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Student Mental Health Matters: How the Right Student Accommodation Can Support Your Wellbeing
University is one of the most exciting periods of your life — but it can also be one of the most challenging. Moving away from home, adjusting to a new city, managing academic pressure, finances, friendships, and independence can all have a major impact on student mental health and wellbeing.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week in May highlighted just how important supportive environments are for students. A recent report from Global Student Living revealed that students increasingly want more from their accommodation providers than simply a room to stay in. Students are looking for connection, community, safety, and spaces that genuinely support their wellbeing.
At Nurtur Student Living, we believe student accommodation should help students thrive — academically, socially, and personally.
Why student mental health is more important than ever at university
For many students, university is their first experience of living independently. While this brings freedom and opportunity, it can also create feelings of loneliness, anxiety, homesickness, and stress.
Research across the student accommodation sector continues to show that living environments play an important role in supporting positive mental health. Accommodation providers are increasingly being recognised not just as housing operators, but as important contributors to student wellbeing and community building.
That’s why creating safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces matters so much.
How student accommodation can positively impact mental health
Where you live can shape your entire university experience.
Feeling comfortable in your surroundings, having access to communal spaces, and knowing there are approachable people around you can make a huge difference during stressful periods like exams, assignment deadlines, or simply adjusting to student life.
At Nurtur Student Living, our accommodation is designed to support wellbeing from day one. Across both Nurtur House in Sheffield and Canterbury Hall in Preston, students benefit from spaces that encourage balance, connection, and relaxation.
From study spaces and gyms to cinema rooms, communal lounges, and rooftop terraces, we aim to create environments where students can focus when they need to — and unwind when they need to as well.
The Snug at Nurtur House, Sheffield
Why community and connection matter in student living
One of the strongest insights from the Global Student Living report was the importance students place on feeling connected.
Student accommodation should never feel isolating.
That’s why community sits at the heart of the Nurtur experience. Throughout the year, residents can take part in social events, wellbeing activities, games nights, movie evenings, and community experiences designed to help students meet new people and feel part of something bigger.
For students arriving in a completely new city, those everyday interactions can make a real difference. Sometimes wellbeing support is simply about knowing someone will say hello, having people around you, or feeling comfortable enough to join in.
Creating a genuine “home away from home” atmosphere is something our teams work hard to achieve every day.
How Nurtur Student Living supports student wellbeing
At Nurtur, supporting students goes beyond providing accommodation.
Our teams understand that student wellbeing is closely connected to feeling safe, supported, and listened to. Friendly on-site staff, secure buildings, communal spaces, and responsive support all contribute to creating a positive living environment.
Nurtur Student Living is accredited by the ANUK/Unipol National Code, giving students and parents reassurance that our accommodation is professionally managed and held to nationally recognised standards.
We’ve also received recognition within the PBSA sector for our commitment to student experience, customer service, and wellbeing initiatives. Winning awards for Best Customer Service by GSLI two years in a row. These recognitions reflect what matters most to us: creating places where students genuinely enjoy living.
We are also partners with Student Minds, the UK National Charity for Student Mental Health. Students can access mental health support instantly from our team, who are Mental Health First Aid trained. We work closely with universities to provide support to students during their time with us.
We are also a registered Safe Space Alliance property, providing a safe and welcome space for the LGBTQI+ community.
Safe and secure student accommodation for peace of mind
Feeling secure in your accommodation is essential for positive mental wellbeing.
Features such as secure entry systems, on-site support teams, maintenance assistance, and comfortable communal areas all help students feel more settled and confident in their surroundings.
For many students — especially international students or those moving away from home for the first time — knowing there is support available nearby can make the transition to university life much easier.
At Nurtur Student Living, we understand that peace of mind allows students to focus on what matters most: enjoying university life and achieving their goals.
What students say about living at Nurtur Student Living
The strongest reflection of student wellbeing often comes directly from students themselves. We’re pleased to be rated highly in reviews on Student Crowd for both Nurtur House and Canterbury Hall, residents regularly highlight the welcoming atmosphere, supportive staff, and strong sense of community that help make university life feel less overwhelming.
Students at Nurtur House frequently mention how safe, calm, and friendly the environment feels — especially important for those moving away from home for the first time.
“The staff are incredibly friendly and always willing to help. The atmosphere here feels very safe and welcoming, which made settling into university much easier.”
Another resident praised the sense of community created through social spaces and events:
“There’s a real community feel here. The events helped me meet people quickly and made me feel much less anxious about moving to a new city.”
Students also regularly highlight the balance between social opportunities and having peaceful spaces to focus and relax:
“It’s a calm and comfortable place to live. I’ve always felt supported, and the building has a really positive environment.”
At Canterbury Hall in Preston, reviews similarly focus on approachable staff, wellbeing support, and the friendly atmosphere throughout the building.
One resident shared:
“The team genuinely care about students and always check in to make sure everything is okay. It feels much more personal than just standard accommodation.”
Another student highlighted the reassurance of feeling secure and supported:
“Really friendly environment with helpful staff and great security. I felt safe living here throughout my time at university.”
Community experiences also stand out as an important part of student life:
“The events and communal areas helped everyone get to know each other. It made the whole experience much more enjoyable.”
These experiences reflect an important shift happening across the student accommodation sector: students increasingly value environments that support not only academic success, but also emotional wellbeing, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Choosing student accommodation that helps you thrive at university
Choosing where to live is about much more than location or amenities — it’s about finding somewhere you can feel comfortable, supported, and connected.
As students begin preparing for the 2026/27 academic year, wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important factor when choosing accommodation. And rightly so.
At Nurtur Student Living, we believe student accommodation should support every part of university life — helping students not just settle in, but truly thrive.