top priority – but are they using data and technology to the full effect for the benefit of their residents?
That’s where Utopi and Spaceflow come in.
We’ve teamed up to transform student living, creating spaces that do more than just house students – they actively support their wellbeing. From building stronger communities to optimising environmental conditions, our combined technologies help students feel more connected, comfortable, and in control.
“Student mental health is hugely improved if they can feel able to engage with other students through cooking, socialising, playing and generally living together in a respectful community. It is also vital for students to be able to retreat to a private safe space for quiet reflective time.”Galliford Try
Creating Community and Comfort for Health & Wellbeing.
The Class Foundation’s 2024 Student Living Monitor makes it clear: a better living experience directly impacts student wellbeing, happiness, and success.
The most satisfied students live in communities that offer well-designed shared spaces, engaging events, and services that bring people together. In fact, students who actively use communal spaces and attend events report a significantly better experience than those who don’t.
That’s why Utopi and Spaceflow make it easier than ever to connect students with their community, events, and shared spaces – and on their terms. But how exactly does this help?
1. Bringing Students Together.
Loneliness is a major issue in student housing – 40% of students report feeling isolated. That’s why building social opportunities is essential. Utopi x Spaceflow’s ‘Community’ features make it easy for students to engage and connect.
- Newsfeed & Messaging: With posts, polls, and notifications, the Spaceflow app becomes a digital hub for conversation. In one student housing community, 94% of residents use the app, sending over 150 messages per month.
- Events: A strong event culture makes a big difference. Property managers can effortlessly organize social gatherings that bring students together.
- Marketplace: Whether it’s selling textbooks or borrowing a bike, the in-app marketplace keeps students connected in everyday life.
“Our residents love the app. It makes communication with other students and staff so much easier.” — Director, Student Housing Client
2. Making Student Living More Comfortable.
Beyond social connections, a truly supportive environment means having the right amenities and services at students’ fingertips. The key? Convenience.
- Easy Access to Services: Whether it’s booking a meeting room or scheduling laundry services, everything students need is in one place.
- In-App Payments: Students can manage bookings and payments seamlessly, making life that little bit easier.
- Collaboration with Local Vendors: Properties can offer exclusive deals with nearby businesses, adding extra value to student living.
“What students appreciate most is that we go the extra mile to create a second home for them.” — Dimitri Huygen, Xior Student Housing
3. Tracking and Improving the Student Experience.
It’s one thing to offer great amenities and events, but how do you know they’re actually making a difference? That’s where Utopi x Spaceflow’s data-driven approach comes in.
- Living Space Insights: In-app data in near real-time, showcasing wellbeing insights like motion and light, allowing for welfare checks and swift intervention.
- Tenant Satisfaction Scores: In-app prompts gather real-time feedback, helping providers fine-tune their services based on what students actually want.
- Analytics Dashboard: Track engagement, event attendance, and amenity usage to make informed decisions that enhance student wellbeing.
“We ask meaningful questions to truly understand our residents’ needs. This insight is invaluable.” — Dimitri Huygen, Xior Student Housing
“Focusing on individual students and how they feel towards their accommodation will allow halls providers to take a tailored approach to their tenants, which will facilitate more positive feelings from students towards them.”Global Student Living (GSL)
Optimising Environmental Conditions for Health & Wellbeing.
A comfortable home isn’t just about social spaces – it’s also about the environment itself. Utopi’s ESG technology and data solutions provide real-time insights into six key environmental factors: Temperature, Air Quality, Humidity, Noise, Motion, and Light. These conditions significantly impact student wellbeing, and with the right data, they can be optimised for a better living experience. Some key areas include:
1. Temperature & Humidity.
Nobody likes a freezing cold or stuffy, overheated room. Temperature and humidity levels affect not just comfort, but also energy efficiency and air quality. Without granular data, it’s difficult to catch issues before they become problems.
- Resident Impact: Students enjoy a healthier, more comfortable space.
- Operational Benefits: Property teams can proactively fix heating and ventilation inefficiencies, saving costs while keeping residents happy.
Case Study: Downing Students used Utopi’s Heatmap and Smart TRVs to optimize heating across their properties. The result? A 52% reduction in overheated spaces and improved student comfort.
2. Air Quality.
Did you know that poor air quality can reduce cognitive function as much as aging 15 years? (Yes, really.) With Utopi insights, property managers can pinpoint air quality issues, from inadequate ventilation to external pollutants, and take action before they impact student health.
- Resident Impact: Clean air leads to better concentration, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
- Long-Term Value: IAQ policies improve Net Promoter Scores and encourage rebookings.
3. Noise & Light.
A loud, dimly lit room isn’t just uncomfortable – it actively disrupts sleep, focus, and mental health. The Utopi Multisensor detects noise and light levels, allowing managers to identify and resolve problem areas.
- Resident Impact: Quieter, well-lit spaces promote rest and productivity.
- Operational Benefits: Data-driven insights help create environments that support student success.
Case Study: In a remarkable case, Utopi’s data helped track a missing student in Scotland. By analyzing in-room insights—such as lowered blinds and switched-off heating—police quickly confirmed the student’s safe return home.
The Future of Student Wellbeing with Utopi and Spaceflow.
Technology is a game-changer for student accommodation, but it needs to be used intentionally. By blending digital tools with real-world interactions, housing providers can create spaces where students thrive – not just survive.
With Utopi and Spaceflow, you’re not just offering a place to stay, you’re creating a community. A home. A better student experience.
Let’s build a brighter future for student wellbeing – together.