The words “student halls” have connotations – box rooms, single beds, showers shared between far too many and truly terrible decor. Student accommodation used to resemble something between a good prison or a poor hostel. Now, however, a new day has dawned for student housing and the accommodation of old simply won’t do.
Whether students are looking for self-contained, purpose-built accommodation or a student HMO to share with friends, their expectations are much higher than they used to be.
So now we know what they don’t want, let’s take a look at what today’s students expect.
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is one of the most important factors to students when choosing accommodation. Students today need to know that their connection won’t drop out with a deadline looming and when the work is done they want to be able to stream music, watch films and play games without the frustration of a lousy internet connection interrupting the fun. Keep your tenants connected and you’ll keep them happy.
A double bed
Single beds are no longer an accepted part of student living. A student’s bedroom serves as more than just a place to get to rest; it’s a second living area, a place to hang out with friends and a place to study too. Because of this, modern students need a double bed, and, as a landlord, you need to provide one.
Quality furniture
Modern students expect good quality, stylish furniture that maximises space and allows them to get the most out of their student digs. Furnish your property wisely and you won’t have a problem finding good tenants.
All bills included in the rent
If you want to rent your property to students, don’t make things harder than they need to be.
Students have a lot going on already, and, in most cases, are only new to living away from parents. Being able to know exactly how much you owe each month with no nasty surprises is attractive to modern students. This also makes house sharing much more convenient as your tenants don’t have to arrange splitting the bills. Keep all bills included in the rent and ensure your property is attractive to students.
Bathrooms – and ideally en-suite
Gone are the days of overshared dingy bathrooms. Modern students expect, at the very least, well-kitted out private bathrooms shared between each flat and it’s not uncommon for students to even have their own en-suite.
Good quality kitchen
By and large, catered student accommodation is a thing of the past. Students these days want the freedom of deciding their own meal times and the space to experiment and develop their cooking skills. A good quality kitchen will make your property attractive to students.
If you can provide a dishwasher, that’s another reason for students to choose your property over others, particularly in areas where supply outstrips demand like Liverpool.
Location
Location is always a high priority for students. They want easy access to uni, the city centre and a good night life. Student accommodation that boasts great transport links will always be hot property.
Security
Student properties are consistently targeted by thieves, due to their high concentration of laptops, phones, cameras and games consoles. For this reason strong security is a must when it comes to student accommodation. Deter thieves, attract tenants; prioritise security.
Communal areas
The standard of the communal areas on offer in student accommodation has skyrocketed. It used to be that a barely furnished room tacked on to the kitchen could pass as a communal area. These days are no more; at the least student’s expect good quality, comfortable seating.
At the higher end of the spectrum students expect luxuries such as games rooms, mini cinemas and gaming suites.
If you would like to speak to student furniture experts about how to furnish your student property get in touch with Student Furniture today.
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