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What Students Look for When Choosing Accommodation - A Guide For Landlords

One of the key decisions for a student is choosing accommodation and where they will begin their university journey. For most students, it is their first time away from home, so many factors tie into their final choice. Each student’s needs vary, so it is important to cover the main bases of what students look for when choosing their accommodation. We have put together some suggestions of ways to make sure your accommodation stands out, so that students choose you over your competitors.

1. Furniture
The aesthetics of a room can either make or break a decision process. It is important that students are attracted to the space you are showcasing. Stylish, bright and fun furniture does just that.
Students will turn away if the furniture is old, worn away and uncomfortable. The furniture on offer must fit in with the student’s lifestyle and must compliment their personalities. Many students will use their accommodation to both study and unwind from University. Being able to offer your residents the best of both worlds – by mixing productivity with chill-time – will increase your chances of students choosing you.

2. What’s on offer?
Many students look for all-inclusive bills within their monthly rent payments, because this helps students to feel at ease and be more comfortable with budgeting their money. If you have the option to offer a bills-included package, this is a big thumbs-up as far as students are concerned.
As the competitiveness within the student accommodation market increases, many providers go above and beyond to secure the custom of future students. Added extras can include a pre-paid TV licence, regular cleaners, and even an on-site gym. If your building can accommodate these extras, then they are well worth the investment.

3. Amenities
Students are steering away from the stereotypical ‘bed and desk’ student accommodation and are wanting more useful and desirable amenities.
Does their bedroom come with a TV and a double bed? Are there any on-site laundry facilities? Will they have an en-suite? Is the kitchen a good size?
If you answered yes to all those questions, then you already have a solid foundation for your student accommodation.

4. Location
Location is often the vital factor for students choosing their accommodation. Many students would prefer their living arrangements to be close to university for convenience. If your building is well out of the way, it’s likely that future students will choose a closer option.
It doesn’t mean you must locate your accommodation right in the heart of the city (although that would be good). Being located close to transport links and local supermarkets will also help in filling up your rooms. Some students are also keen on being close to bars, restaurants and shopping centres.
Wherever your location may be, make sure to sell your local area focal points as the destination future students would be silly to miss out on.

5. Wi-Fi
Internet connection is such a vital factor for students that it deserves its own section. High speed and reliable connection is essential within student accommodation. Work, TV watching and socialising is mostly all done online, and without a strong internet connection you risk losing a mass audience of future students. 

6. Social Spaces
For most students looking at accommodation, it is their first time moving away from home. Offering inviting shared social spaces will help your future students feel comfortable and settled. A large kitchen and dining area, warm cosy lounge and great shared spaces will help attract future students and really add a few home comfort touches.
Creating study spaces for your future students to involve themselves in group work, and then also giving them the opportunity and the space to unwind and maybe watch a movie, will really enhance your appeal to prospective students.

7. Support, safety and security
Now this section is more for the parents, but don’t doubt how important the parental input is. Having a secure and safe property will shine the green light for the parents to give the go ahead. Ensuring locks are suitably fitted, intercoms, key fobs and access codes are all maintained and in working order will all contribute to ticking the safety and security box.
Some accommodation offer security personnel to ensure the safety of their residences. If this is an option you could put into place then it would be a great asset to gaining future students.
Many students have never lived away from home before, so giving them an option to have on hand support can really put you apart from competitors. This can be done by having a residence team who help, guide and support students through the transition and process of living away from home.

8. Ease
One of the biggest things students look for throughout their decision making is the convenience and ease. Moving to university is already a stressful time for students, so being able to offer them accommodation that provides this can really sway their decisions.

Look at things such as helping them move in, introduction to the building and already having things set up e.g. providing basic cutlery and plates. Going that extra mile for your students can be the definitive factor on which accommodation they decide to choose.  

Click here to visit Student Furniture to find out more about how you can appeal to your student tenants, and provide them with world-class accommodation.

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A Bit About Our Contributor: Student Furniture
Student Furniture is a student accommodation furnishing solutions company with a well-established history of delivering high-quality, large-scale installations on time and on budget