On Campus, Off the Record
On Campus, Off the Record is where the real conversations happen—the ones you won’t hear in meetings, offices, or official conferences. Hosted by Elizabeth Cox, this podcast brings together insiders from the world of student housing and beyond for candid, unfiltered discussions about the highs, lows, and unexpected moments.
From career insights to hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, we’re covering it all with guests who have seen it, done it, and have plenty to say about it. So grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us for the kind of conversations you wish you could have at work—off the record, of course.
On Campus, Off the Record
Crossing the Pond: UK vs US Approaches to Student Housing
When it comes to student housing, the differences between UK and US approaches run deeper than terminology. Our latest episode takes you on a transatlantic journey as we welcome James Greenwood from the London School of Economics and Rebecca O'Hare from the University of Leeds for a candid conversation about student accommodation that's so rich we had to split it into two parts.
Both James and Rebecca share their unexpected journeys into student housing careers – a stark contrast to the structured pathway common in North America. With backgrounds in fields like art and events management, they represent how UK professionals often "fall into" student housing rather than following a predetermined academic track. This difference extends to recruitment practices, with UK institutions valuing transferable skills and diverse experiences over specialized credentials.
What truly connects these professionals across continents is how personal experiences shape their work. Both guests recount their own challenging living situations as students, creating a powerful motivation to improve residential environments for current students. "I don't want students to go through the poor experiences I had," James shares, highlighting how past struggles fuel present passion.
The conversation delves into philosophical questions about student identity – are they customers purchasing a service, clients receiving guidance, or stakeholders in their own educational journey? Rebecca offers nuanced perspectives, suggesting students can embody multiple roles simultaneously while emphasizing that education isn't simply a product that guarantees outcomes in exchange for tuition.
We also explore the crucial role of student staff in residential communities, examining how these positions provide valuable peer support while offering student employees transferable skills for future careers. The contrast between university and private sector approaches reveals tensions between authentic community-building and commercial interests.
This episode offers an illuminating glimpse into how cultural contexts, funding models, and institutional values shape fundamentally different approaches to student housing across the Atlantic. Whether you work in higher education or simply want to understand international differences in student experience, you'll find valuable insights in this thoughtful exchange.
Don't miss part two of our conversation, where we'll continue exploring these fascinating contrasts. Subscribe now to ensure you catch the conclusion of this enlightening international dialogue.
