Closer partnership working between universities, funders, operators and developers ought to make significant inroads to improving the student experience across the UK Section 5: Conclusion Inaction on poor-quality accommodation is not a viable strategy, even if it has become the default for many universities unable to make a successful internal case for investment. Poor housing affects student wellbeing, retention and reputation — though top-ranked universities are more insulated from the consequences. For those who do act, self-funding is now rarely feasible. As a result, JVs, DBFOs, and other private partnerships are increasingly the norm, bringing not just funding but expertise in development, operations, and lifecycle planning that universities typically lack. Reception at Unite Students’ Greetham Street, Portsmouth Page 42 | SFG | Meeting demand for modernised university-owned accommodation