A full guide to physical support in UK student accommodation

For students with physical disabilities or health conditions, physical support in student accommodation is not just a matter of comfort but a necessity. The ability to move around your living space with ease and access essential facilities without barriers can directly impact your daily life, mental health, and ability to focus on your studies.

Without a supportive structure, students may face challenges in maintaining independence and may find their social life lacking. Your new student accommodation will be your home for the academic year. It’s important to feel safe and supported throughout, whether this is physically or mentally.

Ensure you are communicating with your student accommodation providers as soon as possible so that they are aware of the support you require and will have ample time to make any necessary adaptations.

For more information, contact the Mansion Student team to learn about our accessibility at private student accommodation properties.

Student accommodations will provide physical support through amenities like accessible ramps, ergonomic study spaces, and on-site gyms – though these vary depending on the provider and type. Finding the right student accommodation can be challenging, so it’s important to prioritise factors that are the most relevant and necessary to your specifications. The main student accommodation types in the UK are:  

·        University accommodation: provide essential physical support, particularly for first year and disabled students, including accessible entrances and ground floor rooms. Disability support teams are available at halls of residence to assist students with specific needs, ensuring their wellbeing.

·       Student housing: offers tenants more independence and variety, including off-campus living. Though this type is often cheaper, they tend to have older properties, which may not have been designed with accessibility in mind. They are also run by a private landlord who may not be as on-hand with physical support.  

·        Private student halls: have become increasingly popular in recent years. These purpose-built accommodation blocks often offer a modern living experience with high-quality amenities. These properties often have lifts, ramps, and accessible communal areas. However, the level of support can vary between different providers.

Read our guide comparing different student accommodation property types here.

When comparing the different types of student accommodation, the level and ease of physical support can vary significantly.

Typically, university halls often are reliable in terms of accessibility, as UK universities are required by law to meet the needs of disabled students under the Equality Act 2010. Privately rented accommodation, such as flats or houses rented from individual landlords, tends to offer the least consistent level of physical support. Many older properties in the private rental sector lack basic accessibility features, and can be further from general amenities, such as a GP, and university campuses.

Some private student halls go above and beyond basic requirements by offering purpose-built, fully accessible rooms with additional features such as adapted modern communal areas.

If you are looking to move to private student halls, consider looking at providers with a good reputation and past testimonials. Here, you will be able to judge whether they will be accessible and if they provide a supportive network.

Arrange a viewing at one our student accommodation locations here.

If you require physical, or even mental, support throughout the tenancy length, it is essential to carefully consider certain factors to ensure that the living environment meets your needs. Consider the following factors when choosing a student accommodation provider:

1)        Good reputation: A provider’s reputation can be a strong indicator of the quality of the accommodation and the level of support offered. Seek reviews and testimonials from current or former tenants to gain insight into their experiences, especially from students with similar physical needs.

2)       Available support: The level of support offered by the accommodation provider can greatly influence your comfort and safety. View the property and ask questions to determine how on-hand the available support is. This may include mental health first aiders, accessible rooms and ramps. Ensure that any specific requirements you have, such as access to personal care or mobility aids, can be accommodated.

3)        Variety in rooms: A diverse range of room types can give you more flexibility in choosing a space that suits your specific needs. Look for accommodation providers that offer different layouts, such as wider doorways and ensuites.

4)        Modern communal areas: Communal areas are a big part of student life, and it’s important that these spaces are designed with accessibility in mind. Modern student accommodation providers often include stylish, up-to-date communal spaces like lounges, kitchens, and study areas.

Mansion Student have been providing safe and reputable student accommodations since 2007. With locations all across the UK, our modern, purpose-built properties range in room size, facilities and communal spaces, such as gyms, cinema rooms and outdoor areas.

Check out our Nottingham student accommodation here.

No matter the location, we have dedicated on-site hospitality teams at each of our properties, all of which are trained in mental health first aid. We want to support our tenants in any way possible, so please contact us when booking to let us know if you require any physical support.

Visit our student accommodation location page, or contact the Mansion Student team for more information.

What should students do if they encounter problems with their student accommodation’s physical support?

In case of issues with physical support in their accommodation, students should promptly report concerns to accommodation management or student services. They can also seek guidance from university disability support teams for assistance and advocacy.

To combat future issues, ensure you view the property before booking. This is beneficial as you can inspect the room and communal spaces and ask the on-site staff questions. They will be able to answer any questions regarding physical support and how they can help you should you decide to move in.

Arrange a viewing at one of our Mansion Student locations here.

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