The student housing sector is evolving rapidly, and technology is playing a crucial role in making operations more efficient while enhancing the resident experience. Traditional property management in student housing presents unique challenges, especially due to the high turnover of residents and the complex nature of managing multiple-bedroom apartments.
Smart home solutions are revolutionizing the industry by streamlining operations, improving security, and reducing manual tasks for property teams.
The Old Way vs. The Smart Way
Traditionally, managing student housing meant juggling countless keys, manually rekeying locks for new residents, and responding to frequent maintenance requests. Every time a tenant moved out, property teams had to spend hours—sometimes days—rekeying locks, distributing new keys, and ensuring security was maintained. The process was not only time-consuming but also costly.
Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency Results
For example, a 360 Unit Apartment Community in Arizona saw these operational savings:
- Elimination of key track systems save upwards of $7,000 each year
- Over $22,000 saved in labor hours annually
- 116 work hours saved annually by automating unit turn access
- 450 work hours saved annually by maintnenance teams
- 32% less HVAC energy used with smart thermostats
- Residents used 28% less energy with smart home thermostats
Smart access solutions eliminate these inefficiencies. Keyless entry systems allow property managers to grant and revoke access instantly through a centralized platform. Instead of physically changing locks, digital credentials can be updated in real-time, reducing labor costs and improving security. This is especially beneficial in student housing, where multiple tenants occupy a single unit and turnover is high.
Automations for Property Management
Smart home technology goes beyond access control—it automates various operational tasks, saving valuable time for property managers. Automated access control streamlines move-ins and move-outs, eliminating the need for physical key handovers. Additionally, property management software integrates with leasing platforms to enable seamless digital leasing, reducing paperwork and simplifying the entire process.
From a leasing perspective, automation can also enhance the resident experience. Self-guided tours with smart access allow prospective students to visit properties on their own schedule without needing a leasing agent to be present. This flexibility attracts tech-savvy students who expect digital-first solutions in their housing search.
Seamless Integrations for a Smarter Experience
One of the most significant advantages of modern technology platforms is their ability to integrate with leading access control providers such as ButterflyMX, Gatewise, and Avigilon. These integrations create a seamless workday for property teams by centralizing access control management and security monitoring within one system. Staff can manage access permissions, track entry logs, and even grant remote access to vendors and maintenance teams without needing to be on-site.
For residents, these integrations offer a connected, smart living experience. Mobile-based access eliminates the need for physical keys, while integrations with smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems provide added convenience. Tech-savvy students appreciate the ability to control their home environment with just a few taps on their smartphones.
The video below highlights some of the building access control features and smart living experience you can expect when you integrate a smart home platform with ButterflyMX Video Intercom. Student residents can send Virtual Keys for guest entry and create temporary pass codes for delivery services like Amazon, Uber Eats and more.
The Future of Student Housing
Smart home technology is not just a trend—it’s the future of student housing. By automating repetitive tasks, improving security, and enhancing the resident experience, property teams can operate more efficiently while reducing costs. With seamless integrations and centralized management, student housing providers can stay ahead of the curve, offering the tech-forward experience today’s students expect.
As the demand for smart living continues to grow, investing in smart home technology is no longer optional—it’s essential for success in the competitive student housing market.
With the help of smart technology, we’ve automated aspects of the move-in and move-out process, each student housing bedroom is secured with its own smart lock, and we no longer worry about lost keys or manual tracking” stated Becca Jung, Community Manager in Tampa. “The addition of garage gate, elevator, and building access control has created a frictionless experience for visitors and guests. Smart living is an exciting selling point that helps drive leases.”
