Downing Students has been shortlisted in two prestigious categories at the Best in Class Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in student accommodation across Europe.
The recognition spans Best PBSA Leader and Best Student Housing Operator, highlighting Downing’s unwavering commitment to creating communities where students don’t just live, but truly thrive.
Leading with Purpose
Founded in 2011, The Class Foundation established the Best in Class Awards to address the growing student housing crisis.
What began as a regional initiative in the Netherlands has evolved into a platform championing innovative solutions across the sector, built on four key pillars: Availability, Accessibility, Experience and Collaboration.
These pillars reflect the very principles that underpin everything Downing Students does. With over 35 years’ experience and 6,000+ beds across 10 UK university cities, we’ve consistently focused on expanding quality housing stock, ensuring accessibility for diverse student communities, enhancing resident experiences, and building meaningful partnerships with leading universities.
Recognition that Reflects Our Values
Being shortlisted in both categories is testament to the exceptional work of our teams and the genuine partnerships we’ve built with residents, universities and communities across the UK.
Our Best PBSA Leader nomination recognises strategic vision and innovation in addressing the student housing challenge, whilst the Best Student Housing Operator category celebrates operators who have gone the extra mile in delivering outstanding quality of living.
At the heart of both nominations is our belief that student accommodation should be about creating a “home away from home” where students feel safe, supported and inspired from day one.
Students First
This recognition reflects the approach that defines Downing Students: wellbeing as foundation, not add-on. Every initiative, from our pre-arrival surveys six weeks before check-in to our 24/7 on-site wellbeing teams, is designed around the needs of our residents.
Our three-pillar strategy combining wellbeing, community and resilience ensures students have access to round-the-clock mental health support, vibrant events programmes and spaces that foster genuine connection. With every team member trained as a Mental Health First Aider, support is never far away.
Student voice drives everything we do. Through feedback forums, Community Ambassador schemes and regular resident engagement, we’ve co-created initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, Level-Up Workshops and our Elevate Series at Square Gardens in Manchester, which recently launched with record-breaking mountaineer Bonita Norris.
Trusted by Students and Universities Alike
The impact of our approach is clear. In May 2025, Downing Students achieved an NPS score of 60, earning Gold Standard Investor in Students Accreditation, the highest possible rating.
Independent recognition followed, with awards including Best Private Student Accommodation Provider in Leeds and Best Purpose-Built Provider at the Unipol Rate Your Landlord Awards.
Our long-standing partnerships with leading institutions including King’s College London, Newcastle, Leeds, Warwick and Liverpool John Moores University demonstrate the trust placed in Downing’s expertise. The University of Manchester’s recent five-year lease for 585 beds at Square Gardens further highlights the confidence universities have in our development model.
Perhaps most tellingly, around 40% of our residents choose to rebook with Downing year after year, a remarkable rate given many are graduating or bound by university lease agreements.
Public Voting Now Open
The Best in Class Awards winners will be determined by public vote, giving students, parents, universities and industry peers the opportunity to recognise excellence in student accommodation.
Voting is now open and closes soon. We’d be honoured to have your support:
Vote for Best PBSA Leader: https://etc.ch/h3ZX
Vote for Best Student Housing Operator: https://etc.ch/CExh
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted alongside sector-leading organisations is an honour that reflects the dedication of every team member who works tirelessly to support our residents.
As we continue to evolve our offering, guided by student feedback and driven by our commitment to excellence, we remain focused on what matters most: creating communities where every student feels seen, heard and supported.
To all our residents, university partners and teams who make Downing Students what it is today, thank you. This recognition belongs to you
