Student feedback from the latest wave of the GSL Index (2025 Q4) has once again highlighted the universities and operators delivering stand-out support during the booking journey and crucial first days of moving in.
This year marks a new milestone for the GSL Index: student participation is up by 15% versus last year, resulting in our highest-ever response levels in a Q4 wave. Based on this feedback, the shortlist was drawn for the Best Booking Experience and Best Moving In Experience categories in the GSL Awards for the UK & Ireland and Europe.
The upcoming ‘exit’ wave will determine the finalists for all other award categories. Winners of the 2026 GSL Awards will be revealed on the 14th of October in London, following the GSL Investor Summit and GSL Live Conference.
Meet the finalists
AMRO STUDENTS
In their first year participating in the GSL Awards, AMRO STUDENTS makes an impressive debut, being a finalist in both the Booking and Moving In categories.
Darren Gardner, COO, commented:
“AMRO is proud to join the GSL awards for the first time, and we’re thrilled to be recognised as finalists for both the Best Booking Experience and Best Moving-In Experience. These nominations reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering the very best for our residents—from a seamless, stress-free booking process to a warm and welcoming move-in. At AMRO, we go beyond providing accommodation; we create tailored, thoughtful spaces where student well-being is at the heart of everything we do. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our teams in their pursuit of setting the standard for excellence in student living.”
Collegiate Europe
Collegiate Europe, which has won Best Booking Experience in the past two consecutive years, continues its strong track record with nominations in both Booking and Moving In categories, reinforcing its student-first approach across its European portfolio.
Alan Blackmore, COO of Collegiate Europe, said:
“Being named a finalist for the GSL Awards’ Best Moving-In Experience at both Collegiate Milan North and Collegiate Madrid Chamartín, alongside our continued recognition for Best Booking Experience, which we’ve proudly won for the past two years, reflects our unwavering commitment to placing students at the heart of everything we do. These honours reinforce our mission to make every step of their journey, from booking to arrival, seamless, supportive, and truly exceptional.”
Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University, a 3-time winner of the Best Moving In Experience award for UK & Ireland, is once again recognised for delivering an exceptional arrival experience shaped by warm support and a campus-wide effort.
A spokesperson for Edge Hill University commented:
“Being nominated for an award voted for by the students is the clearest sign that we’re getting the moving-in experience right. We’re delighted that we are in the running for this award once again, as staff from across the university work hard to ensure our students’ transition into halls during Welcome Weekend is as seamless as possible to truly make Edge Hill a home away from home.”
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity University credits its success to a people-first approach and a booking system designed around clarity and reassurance.
Damon Shaw, Head of Commercial Enterprises, Leeds Trinity University, commented:
“We are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Booking Experience award. It is a testament to the team who work hard to ensure friendly, prompt responses to any queries or concerns applicants may have about their accommodation, the moving-in process or university life. This is underpinned by an easy-to-use self-selection online booking portal that allows students to select their own room.”
Lumis Living
Lumis Living continues to be recognised for its commitment to community-building and an arrival experience shaped by continuous improvement.
David Campbell, Managing Director at Lumis Living, commented:
“We’re proud to be shortlisted for this year’s GSL Awards and to continue our partnership with the GSL team, whose independent surveys and insights play a vital role in shaping our ongoing commitment to excellence. At LUMIS Living, move-in day is more than the start of a tenancy — it’s the beginning of each student’s new chapter. This recognition highlights our shared focus on enhancing the resident experience, fostering community, and continually improving through meaningful feedback. We remain dedicated to ensuring that every student feels supported, connected, and confident they’ve chosen the right place to call home.”
Luxury Student Homes
Luxury Student Homes emphasises transparency, responsiveness and a truly local lettings experience as the core of its booking philosophy.
Jamie Galvin, Lettings Manager at Luxury Student Homes, said:
“Being shortlisted for the GSL Awards for Best Booking Experience is a proud achievement for everyone at Luxury Student Homes. We understand that selecting accommodation is one of the most significant decisions students face, so we have designed our booking process to prioritise transparency, responsiveness, and genuine care. Plus, with a dedicated local lettings team, we can offer personalised support and guidance from people who truly understand our properties and the city. This recognition, especially coming from our student residents, makes it even more meaningful to us.”
micampus residencias
The 2025 GSL Awards winner for Best Moving In Experience (Europe), micampus residencias, has once again been named a finalist in the Moving In category, continuing to deliver positive early experiences for students across Spain and Portugal.
Nido Living
Nido Living secures its place as a European finalist for Best Booking Experience, reflecting its focus on clear communication, intuitive processes, and meaningful support during the accommodation search.
PfP Students
PfP Students continues to demonstrate excellence in move-in support, earning another finalist position this year.
A spokesperson from PfP Students said:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised once again as a finalist for the Best Moving In Experience Award (UK & Ireland)! Being recognised for another year is a true testament to our ongoing commitment to creating a seamless and welcoming start for every resident. This achievement reflects the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire team. We’re proud to be part of the GSL Awards and can’t wait to celebrate alongside fellow finalists!”
Prime Student Living
Prime Student Living highlights the importance of first impressions, delivering an attentive and reassuring welcome for residents.
According to Charlie Pogson, Managing Director, Prime Student Living:
“The team at Prime Student Living are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted as an award finalist for Best Moving In Experience following resident feedback to the GSL survey. This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the first experience students have with our brand, which we aim to be positive and welcoming. For many, this will be their first time leaving home and moving into accommodation without their family, which could be in another country on the other side of the world. Reducing any associated stress and anxiety by ensuring the moving-in process goes well is a great first impression on which we can build a lasting and trusted relationship with our residents. We are delighted to be recognised by our customers in this way.”
Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University continues to strengthen its reputation for a smooth and supportive booking journey, earning a place among this year’s finalists for Best Booking Experience.
THE FIZZ
THE FIZZ builds on past success, earning another nomination for its streamlined and international booking experience.
A spokesperson for THE FIZZ highlighted:
“We are truly honoured that THE FIZZ, part of the International Campus portfolio for student housing alongside HAVENS LIVING for young professionals, has been named a finalist for Best Booking Experience Award for Europe in this year’s GSL Awards. Following our 2023 win, this nomination reflects our consistent performance across Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
We extend our sincere thanks to our tenants for sharing such positive feedback about their booking journey and overall experience. Securing accommodation marks the start of a new chapter for many students, and a smooth, transparent booking process can make all the difference by providing confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Knowing that our approach supports students and their families through this transition is deeply rewarding and motivates us to continue raising the bar.”
Ulster University
Ulster University earns recognition for its thorough, thoughtful and student-centred move-in approach.
Gareth Kennedy, Interim Director of Campus Life at Ulster University, highlighted:
“We are proud to be named a finalist for this year’s Best Moving In Experience Award for the UK & Ireland. The moving-in period is one of the most important moments in a student’s journey, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our teams across all three campuses who work with care and precision to create a smooth, positive and welcoming start. Being acknowledged in an award shaped by student feedback reinforces our commitment to delivering an arrival experience that truly supports our residents and sets the foundation for a strong year ahead.”
University of Derby
University of Derby 2022
With a long-standing record of recognition in the GSL Awards, University of Derby continues to set a benchmark for both booking and moving in, earning nominations in both categories. This is their fifth consecutive nomination for Best Moving In Experience (UK & Ireland).
We caught up with Head of Student Living, Steve Ward to ask what the Derby approach is. According to Steve:
“For many people who are the first in the family to go to University, it can be a daunting experience, so anything that can reassure and comfort people on their University journey is very important. Here at Derby, we try to make that customer journey as smooth as possible from the initial booking online to moving in and beyond. We’re delighted once again that this attention to detail and putting ourselves in the customers’ shoes has translated into a positive experience for our residents. It’s a tribute to our dedicated staff who go the extra mile to make students feel welcome. “
Yugo
Yugo’s cross-regional finalist status reflects its commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality experiences across multiple markets.
Simon Griffiths, Senior Vice President Operations Europe at Yugo, commented:
“We are thrilled for Yugo to be recognised as finalists in the 2026 GSL Awards for Best Booking Experience and Best Moving-In Experience across Europe and the UK & Ireland.
This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our teams, who work every day to make our students feel supported, welcomed, and empowered from the moment they book through to move-in.
Being acknowledged by students is the greatest reward, and it inspires us to continue delivering outstanding experiences across our communities.”
