The 2017 NMHC Student Housing Conference & Exposition is going down next week in Tampa, so what better time to turn our attention to student renters?

If demographics are any indication, their numbers only stand to increase. Between 1980 and 2012, the number of university-enrolled students jumped from 12.1 million to 21.5 million, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, which expects that number to reach 23 million by 2020.

That’s a lot of potential renters. So how do students choose off-campus housing, what are they looking for, and what’s new and next in terms of improving customer experience and online reputation?

We covered these topics and more during our latest #AptChat; these are the highlights. (Click on the links to jump straight to a specific question.)


Choices, Choices, Choices: In your view, how do most students select where to live? What does that process usually look like?


What amenities matter most for students? Are students really choosing apartments based on internet access/speeds?


What are some of the coolest/smartest things you’re seeing in terms of customer experience and trying to improve online rep?

To have a look at this year’s conference agenda, click HERE. And if you’re planning to attend, jump into the #AptChat Facebook group and give us a heads up!

Our next #AptChat is slated for Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 12 pm Eastern, and we’ll be talking about getting the most out of your maintenance crews and service requests. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for #AptChat updates to get these recaps and more delivered straight to your inbox!