In 2023, a report by Access Insights asked students if bathrooms on University campuses were accessible for those with physical disabilities; only 43% said yes.
Moving to university is a huge milestone for new students, they’re stepping out of the comfort zone of their surroundings and moving away from home.
So you can imagine for students with additional access needs, moving somewhere that can’t accommodate them can hinder their whole university experience.
As it’s clear accessible accommodation for disabled students is still a nationwide hurdle in the UK, why should wetrooms be a popular choice for student accommodation developers?
Understanding the need for wetrooms in student accommodation
Offering a modern space, wet rooms are shower spaces that are integrated into the overall room design without traditional enclosures. Compared to traditional bathroom structures, wetrooms open up the space for a lot more practicality and have a lot of benefits:
Open design:
Opting for wet rooms in student accommodation allows you to have an open layout, allowing for a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. This creates a spacious feel and can make smaller bathrooms appear larger, as typically most modern student accommodation needs to fit into smaller spaces.
Enhanced hygiene:
The lack of enclosures and the easy-to-clean surfaces contribute to better hygiene, making it easier to maintain a clean environment which is crucial in shared accommodation and we all know germs are easily shared around in student halls.
Minimal Barriers:
Wet rooms take away the problem of barriers, such as low or no curbs, making them more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges, an ideal solution to student accommodation not always being accessible for those with physical disabilities.
Waterproofing:
The entire room is designed to be waterproof, with sloped floors that direct water to a drainage system. This prevents water from escaping the designated shower area and minimises the risk of floods and plumbing issues.
The importance of wetrooms ahead of the new legislation
As of January 1, 2025, all NHBC-registered homes that begin foundation work on or after this date will be required to comply with the updated NHBC Standards 2023.
This means that any bath, shower, wetroom, or bathroom pod in residential properties will need to be fully waterproofed. This legislation applies to student accommodation, so developers need to ensure that bathrooms installed in these buildings comply with NHBC standards.
Furthering the argument that fully waterproofed wetrooms are the ideal choice for student accommodation.
To understand more about how this legislation will impact your student living projects, visit here.
Ready to Upgrade Your Student Accommodation Project?
Choosing the right wetroom supplier for your project can be a long process but at On The Level, we have installed several wet room bathrooms in student accommodation.
To access our case studies on student accommodation projects, visit here.
Wetrooms are a smart, efficient, and future-proof solution that can help you meet the latest NHBC standards while providing a safe, hygienic, and accessible environment for students of all needs.
At OTL, we specialise in designing and installing high-quality wetroom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our expert team is ready to help you navigate the latest standards and ensure your project is a success.
Whether you’re developing new student housing or renovating existing spaces, investing in wetrooms is a step towards long-term durability and ease of maintenance.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your next student accommodation project.