ASRA News
Putting Students at the Heart of Conference 2026
One of the most powerful and engaging sessions at ASRA Conference 2026 was our dedicated Student Voice takeover - a live, interactive panel that placed students at the heart of the discussion.
At ASRA, ensuring that student perspectives are meaningfully represented is central to how we continue to develop and improve student residential accommodation. Bringing students into the Conference programme provides an essential opportunity to hear directly from those who experience student living first-hand, helping to ground sector conversations in real insight and lived experience.
This year’s panel created an open and honest space for discussion, with students sharing their perspectives on key themes shaping student life today. These included international student experiences, student pride and inclusion, mental health and wellbeing, and the ongoing challenges around value and affordability.
The session was highly interactive, with delegates putting questions directly to the panel and contributing to a lively and thought-provoking exchange. This helped ensure the conversation reflected both professional practice and the realities of student experience.
A clear theme emerging throughout the discussion was the importance of practical, everyday support for students, particularly in relation to the cost of living. Students highlighted the continued need for guidance around money management and awareness of financial scams, reinforcing areas where the sector can make a meaningful difference.
The session also reinforced an important wider message, that student belonging is not created through isolated initiatives, but through consistent, meaningful engagement that places students at the centre of decision-making and service design.
The Student Takeover stood out as a key moment of ASRA Conference 2026, offering honest reflection, valuable challenge, and important insight for delegates across the sector.
ASRA extends its sincere thanks to all the fantastic students who took part, and to delegates for their thoughtful engagement and questions. Their contributions helped ensure this was a truly impactful and memorable part of the Conference programme.
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