Student feedback gathered from the latest wave of the Global Student Living Index (2022 Q4) in the UK & Ireland, highlights the top performing universities and operators when it comes to supporting students through the booking process and settling into their new accommodation.
A record 35,000 students across more than 200 universities and colleges took part in the survey which measures all aspects of the student living experience. Data from this ‘entry’ wave of the survey is used to calculate the Best Booking Experience and Best Moving In Experience categories in the Global Student Living Awards for the UK & Ireland. Feedback gathered in the upcoming ‘exit’ wave will determine the Finalists and Winners of all other award categories. Winners of all awards will be announced at GSL Live on 18th and 19th October in London.
The finalists
Edge Hill University
A finalist in multiple categories in 2022, Edge Hill are once again finalists in the Best Moving In Experience category for 2023.
Director of Facilities Management at Edge Hill University, Adrian McGillion, said:
“The entire Facilities Management team work really hard over the summer and at the start of term when our students move in, often leaving their parents for the first time, to make the move into halls as seamless and easy as possible. We do this to reassure students and their parents and guardians that we will look after them during their time at university. For the students to vote us one of the best moving in experiences in the country shows how successful the efforts of our team have been.”
“It’s always a real honour when we are shortlisted for an award that’s voted for by students, it’s a clear sign that we are getting our moving in experience right.
Nido Student
Following a win in the Best Booking Experience (Europe) category in 2022, Nido Student are now UK & Ireland Finalists for 2023 for both Best Booking Experience and Best Moving In Experience.
Prime Student Living
Prime are also double Finalists for 2023 for both the Best Booking Experience and Best Moving In Experience categories for UK & Ireland. Although a Finalist in 3 categories in 2022 (winning Best Value for Money), this is the first time Prime have been nominated in both these particular categories.
A spokesperson for Prime Student Living commented:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised by our customers and be finalists of the Best Booking Experience and Best Moving In Experience awards. Having instilled a customer-first culture through our marketing strategy, it is excellent to see everyone’s hard work paying off. Our culture sees the whole team go the extra mile from the moment a student discovers us, throughout their time living at Prime Student Living. Receiving the recognition for this from our customers is the most valuable feedback we could receive.”
Queen Margaret University
After winning the Best Booking Experience Award for UK & Ireland in 2022, Queen Margaret University are again a Finalist in this category for 2023. Given QMU’s track record in the Global Student Living Awards, we can expect to see them announced as Finalists in more categories in June, after the ‘exit’ wave of the Index has completed.
Student Castle Property Management Services Ltd
Student Castle PMS operates both the Student Castle and Capitol Students brands, and this is the first year they have achieved Finalists status in the Best Booking Experience category for UK & Ireland.
A spokesperson for Student Castle commented:
“We are delighted to be one of the finalists at the Global Student Living Awards. SCPMS strives to provide the best student experience in Student Castle & Capitol Students, and we are very pleased to be recognised for our ease of booking, our interactions and response throughout the booking process and student arrival. People are at the heart of what we do, and this is a well-deserved recognition of our teams’ efforts.”
Student Living at the University of Derby
After winning the category in 2022, Student Living at the University of Derby are once again Finalists for Best Moving In Experience for the UK & Ireland.
Steve Ward, Head of Accommodation Services at Derby commented:
“We are delighted to have been recognised for the Best Moving In Experience. At Student Living we work hard to make the moving in experience an enjoyable and stress free experience for students. We understand that going to University is a big deal and it can be an emotional day for students, and their families. Extra helpers and ‘Welcome Heroes’ are on hand to assist people move their belongings; staff are positioned in the car parks and on site to assist and welcome at every stage; our events team is there letting students know what they can expect in their first few weeks.
“Our teams are fantastic at delivering a positive experience to our new students. Over the years we have reviewed and revised the arrival process to ensure we continually improve the process and give students the best possible start to their time at our University”
Ulster University
After winning one Award (Best Student Community) and being Finalists in two other categories in 2022, this year is off to a great start for UU, as Finalists in the Best Moving In Experience for 2023.
Yugo
After making the shortlist in no less than 5 categories in the UK & Ireland in 2022, Yugo are now also Finalists for the first time in the Best Booking Experience category.
Richard Brenner, Operations Director – Europe at Yugo commented:
“Whilst it’s always exciting to be nominated for an award, it’s even more exciting when it’s the students doing the voting. We strive to provide an extraordinary journey for every single student who walks through our Yugo doors globally and we’re delighted to be nominated for the Best Booking Experience Award for our spaces in the UK and Ireland. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated.”
