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.

For both UK and international students, understanding how climate change affects student accommodation in the UK is becoming an essential part of choosing where to 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 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.
• High occupancy: More people, electronics, and strain on ventilation systems.
• Flat-rate energy bills: No direct incentive to limit energy use.
• Ageing infrastructure: Single glazing and outdated ventilation trap heat.
• Urban heat islands: City centres retain heat 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 reshaping how student housing is designed and built. Modern developments are created with sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience in mind.

• Better insulation to prevent overheating and heat loss.
• Smart ventilation systems with temperature sensors.
• Energy-efficient glazing and shading.
• Green roofs and outdoor spaces.
• Renewable energy integration such as solar panels or heat pumps.

This new generation of PBSA reflects a shift toward climate-ready living environments that protect comfort and wellbeing.

The energy equation: cooling costs and sustainability

Extreme heat raises energy demand. Fans, air conditioning, and cooling systems increase costs and carbon emissions.

Student accommodation providers must balance comfort with sustainability goals, which is increasingly challenging during heatwaves.

Retrofitting for resilience

Future-proofing accommodation now means ensuring buildings remain safe and comfortable in a changing climate.

Better building design

Passive cooling measures such as insulation, reflective materials, airflow design, and green roofs are becoming more common.

Smarter technology

Smart thermostats and sensors help manage temperature and energy use more efficiently.

Sustainable materials and energy sources

Solar panels, efficient ventilation, and low-carbon heating systems improve resilience to both heatwaves and cold snaps.

Retrofitting existing halls

Older accommodation is being upgraded through insulation, window replacement, shading, and ventilation improvements.

The human side: wellbeing and comfort

Extreme heat affects how students feel, learn, and connect. Poor sleep and uncomfortable study spaces harm wellbeing.

• Cool communal areas during heatwaves
• Hydration and safety guidance
• Adjusted maintenance schedules
• Mental health support

What students can do

• Use blinds or curtains during the day
• Switch off unused electronics
• Report overheating early
• Stay hydrated
• Join sustainability initiatives

Looking ahead: the future of student living

Future student housing will prioritise resilience, sustainability, and climate adaptation.

• Shaded green spaces
• Improved ventilation
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Digital monitoring of air quality
• Sustainability labels

A shared responsibility

Students, universities, and providers all play a role in creating climate-ready accommodation.

Frequently asked questions about climate change and student accommodation

Is student accommodation in the UK prepared for heatwaves?

Newer accommodation is designed to cope better with higher temperatures, while older buildings may still struggle.

Does climate change affect student wellbeing?

Yes. Overheating can impact sleep, concentration, hydration, and mental health.

What should students look for when choosing accommodation?

Ventilation, insulation, shaded areas, and modern PBSA design features.

Are newer PBSA buildings more sustainable?

Generally yes, with smart energy systems and renewable energy integration.

Can students reduce overheating in their rooms?

Yes, through simple actions like using blinds, turning off electronics, and reporting issues early.

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