Student Housing in Europe: Evolution and Prospects 

Higher education in Europe has reached significant dimensions, with 18.5 million students pursuing tertiary education, a 3% increase from the previous year and an 11.9% increase since 2013.   This growth reflects the educational policies of various countries and the European Union's commitment to creating a common "education space." Universities not only train qualified citizens but also promote social inclusion, workforce qualification, local specialization, hinder discrimination, and strengthen civil values. 

Student Housing Supply 

With the growth of tertiary education, major European economies like France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain have been compelled to structure residential housing supply with a mix of public and private offerings, accounting for the peculiarities of each country. 

In recent years, the supply from professional private operators has increased, ensuring the development of the sector, which is now well distinguished from other types of housing. Cooperation between these operators and institutions is essential to meet future needs, aiming for a balance between urban attractiveness and stability for human capital. 

The latest Eurostudent publications indicate that about 18% of university students live in student housing, a type predominantly chosen by international students and those under 22 years old. 

On average, in Europe, housing costs account for about 35% of the available monthly budget. This figure represents an average calculation related to the different forms of residency, not exclusively referring to student housing. 

IN FRANCE 

In the 2022/2023 school year, French universities registered 2.8 million students, an 18% increase from ten years ago. CROUS, the public body that manages housing and scholarships for students, offers about 177,000 beds, a 1.5% increase in one year. The total supply of student housing is about 195,000 beds. The Rhône has the highest number of public beds, while Île-de-France, despite having the highest number of students, has fewer public housing options. Costs vary widely: students pay between 250 and 490 euros per month for public housing, while rents for private housing in Paris range from 840 to 1,400 euros per month. 

IN SPAIN 

In the 2022/2023 academic year, the Spanish student population counted about 1.3 million enrolled, equating to 30% of the reference population. In Spain, there are over 115,000 beds for students, divided between "Colegios Mayores" (non-profit institutions) – 17% – and student residences, which have grown by 26,000 units since 2018. The student housing market is polarized, with the four main operators holding 25% of the supply. Rents vary significantly depending on the city: Madrid and Barcelona saw a 5% increase in prices last year, while cities like Malaga registered increases of 9%. 

IN THE UK 

In 2021/2022, UK universities registered over 2.8 million students, 15% of the European total. Over the last five years, the number of students has increased by 19%, mainly driven by non-EU students (+72%) and residents in the UK. 

The UK offers various housing options for students, including public housing, private housing, and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). About 27% of off-campus students find housing in the regular market, 16% in public housing, and 9% in private housing. Overall, there are 650,000 available beds, of which 46% are managed by private operators. In the last ten years, the supply of beds has increased by 30%, with an annual growth of 20,000-30,000 units. Rents for PBSA housing are high: in London, a room with a private bathroom can cost up to 1,250 pounds per month, while a shared bathroom in public housing costs around 920 pounds per month. 

IN ITALY 

In the 2022/2023 academic year, Italy had 1.9 million university students, equating to 3.2% of the population, leading to growing demand for off-campus student housing (average stay of 12-24 months). There are 355,000 students looking for structured housing, but the supply has not kept pace with the 14% increase in off-campus students over the last ten years, indicating a need for new real estate investments. The current housing supply includes public and private facilities, with residences affiliated with the Right to Study and merit-based university colleges providing the majority of beds. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, NRRP) aims to double the number of beds by 2026, with the support of the Ministry of University and Research to guarantee the right to study, especially for off-campus students. 

Future Prospects 

The European Union considers tertiary education and training fundamental for the future. Universities are now the most important institutional figures around which education, research, innovation, and economic development revolve. Future prospects see an increase in the number of graduates in Europe, with estimates indicating that 37% of the European population will be graduates by 2040, reaching 41% by 2050. Consequently, attention to an increasingly extensive and high-quality student housing supply, cooperation between institutions, and adaptation to demographic dynamics are key elements to address future challenges and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Specifically, in the PBSA sector, investments in 2023 amounted to 4.9 billion euros, and although there was a 60% decline compared to the previous year, medium-term forecasts remain positive due to the imbalance between supply and demand, but will require close collaboration between the public and private sectors.