The Student Housing Gender Divide: How Living Preferences Differ Between Male and Female Students

When it comes to student accommodation, one size does not fit all – especially when gender is taken into account. 

As student housing providers navigate growing demand and shifting preferences, understanding how male and female students differ in their accommodation choices is becoming essential. 

From safety to lifestyle, and from shared housing to privacy, gender plays a key role in shaping the student experience.

Safety First: Why Female Students Prioritise Security

For many female students, safety is the number one factor when selecting accommodation. 

This goes beyond simply looking for well-lit streets or friendly neighbourhoods – it often means choosing housing with CCTV, secure entry systems, female-only corridors or buildings, and responsive onsite staff.

Recent surveys suggest that female students are far more likely than male students to research crime statistics in a neighbourhood and ask about safety protocols before committing to a lease. 

Many will also choose accommodations closer to campus or well-connected by public transport, reducing the need for late-night walks or long commutes.

With growing awareness around personal safety and harassment, student unions and advocacy groups have pushed accommodation providers to become more transparent about the safety features of their properties. 

From additional locks to 24/7 security patrols, the demand is influencing how student housing is designed and managed.

Living Styles: Do Male and Female Students Want Different Things?

When looking at the lifestyle preferences between genders, the differences are not always stark – but they are noticeable.

Generally speaking, male students tend to be more relaxed about the condition of their accommodation and more willing to live with larger groups. They’re more likely to opt for student houses or budget-friendly cluster flats with multiple housemates, where communal living and shared chores are the norm.

In contrast, female students often value privacy and cleanliness more highly. They are more likely to choose ensuite rooms or smaller shared flats with fewer occupants. 

For many, the cleanliness of kitchens and bathrooms can be a dealbreaker, leading to a preference for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) that includes regular cleaning services.

Moreover, studies have shown that female students are more likely to personalise their rooms, making their accommodation feel homely, while male students may take a more functional approach. 

These differences aren’t universal, but they are frequent enough to be shaping market trends.

The Rise of Female-Only Student Accommodations

In response to the increasing demand for safer, more comfortable environments, female-only student accommodations have been gaining popularity across the United Kingdom and beyond. 

These buildings cater exclusively to women and offer tailored amenities such as enhanced security, female-only communal spaces, and support services targeted at women’s wellbeing.

This trend is particularly prominent among international students, many of whom come from cultures where co-ed housing is not the norm. For these students, female-only accommodation offers not only a sense of security but also cultural familiarity and comfort.

Providers like Unite Students and CRM Students have started offering female-only options in some of their developments, citing both demand and inclusivity. These options are often fully booked well before the academic year begins, indicating the level of interest.

However, this trend has also sparked discussions around inclusivity for non-binary and transgender students, prompting providers to think carefully about how gender-based accommodation policies are worded and implemented.

Adapting to Evolving Needs: How Providers Are Responding

Accommodation providers are increasingly aware that to stay relevant, they must go beyond just providing a bed and a desk. The focus is shifting toward curated living experiences that cater to diverse needs – gender included.

Today’s student housing operators are integrating more flexible design options, such as mixed-use communal spaces that can be reserved for private or gender-specific events, as well as offering transparent safety features on their websites and marketing materials.

There is also a move toward increased dialogue with students, with many providers conducting annual feedback surveys, focus groups, and campus engagement initiatives. The insights from these activities often influence room layouts, social programming, and even the location of new developments.

Additionally, there’s growing investment in mental health and wellbeing support within student residences – an area where female students are more likely to seek out services, according to several university welfare teams.

Final Thoughts: A Gender-Informed Future for Student Housing

As the student population grows increasingly diverse, so too must the spaces they live in. 

Understanding the gender divide in student accommodation isn’t about reinforcing stereotypes – it’s about acknowledging lived experiences and creating environments where everyone can feel safe, supported, and successful.

From prioritising safety features to offering flexible living arrangements, the most forward-thinking providers are those willing to adapt. And with more students voicing their expectations around privacy, safety, and wellbeing, gender-informed design is likely to become a permanent fixture in the future of student housing.

For both providers and students, the message is clear: where and how you live during your academic years matters. And gender, whether acknowledged explicitly or not, is often a powerful influence in shaping that choice.