The Iglu Guide | Blog
How smart design is changing modern student accommodation
Student accommodation has come a very long way from the traditional share house model once heavily associated with university living. Finding somewhere to call home is no longer just about having a bed near campus, it’s about creating a space where you can study and socialise while feeling supported and safe. Today, students expect more – and purpose-built student accommodation buildings like Iglu have truly risen to the challenge. Here’s how one cool design has responded to the needs of modern students.
Privacy over isolation
Students increasingly want to choose accommodation that balances independent living with social connectivity. All too often, private rentals involve some level of compromise – whether that be privacy, bathroom space or modern amenities. PBSAs are specifically designed to give students modern facilities that encompass both community and privacy. Share apartments allow students to socialise naturally and at their own pace, while studio apartments remove household friction and enable students to develop a comfortable personal routine. This is particularly valuable for international students adjusting to a new country and culture.
Consider: Iglu Redfern – Share apartments with ensuite, walking distance to major universities and close to transport links.
Accommodation designed for study habits
Teaching delivery and study habits have changed significantly over the years. Today, students study more from home than any previous generation, and often move flexibly between independent work, group projects, tutorials and digital platforms. A textbook in a bedroom is no longer enough. Modern PBSAs include flexible study spaces that support different learning mechanisms and separate out work and rest periods, while reliable WiFi has become an essential part of the design infrastructure as well as crucial to academic success.
Consider: Iglu Melbourne City – Library den and dedicated study spaces designed for collaboration, located close to Melbourne universities.
Prioritising wellbeing
Student wellbeing is a major consideration in modern student accommodation design. No longer an afterthought or nice-to-have, long study hours and extended screen time have resulted in an increased demand for wellness spaces. Iglu buildings are designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, with communal spaces provided to encourage social connectivity and lifestyle balance. On-site gyms help manage stress and reduce the barrier to exercise, while the simple convenience factor means students are more likely to maintain healthy habits.
Consider: Iglu Kelvin Grove – Onsite gym and social spaces include a huge courtyard, with a packed social events program
Intentional community spaces
Once an added extra, PBSAs now design social spaces with community very much front of mind. Social isolation can be a real problem for modern students, especially for those living away from home for the first time, and so social infrastructure consideration has become as important as physical infrastructure. Intentionally designed spaces encourage important organic interactions, whether it be a conversation across the BBQ, an exchange over the table tennis or shared experiences in front of a movie. Community-centred design elements can also help students settle much faster, supporting both planned student events and smaller everyday interactions.
Consider: Iglu Central Park – Cinema room, communal kitchens, lounge area and games spaces are designed around encouraging student interaction.
Flexibility and convenience
Modern students want convenience-led accommodation design that simplifies daily life. With so much to juggle in terms of study, work and social life, the opportunity to focus more on university life rather than household logistics is highly valued. Integrated features such as furnished rooms, onsite laundry, and all-inclusive utilities help reduce stress and support convenience. Properties located close to university campus, transport hubs and lifestyle opportunities are well in demand as they support accessibility and offer the opportunity for a connected urban lifestyle experience that encourages independence.
Consider: Iglu Broadway – Close to campus in the heart of the Central Park Precinct, designed for convenience living.
Safety first
Modern student accommodation prioritises safety and security, and this is integrated into the overall living experience. All Iglu buildings feature secure key-card access, CCTV in common areas, controlled building entry and 24/7 onsite support staff. This design element creates a secure living environment where residents feel safe and supported with student welfare top of mind.
Image: Iglu Waterloo by Felix Mooneeram
Frequently asked questions
PBSAs are specifically designed around student needs. They offer modern facilities, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, flexible study spaces, communal areas, on-site gyms, and 24/7 security. Unlike private rentals, there’s no need to worry about household logistics like setting up utilities or furnishing your room, so you can focus on university life.
Yes. Modern PBSAs are built with this balance in mind. Share apartments let you connect with housemates naturally and at your own pace, while studio apartments give you private, personal space. Common areas like cinema rooms, communal kitchens, and games spaces are intentionally designed to encourage organic social interaction without it ever feeling forced.
Absolutely. Modern student accommodation includes dedicated study areas such as library dens and collaboration spaces that separate work from rest. These are designed to support different learning styles whether you’re studying independently, working on a group project, or joining a tutorial online. Reliable Wi-Fi throughout the building is also treated as essential infrastructure.
Wellbeing is a core part of modern PBSA design, not an afterthought. Buildings are designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, and communal spaces encourage social connection and lifestyle balance. On-site gyms are common – having exercise facilities within the building removes the barrier to staying active, making it far easier to maintain healthy habits during busy study periods.
PBSAs are particularly well-suited for international students. Fully furnished rooms remove the stress of setting up a home from scratch, and all-inclusive utilities mean no unexpected bills. The built-in community and social events program also helps international students settle in much faster and feel connected from day one.
