Transforming Student Experiences: A Conversation with Sanya Singh, Business Development Head of Vita Student

An interview with Sanya Singh, Business Development Head and Partnerships head at Vita Student

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Sanya Singh, the Business Development and Partnerships Head at Vita Student.

With her extensive experience in the student housing sector, Sanya shares insights on innovative strategies, building meaningful partnerships, and her vision for enhancing student living experiences.

Who is Vita Student, and what makes it a preferred choice for Indian students?

Sanya Singh: Vita Student is a world-leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), that provides more than just accommodation – we develop a home away from home that facilitates academic achievement and personal development.

• Vita Student offers premium purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) focused on comfort, community, and cultural connection.
• Provides all-inclusive living: furnished rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, gym access, complimentary breakfast—no hidden costs.
• Ensures safety with 24/7 security, CCTV, and friendly staff support.
• Hosts vibrant social events to help students connect and feel at home.
• Respects Indian culture—celebrates festivals like Diwali and offers prayer spaces.
• Eases financial stress with No Visa, No Pay and No UK Guarantor policies.
• Helps students focus on academics and personal growth from day one.

Sanya, as a Regional Business Head, how do you ensure Vita Student stays ahead of competitors in meeting Indian students’ needs?

Sanya Singh:My function is to deeply interact with partners and our audience to foresee and meet changing needs. I lead this through:

• Work closely with universities to align our services with academic requirements.
• Run hyper-local marketing in India—educate parents and build early trust.
• Celebrate cultural moments to foster belonging and pride.
• Engage directly with students and partners to understand evolving needs.
• Lead with empathy and stay hands-on across touchpoints.

How does Vita Student ensure a smooth transition for Indian students moving abroad for the first time?

Sanya Singh: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially for first-time students. At Vita Student, we focus on easing this transition through multiple support systems:

• Offer detailed pre-arrival guides, virtual tours, and WhatsApp support groups.
• Run welcome weeks with tours, local orientation, and cultural sessions.
• Provide 24/7 on-site staff for help with practical matters like banking or transport.
• Operate buddy programmes to connect new students with experienced peers.
• Focus on both emotional and logistical support from day one.

What role does technology play in enhancing the student living experience at Vita Student?

Sanya Singh: Technology is a key enabler in making student life seamless and connected. At Vita Student, we leverage tech-driven solutions to improve convenience and engagement. We have:

• Vita Student App handles bookings, event sign-ups, maintenance, and groceries.
• Smart security systems provide keyless entry and emergency alerts.
• High-speed Wi-Fi and tech-enabled study zones support academic focus.
• AI chatbots offer instant responses for common queries.
• Free doctor-on-call service offers quick, professional health support.

Your journey with Vita Student has been remarkable. What motivates you to focus on student housing, and how do you relate to Indian students’ challenges?

Sanya Singh: Finding safe housing, dealing with loneliness, and managing hidden costs are challenges few discuss when moving abroad. At Vita, I’m driven to create real solutions to these problems.

Each policy we create—such as No Visa, No Pay—begins with empathy. We listen, we learn, and we respond. When parents express gratitude for having their child protected, or students tell us they’ve found lifelong buddies here, that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Education is already challenging; housing should not make it more difficult.

How your professional journey turned out and what advise you have to give to a BDE professional in education/accommodation landscape in a global perspective

Sanya Singh:

• I’ve developed a broad understanding of how business functions connect—insight every BDE should strive for.
• I’ve consistently collaborated with Marketing and Operations to ensure a unified student experience.
• I advise BDEs to focus on the full student journey, as it enables more effective, tailored solutions.
• Global economic and political trends must be monitored, as they directly impact student decisions and market dynamics.

I prioritize networking, as attending industry events and building relationships often leads to unexpected opportunities.

Sanya Singh’s passion for transforming student housing is evident in her strategic approach to partnerships and development.

As Vita Student continues to evolve, her leadership promises to create enriching environments for students, setting new standards in the industry and fostering a sense of community.

Read Success story of Indian entrepreneurs & startups at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn