GSL’s latest research, conducted in collaboration with CUBO, explores the different needs and experiences of a range of potentially vulnerable student groups including disabled, neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ and ethnic minorities.

In this session we highlight some of the key findings from the report and present a number of case studies from high-performing universities and private operators, followed by a panel session with Q&A.

Presenter:
Tim Daplyn, CEO, GSL

Panellists:
Jo Hardman, Director of Commercial Services, Lancaster University

Professor Geoff Layer, Chair, Disabled Students’ Commission

Samantha Hollex, Director of Operations, Host

The evidence is clear. The first hours, days and weeks in student accommodation are critical to longer-term outcomes across satisfaction levels, mental health and continuation of study.

In this session we draw out the lessons of successful and unsuccessful initiatives. What actually works, and how can we adapt ideas from elsewhere into our Welcome strategy?

Presentation followed by 3 case studies and a Q&A.

Panellists:
Jon Belfield, Customer Experience Manager, Edge Hill

Sarah Knight-Gill, Head of Customer Service, Edge Hill

Niya Gelina, Residence Life Coordinator, Queen Margaret

Kasper Wigen, Global Marketing Director, Yugo

Autistic individuals are socially and academically disadvantaged by environments, including typical campus design and service delivery. Research, conducted by DCU, identified the key barriers faced by their autistic students. These included transitioning to university, the sensory environment on campus and stigma. The research also identified eight principles that underpin the service designs and actions required to address the barriers. In 2019 AsIam declared Dublin City University (DCU) the world’s first accredited autism-friendly university.

Learn why autism friendly universities are essential and how an autism-friendly approach can benefit the general student population.

Includes case study and expert Q&A.

Presenter:
Fiona Earley, Autism Friendly University Coordinator, Dublin City University

In this session we hear from Hannah Colbran (Customer Success Manager) and James King (Senior Data Analyst) on how to maximise the value of the full Index platform, including the GSL Index app, video capture, AI transcription, sentiment analysis and other new features.

We’ll cover:

• Planning & pre-launch
• Maximising responses
• Importance of data quality
• Real-time performance monitoring
• Analysing results
• Creating action plans

and more!

The latest research from the GSL Index highlights the diverse expectations, attitudes and experiences of the UK’s largest international student cohorts from China, India and Nigeria.

In this session we explore the key differences and hear from cultural experts with practical tips on adapting services and communication to meet their needs.

While the topics of net-zero and affordability have become mainstream in student accommodation, these issues are too often approached in isolation, and without proper consideration of the requirements of modern building regulations and planning regimes leading to ‘fantasy’ whitepapers and impractical concept designs.

In this session we hear from an expert about the practical barriers that currently exist to greener and cheaper student housing, and the steps the industry can take to remove these barriers.

Followed by a panel discussion with Q&A.

Panellists:
Olivia McCafferty, Research Director, Red Brick Research

Ben Ramsey, Operations Area Manager and co-founder of Nido’s Environment Committee, Nido

Ashleigh Dunlop, National Reslife Manager, Student Castle

The GSL Index has accumulated evidence linking good accommodation to positive student outcomes for more than a decade. In recent years attention has turned to wellbeing outcomes.

In this session we review the evidence linking different aspects of the accommodation experience – from room design to relationships – to wellbeing outcomes, followed by a panel discussion.

Panellists:
Clayre Massey, Associate Partner, Sheppard Robson

Frances Abbott, Wellbeing Manager, Empiric Student Property

Juan Luis Díaz, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, Livensa Living

Creating student accommodation with a sense of community feels like a holy grail for universities and private operators. But could community be a double-edged sword? Evidence shows that some of the accommodation with the strongest sense of community also has the least diversity. International students, LGBTQIA+ and other specific cohorts appear to feel safer and happier living with similar people so shouldn’t we use room allocations to create safe environments? Or are we in danger of creating ghettos that fail to meet students’ broader needs, or prepare them adequately for life beyond university?

Moderator:
Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director, Unite Students

Panellists:
Vanya Campbell, Engagement Manager, University of Essex

Paul Mercer, Director, Kaplan Living

Jo Blair, Head of Specification, Unite Students

This final session of the Investor Summit is open to all conference attendees.

Moderated and chaired by leading female figures in the PBSA sector, this session marks the launch of a new GSL initiative that aims to produce best practice guidance and active mentoring opportunities to accelerate the career development of women working in every facet of PBSA from reception desk to boardroom.