Where Insight Meets Collaboration.

Join GSL partners and invited guests for an exclusive day of research, shared practice and meaningful conversations. Together, we'll explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping better residential living communities.

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14 October 2026 No.11 Cavendish Square, London, UK

Welcome In.

Every great community is built on shared experiences.

The GSL Community Forum is GSL's annual invitation-only gathering for universities, accommodation providers and industry partners. It's a place to exchange ideas, learn from emerging research, discover practical approaches from across the sector and build lasting professional connections.

Made for the Community.

Open Conversations

Take part in honest discussions with peers facing the same challenges, in an environment designed to encourage openness.

Practical Ideas

Leave with proven approaches, shared experiences and actionable ideas that can be adapted within your own student accommodation communities.

Trusted Connections

Strengthen relationships with GSL partners and invited guests through meaningful conversations and collaborative learning throughout the day.

Research That Matters

Explore the latest GSL insights and discover how research can inform better decisions, stronger communities and improved resident experiences.

This Year's Themes.

01

Opening Keynote: He helped create the industry. Where is it going next?

Nicholas Porter
Nicholas Porter
Founder & CEO, The Dot Group
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Few people have shaped purpose-built student accommodation more than Nick Porter, Founder & CEO of The Dot Group.

From establishing the modern PBSA industry in the 1990s, to building an entire global student living ecosystem in The Dot Group, Nick has spent more than three decades at the forefront of the sector.

Opening the GSL Community Forum 2026, Nick will explore the structural forces shaping the next generation of PBSA and challenge the sector to see student living differently.

02

Community Conflict Paradox

Explore GSL's latest research into belonging, identity and inclusion, developed in partnership with CUBO and the Unite Foundation, and what it means for creating stronger student communities.

Common Ground
Common Ground
Faith, ethnicity and belonging in student accommodation.
READ NOW →
No Place Like Home
No Place Like Home?
Care-experienced and estranged students in accommodation.
READ NOW →
03

Shared Practice Exchange

Exchange practical ideas and proven approaches to some of the questions student accommodation providers face every day.

Improving survey response rates
Building stronger student communities
Sustainability & recycling initiatives
Booking & room allocations
Turning feedback into marketing
Prioritising improvements through insight
04

Beyond Demographics

Discover how personality segmentation is reshaping the way providers understand, communicate with and support students, brought to life through a student panel.

Opening Keynote
Nicholas Porter
Nicholas Porter
Founder & CEO, The Dot Group
Nick Porter is CEO and Founder of The Dot Group and has been pioneering the student living sector for 30 years. He founded the Unite Group in 1991, when student accommodation was associated with ageing university halls and dodgy digs. The firm was listed nine years later and is today part of the FTSE 100. Porter went on to found Urbanest in Australia and then Global Student Accommodation (GSA) in 2013, amassing a portfolio spanning nine countries. Nick now leads The Dot Group, an entire student living ecosystem including GSA, operator and management platform Yugo, and Student.com.

Meet the Community.

The GSL Community Forum brings together universities, operators, and sector partners committed to improving the residential living experience.

The Community Forum Programme.

GSL Community Forum GSL Community Forum GSL Community Forum GSL Community Forum
8:00
Registration Opens Optional breakout: Women in PBSA Breakfast Advance registration is required for the breakfast.
9:30
Opening Keynote & Q&A
10:45
Welcome & Introduction
11:00
Community Conflict Paradox
12:00
Lunch
12:45
Feedback Workshop: Case Studies & Shared Practice
14:45
Coffee Break
15:15
Beyond Demographics
16:30
Closing
19:00
GSL Awards Taking place at Horizon 22 and open to guests with a separate Awards ticket.

Supported By Our Partners & Sponsors.

ASK4
Tribera
Project Furniture Residential
StarRez
Kinetic
HPS
Sponsor
ASK4 provides the digital foundations that multi-tenant properties rely on. Through smart building infrastructure, networks, and integrated systems, ASK4 enables operators across BTR, student housing, and co-living portfolios to deliver consistent digital experiences at scale.
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Sponsor
Tribera is an integrated platform spanning investment, development, and operations, delivering end-to-end solutions across Europe’s living sectors. It creates design-led, future-focused spaces for modern living, combining operational expertise, smart infrastructure, and long-term value across student accommodation, co-living, serviced apartments, and hybrid residential models.
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Sponsor
At Project Furniture Residential, we provide complete turnkey furnishing solutions—from design and sourcing to project management, delivery, installation, and aftercare. Partnering with developers, institutional funds, and operators, we create stylish, functional interiors tailored to Co-Living, BTR, PBSA, PRS, and private residential projects—seamless, stress-free, and built to last.
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Sponsor
StarRez is a global leader in student housing software, providing innovative solutions for on- and off-campus housing management, resident wellness and experience, and revenue generation. Trusted by 1,100+ institutions and 2,000+ properties worldwide, StarRez supports more than 4 million beds annually with its unified platform, delivering seamless experiences for students and administrators.
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Sponsor
Kinetic is the higher education sector’s trusted technology partner, providing student accommodation, wellbeing, hospitality, and event management solutions. Working with over 80% of UK universities, we help institutions operate more efficiently, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth through innovative software, sector expertise, and strategic partnership.
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Sponsor
Good facilities management meets the needs of your building. Great facilities management meets the needs of the people in the building. HPS are a national facilities management provider, focused on the unique needs of the PBSA and university sectors, because we believe that everyone deserves a fantastic place to live, learn, work, and stay.
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For partnership or sponsorship opportunities, send us an email at

Christopher Holloway

Managing Director Europe, ASK4

Jose Antonio De Pedro Cuadrado

Partner, Fluxus Ventures

Juan Acosta

CIO & Head of Spain, Rockfield

Suraiya Comunello

CMO, Nido Living

Join the Community Forum.

Places are limited to ensure meaningful discussions and genuine collaboration. If you'd like to join us, request an invitation and our team will be in touch.
REQUEST AN INVITATION