New Book Affirms: Student Housing is a Key Factor in the Holistic Development of Students

The authors emphasize that dormitories and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) are not just infrastructure, but an essential part of the academic ecosystem, directly influencing academic success, health, social integration, and the reputation of universities.

The new book “A Holistic Model for Student-Centered On- and Off-Campus Housing – A Cross-Country Evaluation”, written by Magdalena Gaete and Anastasia Murach from the Project-Based Learning Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education at HSE University – St. Petersburg, demonstrates that student housing plays a decisive role in the life of universities and their students.

The authors emphasize that dormitories and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) are not just infrastructure but an essential part of the academic ecosystem, directly influencing academic success, health, social integration, and the reputation of universities.

The research analyzed 167 student halls in eight European countries, and, using a seven-tier model inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, developed a holistic evaluation system for student housing quality.

The authors’ main recommendation for PBSA administrators worldwide is:

Student housing should be designed and managed with a holistic perspective—balancing personal comfort, social engagement, and intellectual development.

The book is intended to become a practical tool for universities, investors, and student housing providers, helping to transform accommodation from a cost item into a strategic resource for institutional growth and sustainability.

#StudentHousing #PBSA #HigherEducation #Sustainability #StudentExperience #UniversityReputation #CampusLife