Once upon a time, heading off to university meant living off a paltry sum each week and relying on student loans to cover accommodation costs. But for a new breed of young attendees, gone are the days of scrimping and saving to afford the weekly food shop because you’d already spent your allowance on a night at the pub, and in the UK, students are living in the lap of luxury.
From upscale accommodation options in prime locations to access to high-end amenities and exclusive experiences, the traditional university experience is being redefined in some truly opulent ways, and extravagance is the order of the day.
Upscale accommodation
Remember living in cramped university halls or a shared student house whilst completing your degree? Well, things have changed a lot since then for a select young segment of society, with the UK’s wealthiest students enjoying a slice of the high life and living in apartments and properties that are nothing short of palatial.
According to the experts at Amber Student accommodation, well-designed and comfortable spaces are becoming increasingly sought-after due to their power to inspire productivity and promote relaxation – both of which are the keys to a successful yet nourishing university experience. And from chic studio apartments to plushly appointed shared townhouses, the most affluent of today’s students are positively thriving thanks to the supportive environments they live in.
High-end facilities and services
And opulent living spaces are just the tip of the iceberg, because with them come a host of high-end facilities and services designed especially to cater to the demands of the discerning student. From state-of-the-art fitness centres and heated swimming pools to cinema rooms and stylish areas, some accommodations go all the way when it comes to opulence and even offer spa facilities, sauna rooms, and private dining areas, creating a resort-like experience for residents.
Exquisite dining experiences
The students of today aren’t just living in the lap of luxury, but dining like royalty, too. If you thought beans on toast and instant noodles were still staples of the modern student diet, then think again – at least for the more affluent. Not only do wealthy young students now have more money to burn on brunch at upscale cafes and sophisticated dinners at sought-after local restaurants, but an increasing understanding of the importance of nutrition has seen them spending more than ever before on their weekly shops, too.
As we learn more about how certain foods can help to nourish the brain and body and enhance both memory and productivity, they are heading to Marks and Spencers to splurge on the very best food money can buy, and some are even ordering in meals made especially for them by experienced professional chefs, which are delivered to their doorsteps each day and designed specifically to suit their nutritional needs. Smoked salmon, caviar and avocado on toast, are of course all common inclusions – and the affluent students washes it all down not with cheap cider, but champagne.
Cultural and entertainment
Spending every night in the student union bar and each morning nursing a hangover might be the stereotypical student experience, but today’s is far more sophisticated for those who can afford it – and endlessly more enriching, too.
Theatre performances, live concerts, and art exhibitions are all common activities enjoyed by the modern student, with visits to museums, galleries, and festivals all preferred ways to spend their free time. With this in mind, students are now able to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scenes of their cities and enhance both their academic and personal growth.
Travel and exploration
Students now have the means and desire to venture far beyond their campuses in their free time, and many are doing just that, using weekends and holidays to embark on exciting adventures across the globe. From culture-packed European city breaks to yachting on the French Riviera or lounging on a paradisiacal Caribbean island, taking time out to rest and indulge in some health care in such a way is now the norm. And many students are also using the time to participate in conservation and community development projects in developing countries, as many likely did on their gap years.
Being able to get away from routine and live these experiences has led to a new generation of more worldly students with greater cultural, geographical and self awareness that ever before, and whilst not everyone can afford to stay in a private luxury villa for a month each summer or fly first class, those who can are making the most of the opportunities that comes with it to grow and develop as individuals.
