Table of Contents
- Reliable Connectivity
- Convenient Amenities
- Personalized Experiences
- Enhanced Security
- Efficient Energy Management
- A Competitive Edge for Properties
- Future Trends
- Ready to transform your student housing community with connected technology?
Standing out in the competitive student housing market requires more than just a good location and affordable rent. Providing an exceptional resident experience is key. Modern students seek a living experience that aligns with their tech-savvy lifestyles. In a recent survey, 62% of Gen Z respondents said that technology was extremely or very important in their living space and community. For property owners and managers, embracing connected technology is a strategic move to meet these demands.
By integrating advanced technology, you can enhance the resident experience, improve operational efficiency, and create a compelling value proposition that sets your property apart from the competition. Connected technology offers a way to differentiate your property with better convenience, security, and overall living quality to ensure greater resident satisfaction and higher occupancy rates.
Below, we share some specific ways that you can use connected technology to improve your student housing community.
Reliable Connectivity
Reliable internet access is crucial for today’s students. Younger renters, in general, note that high-speed internet is the most important amenity in their living space. Most younger renters rely on internet access for entertainment, but that’s not all. As online work becomes a more integral part of higher education, it’s become especially essential for student housing to provide fast, reliable connectivity.
By providing high-speed internet access and reliable Wi-Fi, student housing properties can support students’ academic success while also providing connectivity for downtime activities such as streaming, gaming, and social media. Great connectivity also supports other amenities, such as smart controls and security systems.
It’s worth noting that students, who typically live in housing only during the school year, are less likely to want to commit to their own contract with an internet service provider. If you can bundle these amenities for your residents, that can become a selling point for your property.
Convenient Amenities
Connected technology can bring convenience to everyday living in student housing communities:
- Mobile access control systems, automated package delivery systems, and mobile apps for maintenance requests simplify daily tasks.
- Smart appliances in shared areas or individual units offer payment options, allow students to check machine availability, and can send notifications when the laundry cycle is nearly complete.
- Small fitness centers with on-demand video and connected equipment can help students avoid crowded on-campus gym facilities while providing a place to gather.
- Smart parcel lockers streamline mail distribution, allow for chain-of-custody tracking, and enable students to receive notifications and gain access through mobile applications.
These amenities can significantly affect the impression of quality for your student housing community.
Personalized Experiences
Connected technology allows property managers to offer personalized experiences tailored to the preferences and habits of their residents. With Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data analytics, property managers can gain insights they can use to adjust amenities, services, and even the environment to suit residents better.
For example, some smart living solutions can automatically adjust room temperatures and lighting based on residents’ schedules or preferences. Such personalization can enhance residents’ comfort and satisfaction, making them feel more at home.
Enhanced Security
Nationwide surveys have shown that renters tend to be concerned about safety and security. In fact, they list such concerns second only to price when considering housing options. Student housing communities can allay their fears by installing connected security solutions, including smart locks, security cameras, and alarm systems.
Supported by reliable connectivity, these systems can provide robust monitoring and real-time alerts, ensuring a secure community for residents. By implementing such solutions, owners and managers can help student residents feel safer and parents gain peace of mind – another selling point for prospective tenants.
Efficient Energy Management
Younger people place importance on sustainability in their daily lives, and their housing choices are no exception. To meet their expectations, connected thermostats and lighting systems can help manage energy consumption efficiently. Such solutions not only offer greater personalization for residents, but also lead to lower utility costs for both residents and owners while promoting greater sustainability. Research shows that smart thermostats can help save an average of 8% on typical home heating and cooling costs. Implementing these technologies can help students on a budget while also increasing appeal for those who are environmentally conscious.
A Competitive Edge for Properties
Adopting connected technologies not only improves the resident experience but can also give properties a competitive advantage:
- Stand out from the competition. Properties equipped with connected technology attract tech-savvy students looking for modern living spaces. Highlighting these features can make your property more appealing in a crowded market.
- Build a strong reputation. Investing in connected technology shows a commitment to providing a high-quality living environment. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth from happy residents can enhance your property’s reputation and help attract new tenants.
- Achieve long-term savings. While adding connected technology usually has an upfront cost, it can also lead to long-term savings. Lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs can positively affect the property’s financial position.
Future Trends
As connected technology continues to evolve, it’s important to stay ahead of trends. Advancements such as AI-driven predictive maintenance and more sophisticated IoT integrations promise to revolutionize student housing even further. By adopting connected technology now, you can position your property at the forefront of these innovations. Embracing future trends will ensure that your property remains competitive and continues to meet the evolving needs of students.
Ready to transform your student housing community with connected technology?
Property owners need to invest in a robust connectivity infrastructure to support the continuing demand for connected technology in student housing. WorldVue is your trusted provider that can help you meet these growing needs. Give us a call to find out how our solutions can help you meet student housing technology trends for connectivity, infotainment, and more!