With winter fast approaching, it’s essential for us, as student accommodation providers, to prioritise safety, comfort, and wellbeing for our residents. For many students living away from home, the colder months can bring unique challenges, from staying warm to looking after their mental health. That’s why we take proactive steps to ensure our students feel safe, warm, and supported throughout the winter season.

Here’s what we do – and what we can all do together as providers – to create a positive experience for students during the winter months:

1. Keeping Our Spaces Warm and Comfortable

Winter inevitably means colder temperatures and a higher demand for reliable heating. To ensure our students stay cosy, we make it a priority to:

• Regularly inspect heating systems, radiators, and ventilation to address any issues before the cold sets in.
• Check insulation and seal drafts in windows and doors to keep the warmth in.
• Share practical tips with students on optimising their room heating – like closing curtains at night and keeping radiators clear for better heat circulation.

2. Preparing for Winter Weather Hazards

Icy walkways, heavy snow, and the occasional frozen pipe are all part of the winter reality. To keep our properties safe and accessible:

• We clear pathways regularly, grit high-traffic areas, and ensure that communal spaces are well-lit.
• We provide students with clear guidelines on preventing issues like frozen pipes and what to do if they encounter a weather-related problem.
• Our maintenance teams are on hand to respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring minimal disruption for our students.

By communicating with students about our winter safety measures, and encouraging them to share any concerns, we create a collaborative approach to keeping everyone safe.

3. Supporting Mental Well-being During the Winter Months

We understand that winter can feel tough. The darker days, colder weather, and time away from home can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or stress. That’s why we work hard to ensure our accommodations are places of support and connection.

Here’s how we help:

• Welcoming Common Spaces: Our shared spaces are designed to be warm, well-lit, and comfortable – perfect for socialising, studying, or relaxing. We aim to make these areas feel like a second home for our residents.
• On-site Mental Health Support: We’re proud to have a mental health first aider on every site, providing immediate, approachable support to students who may be struggling.

• Partnerships with Experts: Through our strategic partnership with Student Minds, we can offer residents access to trusted resources and campaigns designed to help them navigate the challenges of student life.

• Seasonal Events: Winter can be a time to bring people together, so we organise activities events that offer a chance to relax, have fun, and meet others in the accommodation community.

4. Staying Connected Over the Holidays

We know that not all students head home for the holiday break, and for those staying with us, it’s important to keep a sense of community alive.

Here’s what we do:

• Host festive events for students staying on-site.
• Keep key facilities open, ensuring that students still have access to services like study spaces, laundry, and common areas.
• Offer extended service hours for support staff, so students always have someone they can reach out to if needed.

By ensuring that no one feels forgotten or isolated over the holidays, we help make this time of year a little brighter for everyone.

5. Thinking Ahead: Long-Term Winter Preparation

Winter readiness isn’t just a one-off task – it’s something we build into our long-term plans. Each year, we review what worked well and what could be improved to keep enhancing the experience for our residents.

Some of the ways we’re planning for the future include:

• Continuing to invest in energy-efficient heating and insulation for our properties to keep students warm while reducing environmental impact.
• Expanding our calendar of seasonal events to ensure every student has an opportunity to connect and engage.
• Providing clear, consistent communication about winter safety measures and available support to ensure students feel informed and reassured.

These ongoing efforts reflect our commitment to making winter as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible for every student who calls our properties home.

Our Commitment to a Safe and Comfortable Winter

Winter presents its challenges, but it also provides opportunities for us to create a sense of comfort and community for our student residents. By focusing on their safety, wellbeing, and overall experience, we aim to make the colder months a time where students feel supported and secure. Together, we can ensure every student has the environment they need to thrive – even when the temperature drops.

Author: Amy Daniels, Digital Content and Marketing Assistant