The Benefits of a PBSA Student Wellbeing Service

When choosing accommodation for university, students and their parents are increasingly looking for more than just a roof over their heads during termtime. Instead, they want a holistic living experience that supports academic success, physical and mental wellbeing and personal growth, all at once. For developers, owners, and investors in the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

In this guide, we’ll explore why student wellbeing matters, outline the main elements of a wellbeing service that PBSAs can offer, and explain how it benefits students, universities, and stakeholders alike.

The importance of wellbeing for students

For many young People, going to university is the first time they will be living independently, which is exciting but can also feel a little overwhelming for some. Along with the excitement and sense of freedom, new students need to adapt to new environments, learn how to cope with another level of academic pressure that is mainly self-driven, manage day-to-day finances, and are often far from home. Along with all of the fun and new experiences that students can enjoy in a further education environment, some also find that they feel anxious, lonely and stressed at times.

PBSA has a unique role to play in helping to address some of these challenges. Accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s a Community that has a huge impact on shaping the student experience. By embedding wellbeing services into a PBSA management approach, students can feel more supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.

For owners and developers, investing in wellbeing-led services is not just about social responsibility. It also helps to enhance reputation, strengthens relationships with universities, improves student retention, and can ultimately boost asset value over time.

Key features of an effective student wellbeing service

The most successful student wellbeing services offered by PBSA management teams take a multi-layered approach and are designed to support students as whole People, not just tenants. Some of the service elements could include:

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training

Training team members in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips them to provide immediate, informed support to students experiencing difficulties. This includes:

• Regular refresher training to keep skills sharp

• One-on-one support sessions for students in need

• Awareness campaigns to normalise conversations about mental health.

For students, this means there is always someone approachable, trained, and empathetic on-site. For PBSA owners, it means reduced risk, improved duty of care, and a reputation for prioritising student welfare.

Partnering with local/national mental health organisations

By partnering with mental health charities or organisations, especially those which have dedicated resources for students, PBSAs can expand their support to include:

• Expert-backed wellbeing campaigns, boosting effectiveness

• Providing students with resources tailored to their unique challenges

• Ensuring all PBSA policies and practices reflect the latest guidance on student mental health.

By embedding specialist advice and resources into the way that the PBSA is managed from top to bottom, it not only supports individuals but also contributes to broader culture change around student wellbeing.

Running Community-focused projects

Having a collective purpose can benefit student health and wellbeing too. PBSA management teams can run projects that bring students and staff together to contribute positively to their local Communities, such as:

• Neighbourhood litter picks

• Volunteering initiatives

• Creating and maintaining a Community garden or allotment

• Local fundraising campaigns for good causes.

Participating in projects like this help to build pride, belonging, and social responsibility, which are all values that can enhance the student experience and also benefit the local Community.

Diversity and inclusion policy

Students living in PBSAs often come from a wide variety of different backgrounds and locations, and it’s important that every student feels welcome, respected and valued. PBSA Communities should reflect the diversity of the students living there. This means ensuring that there are inclusive and accessible events that everyone is invited to, cultural celebrations that everyone can join in with and excellent communications that reach everyone. 

A residents’ app or online portal

The best way to reach students living in a PBSA is via their smartphones. With a dedicated app, if possible, they can easily and conveniently:

• Report and track maintenance requests

• Stay up to date with building news and announcements

• Have an emergency contact for their PBSA

• Explore social events and activities happening on-site.

This technology helps to streamline communication, reduces stress, and enhances the students’ sense of being in control of their living environment.

Social events and activities

For some students, their biggest wellbeing challenge involves making new connections and finding a supportive Community. With a PBSA team that curates a calendar of social events and student wellbeing activities that include something for everyone, this can make a big difference to those living there. It helps students to:

• Make friends and build support networks

• Explore new activities and hobbies

• Feel part of a connected, thriving community.

From welcome drop-ins to cultural celebrations, wellness walks to practical life-skill workshops, these events provide valuable touchpoints for social integration, helping to reduce loneliness and create memories.

Who benefits from a PBSA student wellbeing service?

By ensuring that extensive measures for student health and wellbeing are baked into a PBSA strategy, the benefits include:

For Students

• Safety and support – knowing that trained staff and wellbeing resources are readily available

• Stronger Community – opportunities to connect, volunteer and spend time together

• Personal growth – chances to participate in workshops, projects and events that build life skills

• Peace of mind – a supportive environment where daily life and challenges are easier to manage together.

For Parents

• Reassurance – confidence that their child has a safe place to live and is also supported in their personal development, health and wellbeing

• Transparency – clear communication through apps and wellbeing partnerships.

For Universities

• Partnership value – aligning with an accommodation provider that prioritises student welfare enhances a university’s own reputation

• Improved student outcomes – students who feel supported are more likely to succeed academically and socially.

For Developers, Investors and Owners

• Stronger brand reputation – wellbeing is a key differentiator in a crowded PBSA market

• Higher retention and occupancy rates – happy students stay longer and recommend accommodation to others

• Long-term asset value – a wellbeing-first model creates sustainable demand and reduces risk.

Wellbeing is one of the foundations to a successful PBSA. By integrating a comprehensive student wellbeing service, accommodation becomes more than just a place to live. It’s a place for students to grow, connect, and flourish.

Find out more about our PBSA student and Community experience.