Student mental health and how it correlates with your property

As a landlord or operator for student housing, you have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of your student tenants. With the rising demand for student accommodation and increasing awareness around mental health and well-being, the role you play is more important than ever.

The 2025 Student Living Monitor offers valuable insights into how living conditions directly affect students’ mental health and quality of life. Drawing on findings from the 2024 survey, which gathered input from 11,000 students across Europe, here are key takeaways and actionable tips for creating a better experience for your student tenants:

1. Help Students Secure Their First-Choice Housing

The data shows that students who secure their preferred accommodation report significantly better mental health, with an average Mental Health Index (MHI-5) score of 59.6 compared to 54.1 for those who didn’t. As a landlord, you can:

• Provide clear and transparent communication about housing options and availability.
• Simplify the application process to reduce stress for students.
• Offer a waitlist system for popular accommodations to give students a sense of hope and priority.

2. Combat Loneliness with Communal Spaces and Events

Loneliness affects 40% of students, leading to lower mental health scores (49.6 on the MHI-5) compared to the benchmark of 60. Students with access to well-designed communal spaces and organized events scored above 60, highlighting the importance of community-building efforts.

• Design or upgrade communal areas to be inviting and functional for study sessions, socialising, and relaxation.
• Host regular events like movie nights, game tournaments, or shared meals to encourage connections.
• Provide outdoor spaces where students can unwind and connect with nature.

3. Address Financial Stress

Financial difficulties are a significant mental health burden for students, with those struggling financially scoring an average of 47.4 on the MHI-5. You can help alleviate financial stress by:

• Offering flexible rent payment plans or installment options.
• Including utilities, Wi-Fi, or other essential services in the rent to simplify budgeting for students.
• Providing guidance or resources about local scholarships, part-time job opportunities, or financial aid programs.

4. Learn from Success Stories: Spain Sets a Benchmark

The data revealed that students in Spain scored an average of 61 on the MHI-5, well above the European average of 57.8. A combination of strong community ties, outdoor spaces, and student-focused housing models likely contributed to this success.

• Take inspiration from countries or operators achieving high well-being scores by implementing similar approaches in your housing.

5. Get Involved in the 2025 Student Living Monitor

By participating in the 2025 Student Living Monitor, you contribute to a growing understanding of how housing impacts student well-being. Greater participation means richer data, enabling you to implement solutions tailored to your tenants’ needs.

Student landlords and operators are uniquely positioned to shape the student living experience. By addressing mental health, loneliness, and financial stress, and by fostering community and connection, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of your tenants.

Ready to take the next step? Together, we can create a brighter future for students across the continent. To know more reach out to us, Hococo, and we will help you get started!

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