Building on Study NSW’s ongoing support for the Student Accommodation Association and the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), SAA executive members with operating interests in New South Wales have been exclusively invited by Study NSW to exhibit as the quality student accommodation piece as part of NSW’s study destination marketing program in Vietnam in September.

The Showcase will take place from 9 to 14 September 2024 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and includes an education roundtable, an alumni event, and an education expo in each city.

SAA is grateful to Y Suites for expressing interest in supporting this initiative and sending representatives to promote SAA member properties as part of New South Wales quality student accommodation offering.

Thank you to Study NSW for their ongoing support for SAA and the National Property Accreditation Scheme and we look forward to sharing more of these opportunities to work collaboratively with SAA members in the future.

It was with great pleasure that Geoff Denison, President of SAA, accepted an invitation to introduce the Student Accommodation Association, our strategic objectives, and the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) to the board and all members of the CLV Executive Committee.

SAA’s presentation was part of an afternoon program which included representatives of the Property Council of Australia and Cushman & Wakefield, and was not only designed to introduce SAA to the group, but also to bring different student accommodation perspectives to a conversation around higher education, students, PBSA & policy developments.

Thank you to CLV for the opportunity and we trust our contribution added value to your executive membership. We look forward to the possibility of receiving NPAS accreditation applications for properties within your Australian portfolio in the future.

Building further on Study Australia's ongoing support for the Student Accommodation Association and the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), the Student Accommodation Association was invited by International Education (Global Engagement), Austrade, to provide an update on NPAS at an information session for colleagues from the education-related federal departments, state and territory destination agents and internal Austrade staff last month.

SAA's presentation, delivered on behalf of members, provided an update on the association's progress in building the accredited property portfolio and addressed the broad student accommodation sector response to topical issues such as:

• The opportunity Australia has to embed quality student accommodation into the delivery models of education providers across the country to attract quality international students to Australia in the future
• Education provider participation through a broad support for NPAS, which can lead to:
• • Relationships
  • Partnerships
  • Fit for purpose accommodation solutions for students
  • Deployment of capital investment
  • Future supply
• A recent move to make education providers more accountable for on and off campus student experience will motivate providers to engage with student accommodation providers and develop a controlled accommodation message to promote to students in the future.

Thank you to Austrade for the opportunity and we look forward to continuing to work side by side to enhance Australia’s international education offering.

Building on Study Adelaide’s ongoing support for the Student Accommodation Association and the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), SAA executive members with operating interests in South Australia were exclusively invited to exhibit as the quality student accommodation piece at Adelaide’s study destination events in Vietnam and Cambodia at the end of March.

SAA is grateful to The University of Adelaide Village, Scape at University of Adelaide, and Y Suites Waymouth, all NPAS-accredited properties, for supporting this initiative and sending representatives to promote their properties as part of South Australia’s quality student accommodation offering.

Thank you to Study Adelaide for their ongoing support for SAA and the National Property Accreditation Scheme.

Photo credit: Study Adelaide

SAA executive members with operating interests in South Australia were exclusively invited by Study Adelaide to exhibit as the quality student accommodation piece as part of a study destination marketing program in March.

Study Adelaide hosted a Global Famil where more than 60 agents from key offshore markets visited Adelaide for a week. Included in the itinerary was an Access Adelaide Exhibition, where the education agents were able to meet one-on-one with SAA members. Local Adelaide-based agents were also in attendance.

SAA members were able to:

• Build relationships with key offshore education agents
• Strengthen relationships with local Adelaide-based agents
• Work collaboratively as Team SA, educating attendees on the valuable quality student accommodation offerings in SA for international students.

We are delighted to welcome Campus Living Villages as a new Executive Member of the Student Accommodation Association.

Campus Living Villages specialises in creating and operating vibrant on-campus communities tailored to the needs of our university partners.

With over 20 years of experience in offering unrivalled expertise in developing, building and managing on campus student accommodation and related amenity, coupled with true certainty of delivery and financial stability, the Campus Living Villages's team has a wealth of experience in Purpose Built Student Accommodation across the development, construction, operations, finance, legal, digital and marketing and ES&G disciplines.

Campus Living Villages provides home to over 25,000 students across 39 Villages and are proud to be a trusted on-campus accommodation partner to leading universities across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

We look forward to working with the team!

Thrilled to share that the Student Accommodation Association (SAA), with the invaluable support of Study NSW, recently convened in Newcastle to address pressing issues surrounding student accommodation.

The event featured insightful discussions led by key figures in the sector, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Kent Anderson, DVC - Global Engagements and Partnerships, University of Newcastle, a prominent voice for international education, delved into the short-term future, emphasising the complexities arising from unprecedented student growth, dwindling accommodation availability, a weakened Australian dollar, and media-driven public perception challenges. Navigating these waters will be essential in maintaining a healthy student accommodation landscape.

Toshi Kawaguchi, Director, Study NSW, stressed the critical role international education plays in supporting the economy and community of NSW. Jobs, talent, and global connectivity are at stake, making it imperative for the community to rally behind this vital export. Toshi shared both short and long-term solutions to tackle the accommodation challenges faced by students in NSW and Australia.

Geoff Denison, President, SAA, introduced the National Property Accreditation Scheme NPAS, emphasising the importance of a unified message and terminology to guide students in finding suitable accommodation. A common ground in the student housing landscape is pivotal for ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our international students.

The event sparked constructive dialogues, fostering a collaborative approach to address the complex issues at hand. It is evident that a united effort from all stakeholders is crucial to ensure a positive and sustainable future for student accommodation.

We would like to thank event speakers, sponsors, and attendees for their invaluable contributions. Special thank you to SAA National Committee members Rebecca Bendall and Paul Tosch for assisting in event preparation.

“We have an opportunity to be a global leader, with a national student accommodation strategy… and the national property accreditation scheme is a key step.” Alex Elibank Murray

With a full room of sector experts and passionate providers, there were plenty of takeaways at the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) industry lunch in Brisbane on December 1. 

• Australia is not alone in its concerns for students accessing suitable accommodation whilst studying, but we have an opportunity to lead with a national strategy. 
• Importance of dedicated onsite after-hours support for students in housing as a preventative for incidents and supporting a positive living experience.
• Talking to those outside the sector about the international education and student accommodation sectors to challenge myths and rumours about international students.
• ‍ You will always be judged on your internet speed!

Thanks for the excellent presentations from Alex Elibank Murray from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Michael Bell from Constant Security Services, a future thinking panel with Matt Row (UniLodge ), Kylie Cooper (Study Queensland) and Daisey Stampfer (Superloop) and Rebecca Bendall for facilitating the panel.

We would like to thank StarRez, Inc., Constant Security Services and Study NSW, without your ongoing support events like this wouldn't be possible.

We're delighted to welcome the University of Sydney as a new Executive Member of the Student Accommodation Association.

The University of Sydney Student Accommodation Portfolio is a comprehensive housing solution catering to the diverse needs of students attending the University of Sydney. With a commitment to providing a secure, comfortable, and supportive living environment, the portfolio encompasses various modern residences strategically located in proximity to the university's main campus.

"As a member of the Student Accommodation Association, I am looking forward to the industry connections, insights and best practices that will support both myself and my team, who are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to improve the student experience, the support we offer and the facilities available to our residents." said Sarah P., General Manager, Accommodation Operations.

The University of Sydney has accommodation on both the Darlington and Camperdown Campus’ as well as remote sites such as Camden, Bourke and other regional areas that support our placement students. The University of Sydney Student Accommodation Portfolio ensures accessibility and convenience for students. Each residence is designed to foster a sense of community and promote a conducive atmosphere for academic and personal growth.

We look forward to working with the University of Sydney Accommodation team!

We're delighted to welcome Trinity College, the University of Melbourne as a new Executive Member of the Student Accommodation Association!

"At the Pathways School, Trinity College – we are heavily invested in ensuring that our students receive an excellent education and an exceptional experience in Australia. The quality of accommodation for a student has an enormous impact on their wellbeing while studying. Being an active participant in conversations that inform the shape and future of student accommodation is very important to us as an industry stakeholder." said Louis Clay, Associate Dean (Student Journey), Trinity College | University of Melbourne.

We're looking forward to working with Louis and the Trinity College team!