As the demand for student housing continues to rise, property owners should be constantly seeking ways to enhance the living experience for students and break away from the competition. According to Multifamily Housing News, by “March 2023, the preleasing rate for the fall 2023 term at Yardi 200 universities stood at 69.7%, up 7.8% yoy.” Beyond providing comfortable and secure accommodations, fostering a sense of community and connection is a key factor in attracting and retaining residents.
Understanding the Modern Student
To effectively cater to the needs of today’s students, it is crucial to understand their expectations and preferences. Now more than ever, students are seeking more than just a place to rest their head. They desire an environment that supports their personal and academic growth and also provides spaces for engagement with others. By recognizing the unique challenges students face and acknowledging their diverse backgrounds, student leasing services can tailor offerings to create an inclusive and supportive community.
Curating Engaging Spaces
Student leasing offices play a pivotal role in curating engaging spaces that promote social interaction and personal development. Well-designed common areas, such as study lounges, game rooms, and fitness centers, provide students with opportunities to connect with their peers, foster collaboration, pursue recreational activities, and provide that sense of community that they had when they were living back home. These spaces serve as a catalyst for building lasting friendships as they develop into independent, responsible adults.
Organizing Community Events
An effective way to foster community and connection among student residents is through organizing community events. Leasing offices at student housing properties can arrange a diverse range of activities, such as welcome parties at the beginning of the school year, game nights, workshops, and networking events. These events not only provide opportunities for students to engage with one another but also enable them to develop new skills, expand their networks, and explore their interests. By facilitating these events, property owners can create a thriving community and one students will want to return to each school year.
Providing Support and Resources
Navigating the challenges of university life can be overwhelming for students, particularly those who are new to the area or have limited support systems. Your leasing office can bridge this gap by offering various support services and resources. This may include partnering with academic institutions to provide study assistance, connecting students with local organizations for volunteering opportunities, or offering mentorship programs. Offering these services demonstrates the commitment to the holistic development of your residents and can help your property stand out among the rest.
Embracing Technology
In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in fostering community and connection. Your property can leverage technology to keep your residents feeling safe, and facilitate communication and engagement among residents. Dedicated online platforms or mobile applications can serve as virtual hubs where students can interact, share information, organize activities, and even get on and off the property or into their apartments. These platforms can also provide valuable resources such as neighborhood guides, event calendars, and maintenance request portals, streamlining the overall living experience for students.
Supporting Academic Success
While student housing primarily focuses on providing a comfortable living space, your student leasing team can also play a role in supporting academic success. Collaborating with academic institutions to provide study groups, tutoring services, or study skill workshops can enhance the academic experience for residents. By nurturing an environment that supports both personal and academic growth, student leasing services can position themselves as valuable partners in a student’s journey towards success.
In today’s competitive student housing market, creating a sense of community and connection is paramount to attracting and retaining tenants. Student leasing services have a unique opportunity to shape the living experience for students by curating engaging spaces, organizing community events, providing support and resources, embracing technology, and supporting academic success. By prioritizing these aspects, student housing property owners can create vibrant communities that not only meet the needs of today’s students but also enrich their overall university experience, setting them apart from the rest.
The Sales, Inc. solution for student housing lease ups puts a highly trained and very focused leasing professional in your leasing office to focus solely on getting your property leased for the school year as soon as possible. Learn more about our student housing leasing services.
