Constructing exclusive student communities: The rise of “superior” student accommodation and new geographies of exclusion

Abstract

This paper examines the development of exclusive student communities internationally. These exclusive high-end residential developments have emerged over the last few years in response to a number of critical developments and drivers in the higher education sector globally, including, but not limited to, increasing commercialisation of the higher education sector, the privatisation of student accommodation and the increasing globalisation and internationalisation of the sector. This has led to the emergence of a new type of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), managed by private or commercial companies that create and maintain exclusive student communities that are redefining student accommodation, as well as the student lifestyle and experience. As a result, new types of students are emerging as very significant actors in the city, especially those seeking and consuming the lifestyles and experiences offered. Based on an analysis of the websites and marketing strategies for 10 case studies and one large global property management company, we offer a discussion about exclusive student communities, with many questions raised here, pointing to new and pressing research trajectories that need to be explored, especially those related to the potential for segregation and intense inequalities within both the city and the wider student body. We argue that this new type of exclusive PBSA, and the associated constructions of a "superior" lifestyle, are generating new frontiers in the geographies of exclusion, not just between students and the wider city but within the student population, and policy responses are required.

The coliving market as an emergent financialized niche real estate sector: a view from Brussels

“…As this paper addresses coliving in terms of the creation of a product, I focused on the actions and interests of operators and investors. This supply-side approach is commonly used in research about new residential products (for instance: Kenna & Murphy, 2021;Bergan et al, 2021;Trouillard, 2014).…”

“…Some scholars have already pointed out this blurring between student residences and accommodation for young professionals (Revington, 2022;Smith 2009). Student residences have been widely studied in various contexts (Hubbard, 2009;Kenna & Murphy, 2021;Revington & August, 2020;Reynolds, 2020;Sage et al, 2013;Smith, 2009). PBSA offers small private areas (rooms or studios) and shared spaces, including facilities such as gyms, libraries, bars or pools.…”

“…Rental is all-inclusive and accompanied by concierge and security services. Literature about recent PBSA developments shows its contribution to the creation and maintenance of exclusive student communities, redefining student accommodation, as well as student lifestyle and experience (Kenna & Murphy, 2021).…”

Urban Housing for Migrant Students in India: Field-based Evidence from the National Capital Region

“…Developed countries could provide better housing amenities to students either in a hostel or private rental housing in the USA (Mtani & Nuhu, 2019). There is also a popular form of alternative housing, best known as ‘purpose-built student accommodation’, managed and regulated by private players mostly available in the Western world (Kenna & Murphy, 2021; Reynolds, 2020; Sage et al, 2013). In the absence of hostel infrastructure, accommodation outside of the campus is very costly, and it affect students on the academic and economic fronts.…”

All grown up? Market maturity and investment in London's purpose-built student accommodation sector

“…The substantial growth in PBSA development and investment globally has been driven by the confluence of myriad market and non-market influences; however, it is essential to recognise that these differ and vary in magnitude between countries (Kenna and Murphy, 2021) and cities, reflecting variegated levels of market maturity. Within the UK the triptych of studentification, internationalisation and commercialisation of higher education has been central to forming the contemporary PBSA investment landscape.…”