When Heatwaves Hit: How climate change is reshaping Student Accommodation in the UK

There was a time when British summers meant the occasional warm weekend and a chance to complain about the lack of air conditioning for a day or two. Now? It feels like every year brings new heat records, sleepless nights, and the uneasy realisation that climate change isn’t just a future problem — it’s already affecting student life.

Across the UK, student accommodation is under pressure to adapt. The buildings that once battled damp and draughts are now struggling with overheating, extreme weather, and energy stress.

And for students, that means a very real change in how — and where — they live and study.

Rising temperatures, rising challenges

Heatwaves across Europe have become more intense and frequent, and the UK is no exception. According to the Met Office, summers are getting hotter and longer, and average annual temperatures continue to rise.

But the problem isn’t just about warmer days — it’s about how our buildings cope with the heat.

Many student accommodations were designed to retain warmth, not lose it. Thick walls, limited ventilation, and small windows that were once a blessing in winter can quickly turn rooms into mini-ovens during a heatwave.

Students report struggling to sleep, concentrate, or even stay in their rooms during the hottest days of summer.

And this isn’t just about comfort — overheating affects health and performance. Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures can cause dehydration, fatigue, and poor concentration, making it harder to study and prepare for exams.

Why student accommodation is especially vulnerable — and how new developments are changing that

Student residence halls have unique features that make them particularly sensitive to rising temperatures — especially older or refurbished properties built before climate resilience became a priority.

• Compact rooms: Smaller spaces heat up quickly and cool down slowly, especially when windows can’t be left open for safety reasons.
• High occupancy: Hundreds of students living in close quarters means more body heat, more electronics, and more strain on ventilation systems.
• Flat-rate energy bills: Since most student rents include utilities, there’s no direct incentive to limit energy use — so fans and portable coolers often run constantly during heatwaves.
• Ageing infrastructure: Many older buildings still rely on single glazing, outdated ventilation, and limited insulation — all of which trap heat.
• Urban heat islands: City-centre locations absorb and retain heat, keeping indoor temperatures high even overnight.

These factors combine to create a growing challenge: keeping older accommodation liveable as the UK climate warms.

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But there’s another side to the story

New investment in the PBSA sector is already reshaping how student housing is designed and built. Modern developments are created with sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience in mind from the very beginning.

Today’s new builds often feature:

• Better insulation and materials that prevent overheating as well as heat loss.
• Smart ventilation systems and temperature sensors that adjust airflow automatically.
• Energy-efficient glazing and shading to block sunlight while maintaining natural light.
• Green roofs and outdoor spaces help reduce urban heat island effects.
• Renewable energy integration, such as solar panels or heat pumps, to manage cooling sustainably.

This new generation of PBSA shows a clear shift in priorities — from simply providing student housing to creating climate-ready living environments that protect comfort and wellbeing, even during extreme weather.

The energy equation: cooling costs and sustainability

Extreme heat doesn’t just raise the temperature — it also raises energy demand. More fans, more air conditioning, and longer operating hours for cooling systems lead to higher costs and greater energy consumption.

That’s a big deal for student accommodation, where energy use is already a major expense. Operators must balance student comfort with sustainability goals, and the two don’t always align easily.

During heatwaves, buildings designed for cold weather can trap heat, forcing cooling systems to work overtime. This means higher carbon emissions and greater strain on the national grid — the exact opposite of what the UK’s sustainability targets are aiming for.

It’s a classic climate dilemma: the hotter it gets, the more energy we use to stay cool, which in turn contributes to further climate change.

Retrofitting for resilience

To meet this challenge, the student housing sector is rethinking its approach to design and operation. Across the UK, there’s growing awareness that future-proofing accommodation means more than just improving Wi-Fi speeds or adding study rooms — it’s about ensuring buildings remain safe and comfortable in a changing climate.

Better building design

New developments are starting to include passive cooling measures: thicker insulation that keeps heat out, reflective materials on roofs, wider windows for airflow, and even green roofs or walls that absorb sunlight and lower surface temperatures. Architects are also paying attention to building orientation — designing layouts that maximise shade and natural ventilation.

Smarter technology

Some modern student accommodations use smart thermostats and sensors that track temperature and energy usage. These systems can automatically adjust settings or alert maintenance teams when rooms become too hot, helping manage energy more efficiently.

As technology improves, smart monitoring could play a huge role in maintaining comfort without wasting energy.

Sustainable materials and energy sources

The push toward net-zero emissions is changing construction materials, heating systems, and energy supplies. Solar panels, efficient ventilation, and low-carbon heating systems are becoming standard in new buildings. These changes don’t just cut emissions — they also make accommodation more resilient during both heatwaves and cold snaps.

Retrofitting existing halls

Many older halls and private residences are undergoing retrofitting projects: upgrading insulation, replacing windows, adding shading devices, or installing modern ventilation. These improvements are costly but essential to protect both the buildings and their residents from the growing risks of extreme weather.

The human side: wellbeing and comfort

While much of the discussion focuses on technology and design, it’s important to remember the human element. Extreme heat directly affects how students feel, learn, and connect. When rooms are too hot to sleep in and study spaces are uncomfortable, wellbeing takes a hit.

Universities and accommodation managers are beginning to recognise this. Some have started to:

• Provide cool communal areas during heatwaves
• Offer guidance on hydration and safety in extreme heat
• Adjust maintenance schedules or cleaning services during hot periods
• Include mental health support as part of wellbeing programmes

The goal is to ensure that students are not only physically safe but also emotionally supported in a climate that’s becoming more unpredictable.

What students can do

While large-scale change takes time, students themselves can play a part in making their accommodation more sustainable and comfortable. Here’s how:

• Use blinds or curtains during the day to block direct sunlight
• Switch off electronics when not in use — they give off heat even when idle
• Report overheating issues to your accommodation team early
• Stay hydrated and plan study time during cooler parts of the day
• Get involved in sustainability projects on campus or in your hall

Small actions add up — and many accommodation providers actively reward energy-saving behaviour through competitions or recognition schemes.

Looking ahead: the future of student living

The climate challenges facing student accommodation are not going away. The UK government has already warned that buildings must be adapted to withstand higher average temperatures, more intense rainfall, and potential flooding.

This means that the next generation of student housing will likely look — and feel — very different. Expect to see:

• More green spaces and shaded courtyards around buildings
• Improved ventilation and airflow systems in rooms
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Digital monitoring of temperature and air quality
• Sustainability labels helping students choose eco-friendly accommodation

In short, the future of student living is not just about affordability or convenience — it’s about resilience and sustainability. As climate change continues to reshape how we live, the student housing sector is becoming a testing ground for innovation, adaptation, and new ways of thinking about comfort.

A shared responsibility

The impacts of climate change are global, but the solutions start locally — in the spaces where we live, learn, and connect.

For students, that means being aware of how their accommodation uses energy, speaking up when conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable, and supporting greener choices whenever possible.

For universities and housing providers, it means reimagining buildings not just as places to stay, but as climate-ready environments that protect health, promote wellbeing, and reduce emissions.

The next few years will determine how well the UK’s student housing sector adapts to the realities of a warming planet. But one thing is clear: staying cool is no longer just a figure of speech — it’s a matter of sustainability.

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