Representing the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) at AIEC 2026 last week, Rebecca Bendall, National Committee Member, joined Iori Forsyth from Study NSW and Adam Kilburn from NEAS for the campfire conversation “More Than a Bed: What Does Quality Student Accommodation Look Like?”

The session was well attended, with notably strong representation from the schools sector. The interactive campfire format encouraged open discussion and the sharing of experiences and perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders.

A key theme was that quality student accommodation goes well beyond the physical environment. The student experience, sense of belonging, community and relationships formed through student accommodation are equally important, whether in homestay, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), residential colleges or university-managed student accommodation.

The discussion around the development of the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) was particularly well received, highlighting the importance of providing students, parents and agents with greater confidence and transparency when identifying quality student accommodation options.

While there was considerable discussion about negative student experiences and the risks associated with poor-quality student accommodation, participants also acknowledged that the sector doesn’t celebrate or share enough of the many positive experiences students have.

Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, hear different perspectives and reinforce the important role student accommodation plays in the overall student experience.