Kelly-anne Watson’s Post

A great way to discover how to make the sector more sustainable.

Transforming student accommodation: The inspiring journey of Alexandria Procter In 2018, Alexandria Procter, then a UCT student, encountered the daunting challenge of finding suitable student accommodation. Realizing she wasn't alone in this struggle, Procter, fueled by determination and innovation, conceptualized a solution to revolutionize the student housing landscape: DigsConnect. What began as a weekend project became a game-changing platform connecting students with landlords. Procter's vision quickly gained momentum, propelling DigsConnect into the forefront of the accommodation sector. In 2019, seeking initial funding of R2 million, DigsConnect exceeded expectations by securing R12 million. This influx of capital catapulted the company's growth, enabling expansion beyond South Africa's borders. Procter's entrepreneurial prowess was noticed. Her remarkable success led to invitations from President Cyril Ramaphosa to join the National Redevelopment Agency board and represent South Africa at prestigious international forums like the G20 and COP28. However, with rapid expansion came challenges. Procter recognized the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity and strategically decided to scale back operations, focusing on South Africa and the UK. As she reflects on her journey chronicled in her book "Upstart," Procter emphasizes the significance of strategic growth, commitment to excellence, and personal well-being. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dci7TaFQ

Cloud Student Homes distinguishes itself from other student accommodation providers through several key differentiators: 1. **Specialisation in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)** - We focus exclusively on PBSA, ensuring that our services are tailored specifically to the needs and expectations of students and landlords in this sector. This specialisation allows us to develop deep expertise in managing and letting these types of properties. 2. **Commitment to Professionalism and Transparency** - Our approach is rooted in professionalism and transparency, fostering trust with both students and landlords. Clear communication and ethical practices are foundational to our relationships, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and supported. 3. **Comprehensive Facilities Management** - Unlike many providers who may only focus on lettings, we offer comprehensive facilities management services. This includes maintaining the physical condition of properties, managing common areas, and enhancing the overall student experience. Our holistic approach ensures that properties are not only well-managed but also welcoming and conducive to student life. 4. **Tailored Revenue Optimisation Strategies** - We understand that every property and market is unique. Our team works closely with property owners to develop customised strategies aimed at optimising revenue, ensuring a higher return on investment for landlords. 5. **Enhanced Student Experience** - We prioritise the student experience by providing a range of amenities and services that enhance living conditions, promote community engagement, and support academic success. This focus helps attract and retain tenants, benefiting both students and property owners. 6. **Proactive Marketing Approach** - Our marketing strategies are designed to effectively reach the student demographic, utilising digital platforms, social media, and targeted campaigns to maximise visibility and occupancy rates for our properties. 7. **Tech-Driven Solutions** - We leverage technology to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance overall service delivery. From virtual tours and online booking systems to tenant portals for maintenance requests, technology plays a central role in our offerings. 8. **Strong Local Knowledge** - Our team has extensive knowledge of local markets and student needs. This insight allows us to provide informed recommendations to property owners and create living environments that resonate with students. By focusing on these core areas, Cloud Student Homes strives to set a new standard in student accommodation, creating value for both students and property owners. Whether you are a tenant looking for your next home or a landlord wanting to maximise your investment, our dedicated team is here to help you achieve your goals. See insights and ads

In many ways, the work of student life and (in our case) residential life practitioners is complex, nuanced and rapidly evolving by the day. All of us operate at the intersection of hot button issues that young adults are rightly concerned about and a vocal, passionate student body. Mindful, informed and sincere engagement by practitioners takes courage and most importantly - an unfailing, open heart. In a 2023 report by EY, an astounding 92% of youth stated authenticity as the most important personal value, over getting rich/famous/independent and even changing the world. In such a world where authenticity takes center stage, it also requires us to dig deeper and renounce picture-perfect corporate spiels, over what is real & raw. How do we meet a call for authenticity, unless we first embrace it for ourselves? That to me, has always been the real challenge: for us to operate less like a corporate behemoth, and more like the flawed human beings that we are, who are simply trying to do better. This is also why I am often floored and inspired by colleagues around the globe who continue to push for this important work, and feel lucky to be just a little part of it. I wished more colleagues and partners would share our work boldly and selflessly, so that as a profession, we can continue to grow... in data-backed research, yes, but also in heart and spirit. In this first-ever article for the Student Accommodation Journal by the APSAA - Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association, I outlined the key value propositions of the housing models at National University of Singapore (which incidentally, encourages authenticity as a core decision-making value 😇), share our strategic priorities over the next 5 years (revealing some new developments we’re very excited to launch 🤫) and spotlight some fun facts about our centennial-old landscape that often elicit surprise, when I share them at conferences. How many students can Singapore’s oldest university house, in just a tiny red dot? As it turns out, much more than you think! Living on campus with us is a bit like… walking through a Singaporean hawker centre. It’s loud and a little chaotic, but so vibrant and alive that you just can’t ignore us. I may or may not have also grasped the opportunity to feature my favourite team photo of members past & present over the last couple of years. I don’t even remember why we took this photo, but I think we look good and will not entertain opinions otherwise. 😜 Thank you SIM ELVYN, Ann Tan, Boon Yeow Ho and Lok Ting Fung for rallying together for this contribution, and to the effusive Sam Johnstone for the invitation! Full journal article accessible here: https://lnkd.in/gZyP8StK

Navigating Student Accommodation Transitions: A Strategic Perspective 🏡 As students embark on their higher education journey, the question of accommodation becomes a pivotal consideration. Traditionally, first-time students transition from the comforts of home to University-owned halls of residence around the age of 18. These halls typically offer contracts spanning 39-41 weeks, aligned with the university calendar year and encompassing the period from a week before lectures commence to the conclusion of the exam season. Cost-effectiveness and Convenience: University Halls as the Prime Choice In terms of both affordability and location, university halls often stand out as the optimal choice for students in their first year. The pricing structure and proximity to campus make them an attractive option for those navigating the initial stages of university life. 🏠 Beyond First Year: Exploring Second-Year Accommodation Options However, as students progress to their second year, the accommodation landscape evolves. One viable option is the reapplication to university halls. Traditionally considered the norm, this practice encounters challenges rooted in the delicate balance of supply and demand. Navigating the Supply vs. Demand Challenge The complex dance between prospective students' choices and the estimation of demand for the following year poses a significant challenge for university accommodation teams. Reserving rooms for 'continuing' students is a common strategy, typically accounting for around 25% of the total accommodation capacity. This reservation process, while necessary, presents the first bottleneck in the student accommodation market. 🔍 Solving Challenges with Innovative Solutions: The Roome Advantage Engaging with universities in recent months has unveiled a common struggle: balancing the needs of first-year students with the demand for continuing student accommodations. This is where Roome, a pioneering solution in student housing, steps in. By leveraging data-driven insights, Roome addresses the intricacies of student housing allocation, from housemate matching to off-campus accommodation sourcing. Our platform is designed to streamline the accommodation process in the event of oversubscription, providing universities with the tools to confidently place students in off-campus accommodation in groups they will enjoy living with. As well as offering a solution to all students to find the right people and accommodation before it’s too late. 💬 Let's Connect and Transform Student Accommodation Together If you are keen on enhancing the student accommodation experience within your university or would like to explore the transformative capabilities of Roome, I invite you to reach out. Together, let's ensure that students transition seamlessly into their academic journey, supported by the best accommodation options available. #StudentAccommodation #HigherEducation #Roome #innocation #UniversityLife

Catella supports the The Class Foundation´s Student Living Monitor 2024: Key Insights into the Future of Student Accommodation The Class Foundation's 2024 Student Living Monitor survey highlights the crucial role living conditions play in shaping student well-being and success. Drawing on insights from nearly 11,000 students across Europe, the report explores how factors like housing preferences, financial difficulties and loneliness affect student life. ➡ Key findings include:   ▪ Most Impactful Spaces and Services: Well-designed communal areas, organised events and outdoor areas contribute significantly to the improvement of student living and reduce loneliness ▪ Accommodation Type Impacts Student Happiness: Students who secure their first-choice accommodation report higher well-being compared to those who do not ▪ Financial Strain and Student Experience: 66% of students struggle financially, impacting both their living experience and academic success. ▪ Supporting Non-Traditional Students: It is important to seek professional advice and make decisions on a case-by-case basis to ensure that these students are well supported ▪ Enhancing Mental Health Support: Expanding and professionalising mental health services is crucial to improving student well-being   The 2024 report highlights significant strides made by student housing sector in enhancing the living experiences, offering valuable insights for investors, developers, universities, housing operators, and policymakers on what aspects of accommodation have the most impact on students. The report serves as a roadmap for optimising student accommodation and ensuring no student is left behind. The student living sector has come a long way, but there is opportunity to do more. “Our findings make it clear: student happiness is deeply connected to where and how they live,” says Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director of The Class Foundation. “This report is a call to action for us all to build environments that do more than just house students, but actively contribute to giving them a positive experience, make them feel like they supported and are part of a community, thus leading to their overall success.” “At Catella, we're dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable spaces that foster student success and well-being. We are proud to support the Student Living Monitor research as it resonates with our mission, emphasizing the crucial interplay between quality housing and the flourishing of Europe's young minds”, says Dr. Lars Vandrei, Senior Research Manager at Catella. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ei4QVKZ9 #StudentLivingMonitor #Catella #StudentHousing #RealEstate #Sustainability #MentalHealth #StudentWellbeing

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 🚀 Student housing is evolving fast! Stay ahead of the game with these key insights: 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞: International students are fueling growth in student housing. 𝐎𝐟𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬: 63% of students prefer private, off-campus rooms. 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: 87% of students prioritize sustainability in their housing choices. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 & 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: Students are seeking high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and vibrant community spaces. Is your financial strategy keeping up? Discover how to boost profitability and meet modern student demands! Click on the link below to read the article: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtN98_56 #StudentHousing #StudentAccommodation #RealEstateTrends #SustainableLiving #TechInHousing #OffCampusLiving #HousingMarket QX Global Group

7 Reasons Why Student Halls Are a Great Choice for Your UK Experience! Are you gearing up for your study abroad adventure in the UK? One of the biggest decisions you'll face is where to live. Student halls offer an ideal solution for many reasons. Here’s why you should consider making student halls your home away from home: 1. Community Vibes Student halls are bustling with life! You'll meet people from diverse backgrounds, creating friendships that could last a lifetime. Many halls organize social events, helping you connect with fellow students. 2. Convenience & Accessibility Most student halls are located near university campuses, making it easy to get to classes, libraries, and other facilities. No more long commutes or wasted time! 3. All-Inclusive Living Forget about utility bills! Most student halls offer all-inclusive packages covering rent, utilities, and Wi-Fi. This helps you manage your budget more effectively and eliminates unexpected costs. 4. Amenities Galore From study lounges to game rooms and gym facilities, student halls often come equipped with fantastic amenities. Whether you need a quiet place to study or a spot to unwind, you’ll find it here. 5. Supportive Environment Many halls provide dedicated staff who offer support and guidance, helping you adjust to university life. If you have any issues or concerns, they’re just a shout away! 6. Safety & Security Student halls prioritize your safety with secure entry systems, CCTV, and on-site management. You can focus on your studies and social life without worrying about your safety. 7. Flexible Lease Options Whether you're looking for a short-term stay or the entire academic year, student halls often offer flexible leasing options, accommodating your unique needs. Choosing student halls means more than just a place to stay—it’s about creating unforgettable memories during your academic journey.  Check out University Living for hassle-free accommodation booking! Have you chosen your accommodation yet? Share your experiences and tips below! #StudentLife #StudyAbroad #StudentHalls #UKUniversities #UniversityLiving #StudentAccommodation

As the new academic year approaches, universities and student accommodation providers face the challenge of maximising their resources while managing tight budgets and limited staff capacity. 🎓 Parking spaces, often overlooked, can present an opportunity to address these challenges if managed effectively. By partnering with the right organisations, universities can turn these spaces into valuable assets, generating additional revenue and enhancing campus operations. Collaborations with experienced partners, such as those that have successfully worked with institutions like Unite Students, the University of Bath, the University of Sunderland, and Keele University can provide the expertise needed to optimise parking management and support the broader goals of universities and student accommodations. If you’re ready to look into how you can generate additional revenue from your underutilised parking facilities, read more in the article below.

Hey You, International Student! Looking for a New Home? Discover Your Next Haven Here! Navigating a new country is an adventure, yet for many international students, this journey begins with a significant challenge: finding a place to call home. The accommodation search often becomes a roadblock, fraught with hurdles that can overshadow the excitement of studying abroad. Many students face a catch-22 situation when it comes to renting. Securing a landlord's approval without a job becomes daunting, as they often require proof of income or employment. Yet, not all students wish to work during their academic tenure, preferring to focus solely on their studies. Official student housing, while a potential alternative, comes with its own set of limitations. High costs and mandatory lock-in periods of 6 or 12 months can stifle the freedom and flexibility students crave, anchoring them to one spot when they wish to explore and embrace new experiences. Recognizing these challenges, I propose a visionary project to redefine student accommodation: a community of 300 modular living spaces crafted from shipping containers. Each unit will be a sanctuary of privacy and hygiene, equipped with a bed and an attached washroom. Designed with innovation at its core, these cubicles will be stacked in creative arrays to optimise space and foster a sense of community. Sustainability is a cornerstone of this project. Each unit will be powered by solar energy and a green hydrogen depot. A greywater recycling system will minimise our environmental footprint, aligning with our commitment to eco-friendly living. But what truly sets this initiative apart is its unique rental scheme. Designed to benefit students and property managers, our rotational rental program offers flexibility and affordability, eliminating long-term lock-ins and allowing students to travel and explore without being tied down. This project isn't just about creating housing; it's about building communities, fostering sustainability, and reimagining how we support our international student population. We're not just offering a place to stay; we're providing a home that adapts to students' dynamic lifestyles, empowering them to make the most of their international education experience.