The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published last month. The Strategy, which is available on the government’s website, sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
The Strategy aligns with wider transport demand management objectives and complements national mobility strategies by recognising the link between accommodation and commuting patterns. HEIs are encouraged to use data-driven insights to assess student mobility and support efficient commuting, while participating in sustainable transport initiatives and promoting active and public transport options.
As part of the Strategy a pilot project will strengthen collaboration between HEIs, transport authorities and local bodies to improve commuting options and monitor outcomes. Commutes exceeding three hours in total are considered excessive and are reflected in demand planning for student accommodation.
The Pilot programme will be developed to establish a framework for increased collaboration between HEIs, the national transport authority (NTA), local authorities, and transport operators to improve sustainable commuting options for students.
