Speakers

European and Nordic trends in student housing and higher education

Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director at The Class Foundation

The Class Foundation, Europe’s leading think tank on student living, offers a data-driven overview of the current European student housing landscape with a special focus on the Nordics. Explore how the market is evolving in response to global and local pressures: what kinds of properties are being developed, how investment and demand patterns are shifting, and what challenges operators face around affordability, construction costs, and changing student behaviors. Also, a quick insight into how the EU’s policy on affordable housing affects and interacts with the student housing sector.

These insights will connect the structural trends shaping Nordics and the overall European market and sets the stage for further discussion for the conference.

Market development  Costumer insights

Nordic Panel: Comparing student housing across the region

This panel brings together experts from across the Nordic countries to examine the similarities and differences in the student housing markets. The discussion will address rental and construction regulations, students’ financial capacity and willingness to pay, as well as common living arrangements and housing preferences.

By comparing national frameworks, the session provides an overview of how regulatory, economic, and cultural factors influence the availability and development of student housing in each country. The panel sets the stage for the conference, giving us a shared understanding that we can build on in the discussions throughout the program.

Market development  Nordic insights

How to attract and retain tomorrow’s students

Maria Emilie Ziem Rosness, Opinion

Competition for students is sharper than ever, and loyalty is no longer guaranteed. To attract and retain tenants, we need to understand what today’s young people value – and how these preferences shape satisfaction, brand strength and long-term occupancy.

Drawing on new insights from UNG2026, Norway’s largest study of 15–25-year-olds, this session explores what drives students’ housing choices, why social environment matters as much as price, and how their financial mindset affects decision-making.

We also look at why customer satisfaction and brand are closely linked, and what it takes to become the option students choose again and again. And importantly: learn why authenticity matters more than polished messages – and how being real builds loyalty that lasts.

Costumer understanding  Market development

Beyond the room: The role of housing in student wellbeing

Arunima Dey, Research Manager at The Class Foundation

Accessible, affordable and supportive housing plays an increasingly important role in enhancing mental health and overall life satisfaction among students. Drawing on insights from the European Student Living Monitor – Europe’s largest survey on students’ wellbeing and housing conditions – Arunima explores wellbeing as a growing priority within the PBSA sector. Discover the key factors that most strongly influence mental health, sense of community and student retention.

Costumer understanding  Wellbeing

Study visits in Bergen

Explore interesting student housing in the thriving student city of Bergen. On the second day of the conference, we will visit Hatleberg, Brann Stadion and Fantoft – all areas of Studentsamskipnaden på Vetslandet. Explore both new and older student housing in areas that offer students more than just a place to live.

Nordic insights   Study visits

Nordic examples of AI in student housing

How can artificial intelligence improve maintenance and enhance the living experience in student housing? This session explores Nordic examples of AI in student housing – one being Städkollen, an AI-based tool that guides students through the move-out cleaning process to help ensure approval.

Technology  Nordic insights

Biome Recipe – shaping the future of student housing

Linda Teng, Akademiska Hus
Alexander Montell, CREE Buildings
Kasper Ax, EFFEKT

How do we – Design living environments for students that are affordable and livable today — yet adaptable, circular, and resilient for tomorrow? How can we build on the value of what already exists – the buildings, places, and social fabric – while creating new spaces for living and learning that make cities more attractive to students and researchers?

EFFEKT, CREE Buildings and Akademiska Hus have joined forces to explore these questions through Biome Recipe – a practical framework for developing low-impact, adaptable, and life-centered student environments. Learn more about the framework and how it can set a new standard for future Nordic student housing.

Sustainability   Construction

Introduction to Bergen: A vibrant student city

Sonja Dyrkorn, CEO Studentsamskipnaden på Vestlandet

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and home to several higher education institutions. Students make up a visible part of the city’s culture, contributing to its vibrancy as a study destination. Sonja Dykorn, CEO of Studentsamskipnaden på Vestlandet (Sammen), introduces Bergen as a student city and presents Sammen’s role as a student housing provider. Learn how the organisation supports student life by offering housing and services and by collaborating closely with the city and universities.

Nordic insights