University of Bristol Lead Applicant: Professor Misa Izuhara in the School for Policy Studies
International Collaborators: Professor Silvia Mugnano, University of Milan Bicocca, Italy
Addressing the student housing crisis has become not only a pressing issue for universities, but also significant local and global importance. Studentification (a form of gentrification of neighbourhoods where students take over local residents) has created new geographies of exclusion in many cities. An expansion of purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) accelerates the financialisation of housing as student housing is increasingly commodified with high profit values, while impacting on the future of city landscape. Challenges also include meeting the varying expectations and satisfaction of different student groups as consumers. With the expansion of the higher education sector, student housing shortages and high rents add significant financial stress on students and their parents. Such dynamics exacerbate existing social inequalities, as students from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to afford better-quality housing in good locations, impacting on their experiences, academic outcomes and social mobility.
It is in this context this project will advance our research collaboration between University of Bristol and University of Milan Bicocca. Through two-way visits and knowledge exchange activities, we plan to develop the topic comparatively into a research bid under related themes such as the ‘strategic role of universities as a stakeholder in urban development’ and ‘student finance on housing and social mobility’. As the student housing crisis has become politicised in Milan and Bristol, it is salient to address the tension between different stakeholders including students, universities, local government and communities, and corporate and private landlords. The theme of the proposed project speaks directly to the University’s Research Challenge Areas – Social Justice. Examining housing inequalities in access and outcomes in terms of student experiences and social mobility has significant implications for social justice. The proposed research will interrogate the factors structuring the inequalities and policy implications that will help alleviate inequalities and promote more inclusive society.
